Under the Skin: Pre-Production

After nearly losing my life and laying in the hospital for months, I told myself that I would finally pursue my dream of becoming a filmmaker. Less than one month of being on my own, I was well on my way to making my first full-length feature documentary.

I started coming up with ideas on topics, knowing it needs to be something I have some knowledge about. I instantly came up with tattoos. I started with an outline and began an intense research frenzy. From morning until night I read and write emails, make calls, research and write my script. I knew that I had to make this a high quality and low cost film. How does one do that?

Knowing my material, being ambitious and enthusiastic helps. However, I believe in myself and my art and that is key when pitching my script and getting support. After writing my outline I knew I wanted a narrator and I sure wasn't the man for the job. I held auditions, posting the intro to my script and received many talented voice actors. However, when I heard Thom, I couldn't stop smiling and knew he was the man for the job.

Bringing Thom into the project made me realize that I could really make this into a really professional piece. So, I began to scout for DP's here in Hawaii. I ended up with a HUGE list. After talking to countless people, I was referred to Shawn. Shawn has worked on major projects such as Lost, National Treasure to the Hunted. When he said he would love to help me out despite my low budget I was very excited. Then when he told me that he would take me on under his entire production company, I became amazingly insane with joy. Then, when he told me that he wants to use his gear rather mine, I almost fainted because he has a RED camera and professional lights and sound. For those of you who do not know what RED camera is, Google it and the films that used it. Then, two days ago, I posted an ad for a composer. Through this I finally found the perfect fit. He plays such a wide array of instruments it is honestly moving.

So, all-in-all, I have a full production company, a composer, anoter graphics designer and artisit for DVD and poster design. I am interviewing well-known artists, an author and more. This film is going to be amongst the best independent films of the year. We begin filming in little more than a week.

to be continued....