I joined Paige S. as production assistant for the weekend and helped a bit moving furniture around and dressing the set with the art director.  Only two of the main cast (Karen and Brandon) were on set the first day, but the next day Brandon was there along with close to a dozen extras.  Yet everything happened pretty much on schedule, and I have to say that every person there was very professional and took his or her roles in the production seriously.  Everyone seemed to have a good working relationship.  I would love to work with any of them on future projects.  The hours were really long (especially for the director as she was up late every night problem solving for the next day's shoot), and it was *so* hot & dark on set while shooting, but every single person took it in stride.  Not one complaint was heard, and spirits were surprisingly high.

Having worked briefly as a PA on another short I'd already come to realize the importance of sound.  Now I understand, too, the importance of lighting and of craft services!  Not that I understand sound or lighting (too much technical info. for my brain to absorb), only that I am amazed at the way the light changes the look & mood on film (or in this case, DV).  I'd always been aware, but it's completely different to witness the transformation in front of you.  And we were lucky to have artist Irvin Stafford serving up lunch on Saturday.  The crew were still speaking about Irvin's burgers the next day.  Good, plentiful food and the availability of water, soda & coffee definitely helped keep everyone energized throughout both days.

Watching, in person, the set up of a scene and then watching it unfold (both on monitor and in front of the camera) was more informative and educational than reading what someone else has written about that process.  It's incredible the amount of detail that a director has to keep straight in her head (and the lack of sleep she gets).  Props to Sharifa for being organized enough to do all of that (and then some).  Someday I hope to direct a web series I've been planning, but I realize I'm not quite ready for that yet.  There is a lot of preproduction that has to be done!  (I've finally started writing the story out; that's a start at least.)

For now I'm enjoying the learning process on Sharifa's film.  In one scene sheets and a pillow had to be straightened between takes.  So I get to add pillow fluffer to my resume.  ;)   I had the opportunity to help with makeup as well.  Applying makeup to cover up tattoos can be unsettling if you're not sure what you're doing.  Luckily, it looked great on camera!  

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