Production Status Update

Minor Filming Schedule Delays

Dom and I finished our first day of filming last Saturday and had planned to finish up the rest of our shots today. Unfortunately, due to the complications with online classes just starting up and other related issues, we had to postpone yet again to Friday. Hopefully, the good weather we have had throughout the week will carry through to Friday!

Software for Editing

I have acquired Adobe Premier Pro which I will be using to edit the footage Dom and I have gathered over our two days of filming. Over the next day or two, I will be learning how to edit on the software in preparation for making the movie. 

CCR 

The CCR postings will be uploaded sometime next week after filming is completed. Stay tuned for more updates!

Filming Update

First Day of Filming

So we finally managed to avoid any setbacks or delays, and things went as planned (for the most part) for our first day of filming! The lot we filmed in was completely emptied out with the exception of a few truck trailers parked in the warehouse and was perfect for filming. We shot a few of Dom's scenes and several of my scenes, but we realized that the window of time with the twilight setting that we want is very short which meant we could not get all of the footage we needed. We will be back on Tuesday to get the remaining footage that we need from the business park. To see shots that I used to make a movie promotional poster earlier in the week, please refer to this blog posting.

Promotion

Film Promotion

Earlier in the evening I went out for a drive and I was near the location for the beginning of my opening, so I thought why not get a few shots of the car that can be used in a movie promotion? So I took a few using some of the filters available on my phone's camera and put them into a movie poster template. This is how it turned out:

Promotions like this could be used to advertise the film on paper in public places of interest (once the coronavirus pandemic ends) and can be put in online advertisements to garner attention for the film and get the interest of potential viewers. 

Cast and Crew Update

Coronavirus Crew Issues

Here we are again with more coronavirus issues, as my cameraman is not permitted out of his house for who knows how long. Since I have a deadline to meet and filming has been delayed for almost two weeks now, I have decided to push forth without a cameraman and will make do with a tracking shot tripod that will be supplied by the actor of mechanic B (Dom). 

Location For Shooting

For the first day of shooting, Dom and I will be helping each other film both of our openings in the same location. This is Meridian Business Park in Weston. The area is completely deserted save a few empty trailers that are parked into the warehouse. The area looks suitable for my intended set (an auto repair shop) and Dom's set. We are scheduled to film on Saturday the 28th around sunset. All the locations that will be used in filming can be viewed here.

Filming Locations Update

Filming Location Revisions

Due to the coronavirus, I have decided to make some filming location revisions. These are due to the fact that some of the previous locations under consideration and use are now closed to prevent the virus from spreading, and/or are a risk to the health and safety of my cast and crew. The locations listed below are the ones out of the previous group that will now be used for filming. Previously listed locations can be found here.

Locations For Filming

Alligator Alley Parking Lot

Meridian Business Campus Inc

Title Decision

Title Heading

For the title of the film, I have decided to go with Highway Run. This title reflects the theme of cars and theft, with the main character constantly being on the run with his stolen car. 

Title Font 

I chose the racing sans font for the film title because it gives off a classic muscular feel to it, fitting the theme of cars and racing.

Title Preview

The title preview can be viewed here:

TITLE PREVIEW

Update: Scheduling

Coronavirus Updates

With the Coronavirus cases rapidly multiplying in the US and the closing of schools across the nation, Film has been delayed another week once again. With safety concerns being highlighted and certain areas being closed, as well as transportation, being an issue, filming will be very tight and will have to be completed in one day. I have talked with my cast and crew, and for the most part they are ok with filming. Software and for the most part equipment is not affected by the pandemic, but should I need additional equipment or other supplies, there could be further delays. Overall, I believe that with our revised deadline everything will be completed on time. Further updates will be posted on the blog.

Update: Scheduling

Coronavirus Impact

Due to the situation regarding CORVID-19 or the Coronavirus, there will be some delays in the filming and general production of the movie. Certain locations such as the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Hibiscus Garage may have to be removed from consideration due to the precautionary measures against the virus. This applies in regards to other more local locations in the sense that the times for shooting and locations may have to be adjusted slightly for the safety of the cast and crew. Updates regarding the effect of the Coronavirus on the production of the film will be posted about on the blog. Thank you for your understanding and patience. 

Production Status Update

Casting

My search for the cast members is complete, and all roles are full. I will play mechanic A, Dom will play Mechanic B, and Greg (whose full name will not yet be disclosed) will be the cameraman. Names for both the mechanics will be decided upon soon.

