Gillian Fritzsche » Directing

Principal Photography!

gilliebean — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 07:52:11 +0000

So I’ve been busy at work directing the short film I wrote called SONNY. Principal photograph was last week – July 18 thru 23. It was an amazing experience. Quite nearly the best week of my life. I love love loved it!

I’ve directed theatre before and I love directing theatre. I love directing actors! But this was my first time directing a narrative film! And I thought I’d love it… I had a feeling that I’d love it… and I’m happy to say that… I WAS RIGHT! I totally love it!!

I’m going to try to post some thoughts that highlight each day of the week in more detail. In the meantime, here’s a few of my favourite set photography photos!

The Slate

Pondering a shot...

Scripty Jen Hall and Associate Producer Erin Channing discuss the correct info for the slate on Day 1 at the Impound Lot!

Tammie Isbister waits outside the RV for Alexander Wright (SONNY) to emerge...

DP, Graham Fisher, and I discuss how to shoot the insert of the mug...

My awesome First AD, Thom Deason, holds a safety meeting at our only night shoot...

My DP Graham Fisher and I discuss the lighting situation...

The whole crew... Plus cast! Thank you everyone!!

To see all the photos, click here to check out the Facebook album!

Sonny on IndieGoGo

gilliebean — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:11:18 +0000

Most of you know that I’m a filmmaker! Now I’m getting ready to be a film director! I’ve been a first AD and producer for a while now and it’s time for me to be what I’ve always been meant to be… A director.

My project is called “Sonny” and it’s about a homeless man that loses his only connection to his past but finds a future and identity he could not have imagined.

We’re shooting in mid-July but we need a bit more moolah for set design, catering, and locations. I’m hoping to raise $2100 in 21 days. July 1st is my deadline.

Can you help?

If you can’t help, but if you know someone who can, then please forward this link! Thanks!

Writing As A Director

gilliebean — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:00:53 +0000

I’ve been working on a short film script, as a writer. But the objective for this short film has been for me to direct it. Ryan has been gunning to produce again and it’s time for me to direct. So instead of attacking this most recent rewriting period like a writer, I attacked it like a director. I went in with the intention of making this script a script I’d want to direct. And, strangely enough, that helped make this rewriting process even better than usual.

In general, I love the rewriting process. It’s like painting. A little tweak here. Another detail there. Oh! Look how those two scenes tie together better now! And now this detail has meaning! Awesome! But, attacking this pass as a director and not a writer has been interesting. In many ways, it has been even more rewarding! I have begun to visualize things better. I have begun to see meaning where I hadn’t seen meaning before. I even began to see the fluff!

I wonder if I should approach each script I work on as a director (as opposed to a writer). Would that make me a better writer? Or just a really frustrated director…?