The Truth
For this student film production and senior project I was hired by the Director Jammal Ransom of Art Institute Philadelphia as the Producer for the film. During the interview process I was informed my job was to manage productions and financial operations. I did further research on the duties of this position on www.getinmedia.com where I initially received more beneficial information understanding the complete filmmaking process from development to post production, distribution and licensing. For a better understanding of what resources was available and needed I interviewed with Joan Bressler of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office where I received the 2010 edition of the Greater Philadelphia Film and Video Guide.
Production Day One - Scene 4 and 10
This being the first credit I will receive on any film, I must say today went very smooth. I arrived on location at 3pm and departed at 12:30am. The production crew was very knowledgable about the equipment and fully understood the vision of the director. The cast perform flawlessly delivering their lines on every take. Is this what I expect during the entire production process? Obviously, if this were a perfect world.
Production Day One Expenses
For the two scenes we shot, we were able to streamline cost by referencing set design and location. The owner of the home in which we shot was very cooperative and even help out on set. I must say this eased stress and tension between the crew to have his support and presence.
Myself the producer, Jammal the director and Jasmine the Production manager met on location 2 days prior to shooting to discuss set design, then to go shopping. I reserved an hourly rental car from 1:15 until 9:30 to ensure completion of all task. Based on expectations we made the executive decision to make all purchases at Target. Not only did we enjoy the shopping trip and bonding time, we were able to purchase 9 essential items for about $100. A great target for an expense plan that consist solely on my the budget of a student. Afterwards, we had dinner at Boston Market. Who knew shopping could make you so hungry.
Expense Report:
Car Rental
- Philly Car Share - $80.13
Set Design
- Target - $104.01 w/PA tax 8%
- Cosmetics - 10.49
- Zebra Shag Carpet - 29.99
- Toss Pillow - 19.99
- Wall Decal - 14.99
- Picture Frame - 5.99
- 3 Candle holders - 2.89 each
- 6 pack Candles - 6.19
Food
- Boston Market - $36.63 w/PA tax 8%
- Chicken dinner for 4 - 6.99 per person
- 3 32oz drinks - 5.97
- Wawa Food Market - $36.76 w/PA tax 1.78
- 3 Wawa half gallon teas - 5.00
- 2 HERRS 3.75oz chips - 2.00
- 2 Foot Italian hoagie - 13.99
- 2 Foot Turkey hoagie - 13.99
Total Cost = $ 257.53
Overview
This being my first film project I will be using a very open financing budget. My aim is to keep an accurate log of what this production will cost while giving the director enough financial freedom to properly create his vision. In the future I look to expand my financial resources as I work on film that require larger budgets doing so I hope to find an individual or corporation to finance projects to which I am involved. Until then, like the motto Target uses; expect more, pay less.
The Antiquity of Stokes is written and published by Phillip Stokes.
