Friday, March 29

Studio Institute Global

I was invited by my friend at Studio Institute Global to come in and teach script supervising to some students. They were having students from Saudi Arabia come in for a 5-week film course, as the Saudi government is looking to grow their film commission.

I only taught for 3 days and I had two students – Aliaa and Ibrahim. They were amazing and very eager to learn. I know I gave them so much information in the short time I was there with them, but it felt good to help them understand the role of a script supervisor and how we work with each department in making the film!

I am grateful to these two students but also grateful to the students as a whole. Their passion for filmmaking reminded of why I walked off my job 13 years ago to follow my passion. I am also thankful to Tobi and Alexa at Studio Institute Global for asking me to be a part of their curriculum – as I feel script supervising is a position that is frequently overlooked and oftentimes under appreciated.

Two weeks later the students were going into production onto three (3) short films, which they had written as a way to help them understand the process of not only filmmaking but their role on set that they decided to focus on, (sound/make up/wardrobe, et al). I asked them if I could return just to be able to assist my two students in their role as script supervisors. They not only said yes but they asked me direct one of the films!

It was titled ‘Chronicles of Hope, Chance, and Morte.’ I want to say that I had the most amazing crew. My DP Doug, and my AD Will were very patient with the students and created a laid back environment where we not only worked BUT were able to teach at the same time. Our lead actress Jodie Bentley made my job as director unbelievably easy and I am thankful to her that she was able to trust me as we went on this journey together. I especially wanted to give a huge shout out to the students who did an outstanding job – as this was the first time for most of the students. They designed the wardrobe, dressed the sets, provided props, applied make up and styled hair, and script supervised me as I directed.  I got to watch them work, help guide them through the process, and completed what I feel is truly a wonderful and touching film.

Thank you students, thank you to the Saudi Film Commission and thank you to Studio School Los Angeles and Studio Institute Global.

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