Caitlin getting her make up done.

Elgin Golf Course.

Filming in Shauns car

Filming "Coh2! " with Struan and Sol

Thought Id post some of my favourite films for your enjoyment still have many more great films to see but here's the best of what I have seen.

Saving Private Ryan, love this film seen it so many times great story line, great action favourite film of all time its just my kind of film. Everything was so realistic, good job from Steven Spielberg and all the actors.

Fight club, absolutely epic watched it for the first time and my mind was blown, definitely did not see the ending coming. I could watch this film again and again. good performances from Edward Norton and Brad Pitt kept me hooked every step of the way.

The Green Mile. Who couldn't have been drawn in by this epic storyline ? Amazing film had so much to offer and it was difficult not to feel sad at the end.

Snatch+ lockstock and two smoking barrels the two are on a par with each other and their easily put together by their similar styles. I base some of my ideas round this style of film which had everything. I loved the violence humour and all the twists in the tale. Loved how it was shot and some of the transitions as well.

Gladiator, another that I've watched over and over. Russell Crowe is one of my favourite actors and the story of the gladiator who shook an empire was so well told and had so many great and believable action scenes.

Hook. Child hood favourite. Was obsessed with this film as a child I loved the flying the fighting and how a guy has to go back to Neverland and believe in childhood things to find that he is Peter Pan. Loved every bit of it.

Home Alone 1 and 2. Made my imagination run wild as a child. Such a fun film, loved it so much that I wanted to be that boy, and on several occasions I did actually tell people my name was Kevin Mcalister. Even had the Talkboy tape recorder. Just a brilliantly fun film.

Goodfellas, An exciting story very well told even better that its based on true events. Real gangster film with some great scenes and great acting. A really good watch.

The kingdom, essentially sums up the middle east, the same attitude towards each other,all shown through a very good storyline.

Crash, How some very different people come together from all different walks of life showing the racial prejudices and unfairness in society. Had some heart wrenching moments with some clever coincidences.

That's just the top 10, there's so many great films I've watched so many times that ill have to add another time, feel free to comment and suggest some more.

Things to remember when making your film.

I've decided to compile a list of things I think it is important to remember when your making your film. Some these things seem pretty obvious but are sometimes forgotten about and most work either way. So here goes.

First of all, realise your constraints, its not Hollywood so keep your feet on the ground. That means no crazy stunts, rediculous locations or closing down streets. Try to make sure your film simple enough to shoot as well the less green screen and special effects the better. Also another point to remember is that we live in a country where the weather can be less than favourable at times. Consider if this will make a difference to the look of your film and be prepared when your on location for a turn in the weather.

Keep all of your cast and crew informed every week, don't just spring things on them a week previous and expect people to drop everything to start filming for you.

Keep your crew to a minimum, people can usually do more than one job and you don't want to have people standing around with nothing to do. The more people on your crew then the more transport and sleeping arrangements etc need to be made. At the same time you don't want to leave yourself short, you should never really go it alone either.

Your crew are most likely working for free, this does not make them slaves. People aren't usually fond of getting up at silly times for your film either so try to be reasonable with them. try not to make your shooting times too long, include regular breaks in filming and appreciate the efforts people are going to as well. Its worth mentioning that since your not paying your actors its nice to feed them, make sandwiches or order pizza. Keep the food light however. People often get tired and less motivated after a large meal.

Whilst your crew or actors aren't being paid, that doesn't mean they can make the rules to suit themselves your still the boss and they have made a commitment to your film and they should pull their weight. Still be reasonable and make sure you have someone to fill in so your not left short.

You need to know what you actually want from your film, envision it in your head so you actually know what to shoot, dont leave things down to the day of filming to sort out how you want things to look.

Get cutaways. (Those little close up shots that have no action in them but are somehow related to the subject your filming.) Yes those, they are essential for the edit, they break down the action and make it easier for you audience to watch. They are also handy for building the story and surroundings in your film to give it a more realistic feel, and most importantly they will help when your stuck in the edit if you haven't got enough coverage which is also a common mistake. Anyone who has made a film will agree.

Less is more. The audience don't need to see every bit of action, try leaving some difficult scenes to their imagination, but don't miss it out totally, sounds tell as much of a story as pictures do. (see some of Guy Ritchies films for examples of this this.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oA1bdb_wBF0&feature=related

Check back your footage for what you've done that day, known as watching your rushes, there is nothing worse than realising there's something wrong once you've come off location and you'll have to go back and shoot again.

Thats all for now.

Hey Guys,

Finally finished shooting last Sunday and I've watched the footage. Im delighted with what Ive managed especially over a weekend. On monday the film will be captured into the edit suite and then the fun really begins.

Changed my mind on directing as well. I really enjoyed Sunday on my own and I really felt I got the best from my actors as well as the best from myself. Now I know why people through the stress of doing the whole process over and over, because you'll never beat the feeling of satisfaction you get when its complete.

Id also like to say thanks to a few people, without sounding like a speech at the Oscars, here goes

Suliaman, my assistant it was good having you on location you helped out lots and took some pressure off me with your dedication and knowledge of the film.

Shaun, My mentor. Taught me everything I know I've a lot to thank you for because I know that without you then I wouldn't have chosen this career path. You gave 100% and more to help out and some of your tips gave the film something extra, not scared of a stunt either. Great friend, Great actor.

Caitlin, going places, a natural actress definitely worth having on your film. The final scene was great with you in it.

Mum and dad, kept everyone fed and were patient with us turning the house upside down. Everyone will back me up that the food was great and that's always appreciated in the industry.

Heres a few photos of us on location.

Lots of projects coming up. Lots to write about busy stuff.