The importance of pre-production
I’ve been carelessly blogging at random whenever I have time because things have gone bananas on my end. I shot a bunch of TV shows, one of them with my good friend, and non fiction, law enforcement rockstar Allison Howard, in Detroit where we literally wore riot gear and stormed the house of drug dealers. But now, onto the task at hand that I had for the fall, to direct a music video.
I’m in the thick of preproduction for a shoot taking place this thursday and, I gotta tell you, all you folks that want to make movies, pre-production on any kind of fiction is 90% of the game. From casting, to wardrobe, technical direction, finding the right DP, the right team, locations… and to stay on budget… It’s fucking stressful and a lot of work. Yesterday was the first time I showered in like three days (TMI, I know) but I completely forgot about myself while scrambling to make this happen.
The worst part about it, the hurdles. Team members getting better offers, insurance companies dragging their ass on certain things, permits, crafty… God damn, why am I doing this to myself???
Anyways, things have been going from cinematic to now looking more run and gun and documentary, but fortunately the DP (who’s done MAYOR big films and I’ll reveal once the video is in the can) and the gear and gaffin team is looking super solid, so it will look great.
So just letting ya’ll know, if you ever want to make a short, a music video, or a film spend a least a month on pre-production. It is SO important. And really, fully understand your vision.
It’s getting to the point where I’m almost crying whenever I hear the song… I think it’s because of the power of it and seeing the actors who have joined the cast now in place of the make believe people in the images in my mind. Seeing the sets, even filming test shots… my ideas now have beating hearts and the power of what I want to convey is becoming reality…. or maybe it’s because this whole thing has got me a little crazed.
I got what I was asking for, now I gotta bite the bullet and make it happen at all costs and make it look good. I cannot fail.
Somehow, the toughest TV days aren’t emotionally matching up to this. Careful what you wish for. Keep on keeping on, and as usual, don’t stop fighting for your dreams and visions.
Your pal - Ramirez
Above, Monsters of Folk - Say Please. I’m just digging these guys right now (wink). Directed by Lost In Translation awesome DP, Lance Acord.
