Real: Documentary of a Superhero

So, after years of intermitient writing and thought, Real: Documentary of a Superhero is, for all intents and purposes, done (the "all intents and purposes" inferring that, yes, there's still a little technical stuff to work out). It's been a long time coming, but it's so nice to see the film playing on my little Final Cut window. For a time, I thought I'd never see it happen, but there it is; there's Jake Lamb running around in too-tight tights, perpetuating his sub-par heriocs and atypical life-views.

I'm really happy with the way it came together, as happy as someone who has watched the damn thing a hundred times can be. There comes a point during editing wherein the editor becomes"numb" to any effect the content may have (especially if that editor is also the writer, director, composer, colorist, etc...). I still like it, love it, even, but I'm looking forward to seeing what effect it has on other people, because honestly, I don't know anymore. I think it works as a short-film, but I lost the ability to judge my own work somewhere around the 73rd time I viewed it. I've reached the point where upon viewing the movie, I no longer think about "story beats" or "comprehensive flow." Rather, I'm concerned with whether or not the sky should be a darker shade, or if some shakers should be added to the background audio. Boring stuff, is what I'm talking about.

But, come Friday (my last major editing day!), I'll be burning the movie to DVD and getting ready for the first screening on Saturday morning. I'm looking forward to it; hopefully watching it with other people will be like watching it for the first time. Maybe I'll be able to see it from a fresh persepctive, energized by the surrounding audience, most of whom will be seeing it for the first time.

And hopefully that damn sky will be the right shade of blue.

Do it?

Now, with the winter break coming to an end in a duo of weeks and school just around the corner, I'll be having more responsibilities laid upon my plate. School, work, funny twitter updates. All are important, and need a devotion of time.

But there is one thing I continue to think about as it percolates in the back of my mind, one thing that "haunts" me, for lack of a better (and less spooky) word: just finally suiting up and making "REAL".

I would change the script. In the time since frist writing it, I've had a better idea for the projects execution. An idea that would make the short film both a stand-alone work as well as a teaser for a possible full length project. And it would be more condensed and less "bulky" than the script I've had up-till-now.

But should it be done? Would it be wise? It'd take a bit of an investement. Not too much, but the camera rental would be considerable, as would be retrofitting the suit, since shooting it in motion is much different than shooting it in stills. Heck, I had to digitally edit the outside "underwear" to make them more yellow in some of the shots. Damn faded Fruit-of-the-Loom. Such calm, muted colors...

Anyway, it's something to think about, and something I will think about. I have someone in mind to play the "superhero", someone I've talked to and (at face value) seems to be a VERY good fit for the lead character of Michael Barnes (sadly, I had to think of the name for a minute... it's been far too long).

Will it happen? I don't know, but time will tell. As well as my bank account, the quality of the script, the commitment of the actor, the other performers, personal assistance, my work schedule, my income, my class grades, camera avalability, location commitment...