7 steps to making a GOOD short

List of things to do in future shorts that have worked in the past... so we can freakin' remember to do them.

1. Write script at least a day in advance.
2. Re-write script at least twice
3. Rehearse at least 3 times
4. Record the sound separately
5. Take at least 30 min to think about the shots
6. Write out shot list
7. Get gf's wise input (my girl friend snuck this onto the list while using my computer...but it's probably a good idea)

Time to start again.

Short Films 101 - How To Make A Short Film... By Frederick Levy

Lawrence called me not once but twice tonight while I was in the theater watching Reprise (recommend). I called him as soon as I got out.

Me: What's up?
La: We got our first piece of fan mail.
Me: What?
La: Picked up a package addressed to "The Short-a-Week Project" that was at our mailboxes.
Me: Strange. Who's it from?
La: Cathy Morrison or something?
Me: That sounds sorta familiar.

I dropped by his apartment on my way home, and yes, it turned out it was from someone that I knew and not an anonymous fan that had somehow tracked down where we live. Inside the very professional package was Short Films 101: How to Make a Short Film and Launch Your Filmmaking Career by Frederick Levy.

Lawrence was a bit disappointed that it wasn't a crazed teen or famed producer, and I was a little confused - is "filmmaking" a word? - but technically it was still the first thing we've received addressed to The Short-a-Week Project.

So, thanks Carrie. For the book. On how to make short films. One question though:

What are you trying to say? We just made a short inspired by the French New Wave cinema, in case you hadn't noticed.

Oh you had noticed? Hmm. Ok, so we know what you are trying to say, and all we can say is...thanks. We'll read it. I've been looking for a book like this. Seriously.

And if anyone else wants to send fan mail (or "fan gifts" such as Final Cut Pro), you know the address. (Or do you?)