Lost in Direction is a musical shorts, shot during December 2019 and is currently going through festivals. For Lost In Direction teaser and more information please visit https://www.limnutthawut.com/lost-in-direction
1- We start off our lists with a life hack tip " a Favor for a Favor." This ring true in my case when I worked as camera operator in one of the short film I help out unpaid. I worked with can do attitude and gave my 100% to the project. I can only assume that they see my willingness and wanted to help back. With Lost In Direction soon approaching and very limited budget for renting camera and gears. I shoot my shot and ask them if I could perhaps use their camera, lens, etc for the weekend.
Yes, they said. Yes to Arri Amira, CP2 lens, easy rig, etc. Thanks Jake and Declan !
2- We go a little geeky here. CP2 lens are amazing. Coming from a standard photo zoom lens, the CP2 are incomparable. This was my second time using the lens, I've seen and heard about the lens for many years but I haven't got a chance to actually use it until few months before LID. The image quality is extremely sharp from center all the way to corners, bokeh are amazingly round and symmetrical with 14 blades, minimal to none chromatic aberration. The lists goes on.
3- The Arri Amira camera is a great all rounder. It can take a beating with very solid body and in camera NDs which is great for documentary . But it's heavy. Which is why I also ask to borrow easy rig as I will be run and gun. For the longevity of my filmmaking career, easy rig single- handedly save my back.
4- Our main filming location was the beach near 12 apostles, 7 hours drive from Melbourne.
December in Australia means summer and when we went location scout weeks before the shoot, there was nothing but sunshine and breeze of wind. However, Mother Nature takes us for a ride as the filming day was nothing like when we scout. Strong wind sent ocean water to the equipment, we constantly have to battle to keep the front glass of the lens clean (blur image) , never mind the lens and camera itself. The mood and tone had to be dramatically changed as oppose to what we originally plan (sunny day)Big up to Carlota, our amazing talent as she was soaked in water dancing and rolling on the beach. It was an uphill battle, prepare for the worst.
5- To get to the beach from the car park, its a 10 minutes walk. That may seem relatively effortless thing to do but with bags and bags of gear, 10 minutes walk turn to painstakingly 30 minutes of tired arms and legs. Solution ? Trolly. Out accessors invented wheels for a reason. Don't overlook logistic.
6- Lastly and most importantly the safely of the crew and cast. Hectic and high pressure environment of filmmaking set means that we are prone to making mistakes. Our drone operator was rushing to get a perfect shot but in turn nick one of his finger trying to fetch the drone. We didn't have the proper treatment to aid his finger, luckily the cut wasn't too serious. First aid is a must for any upcoming project.
These 6 lessons are a few of many I have not list here otherwise this article would have gone forever. Hopefully, now that I think it over, reflect upon and list them here for the world to see, I can continue to learn and grow in this exciting space of filmmaking.
Comentarios