Filming

Filming was set to take place this weekend, but due to unforeseen circumstances, it has been delayed to later next week. The scouting of various locations is still taking place and will be finalized sometime in the upcoming week.

Script

The script has been finalized and is posted below:

SCRIPT FINAL VERSION

Movie Title: Title Decision

Title Decision

I have come up with several possible titles to be used for the movie. The candidate titles are listed below:

• Midnight Run
• Highway Run
• Longshot
• Broken Heist
• Running From Thieves

For the font of the title I have also come up with several options to choose from, which are listed on this document.

Target Audience

Target Audience

Since the movie opening is about cars and somewhat revolves around street racing, it would fall under the action Genre. Action films are defined as films with high energy, a fast-paced story with a solid impact, lots of fighting and/or chase scenes, various well-known locations and a plot revolving around a battle, rescue, disaster, and other conflict issues that can involve a hero and a villain. The target audience consists of young adults,16-25 years of age, with a secondary audience of adults 30-40 years of age. More information on the action genre can be found here. The action target audience is pretty much the same as the racing and car films one.

Marketing 

The movie will be marketed primarily on social media. Since this is a small-time production, it is not practical or possible to pay for ads on TV or other large scale promotion methods. Therefore, I will stick to promoting on Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and Youtube. 

Production Status Update

Casting 

I have decided to lower the number of characters in my filming to just the two actors. Dom will play the role of Mechanic B and I will play the role of Mechanic A (I am still thinking of names for the two). I have several people lined up to shoot the film as a cameraman, and I may have multiple ones to get a wider variety of shots.

Scenes

Depending on how the film progresses and because of the two-minute time limit, I may adjust some scenes and dialogue. For example, the "fight" scene cannot be too detailed because it could take up a lot of valuable time that could be focused on shots featuring the car, and the conversations between the two mechanics. I also am considering removing the fake gun from the fight for safety reasons during filming. Over the next few days, I will make my final decisions on these issues and post about them on the blog.

Script

I have completed a rough draft of the script, which can be viewed here. A final draft will be published next week.

Film Title

I am still thinking of titles for the film. I will post several options during the week including art styles for it, and finalize my decision early next week.

Car

I have selected the vehicle I will be using for the car mechanic A wishes to steal. It is my 1999 Toyota Corolla CE. The car is old and very beaten up (but for the sake of the movie we will treat it like a sports car) and will be shown in the garage scenes and will be used to perform the handbrake turns. Here are some images of the car:

Prop Development and Equipment

Props

I have thought up and created a list of props I need for the film. These are the following props I will be using:

• Tools
• Spare Tire
• Carjack
• Gun (under review)

I am debating the usage of the gun because although it is clearly fake I do not want to cause any alarm and issues with law enforcement at the filming locations. Here is the prop shown below:

Equipment

For recording the opening I am using my iPhone 8 camera and two GoPro Hero 5s to get a couple of points of view angles on the car. For performing the handbrake turn on the car, I am looking into purchasing a couple of worn-out tires to reduce stress on the engine, transmission, and avoid wearing the tread on my current tires. I will also shoot the scene on a rainy day (hopefully) because of it being easier to get the car sideways with reduced traction. 

Script Rough Draft

Script

Here is the link to the rough draft of my script. I have decided to go with just two mechanics for my roles, and I am deciding between cameramen. 

ROUGH DRAFT OF SCRIPT

Filming Locations

Shooting Locations

I am currently in the process of deciding on locations for filming. The garage shots would have to either be done in a parking lot with a building in the back or an empty parking garage. The scuffle and escape scene would be done in an empty lot, (as the handbrake turn should be performed in a spacious environment. Here are some of the locations I am looking into.

Locations Under Consideration

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Hibiscus Garage

Alligator Alley Parking Lot

The Guitar Hardrock Casino Lucky Street Parking Garage

Weston Business Center

Production Status Update

Cast

I have currently received the commitment of Dominic N to play the role of mechanic B. I am still waiting on a response for the cameraman and looking for one or two other actors to play roles. 

Storyboard

The storyboard is completed and has been uploaded here. Please keep in mind that the events outlined in it are subject to change and such changes will be posted about on the blog. 

Script

The script is in its final stages of being written and will be posted shortly. The current version of the script is a rough draft and is subject to change. Such changes will be posted on the blog.