Producing

Over the past week, we have had our introduction to production with Abigail. This was exciting for me as I have taken a keen interest in producing and I'd like to learn more about it. The classes with Abigail were not as intense as they could have been, I was soaking up everything that is involved in production and really enjoying it.

• I had a vague idea of what exactly the producer does, but I did not expect the amount they actually are in charge of. Actors, budgets, script breakdowns (which was actually really fun, but hey, don't quote me on this if we have to breakdown a feature), dealing with locations, catering, legal issues, absolutely everything you can think of involved in organizing a shoot. This pleases my inner control freak.
  
• The amount of forms that need to be filled out is insane. Poor trees! After only one class on budgeting, I have already nabbed a few budget sheets and have attempted to budget my own life, its a really helpful method. The thing is, I'm good at budgeting and looking after other peoples money, but with my own, well thats another story really.
• After our script breakdown, we were told to make a shooting schedule. I found this really hard because I couldn't seem to keep up and understand all the sheets of paper, I understand how it is done and what is involved but my brain physically could not process it there and then. So I found that quite challenging but I'm sure I'll get it soon.
• Maths. Numbers = A complete problem for me. I just can't seem to understand them, so when told a script is split up in to 1/8's was not exciting. I managed to understand it, but I don't UNDERSTAND why it is 1/8's? Luckily, Abigail said she doesn't really 'get' it either and its just an old conventional way, which is fair enough.

In general, I've really enjoyed the production classes with Abigail and look forward to gaining some more production experience in the future!