Once Improv A Time

directed by Bob Sorger
from IMPROVideo Project #1

An Experience

After 20 years of directing TV and all kinds of people saying “why don’t you make a short?”, this venue was the catalyst I needed.  I cast some fine improvisers and got a great shooter and sound guy.  Camera was a 7-year-old Sony PD-150 courtesy of Higher Ground Productions (much thanks for their edit gear too).

I chose the theme of maturing - because I have yet to.  I had a story outline that I had worked on with Rob & Vanessa (2/3 of my cast) and then took ‘em for a loop when I switched their character’s motivations.  I thought it would take us in new directions, but I think it may have confused them.

I planned a fairly simple shoot at my tiny little home.  Shoot day provided a crippling snowstorm that contributed to a late start.  Because I cast my 7-year-old daughter in it and have two other young kids…. my schedule was tight; after school ’til bedtime.  The audio troubles off the top delayed us even more (apparently PD-150’s are very particular about their audio settings).  Some audio troubles persisted in a few of my early takes but I cut around it.  With the tight schedule and quarters and a pizza break, my biggest regret was that the main scene was last and perhaps rushed.  I was so concerned about getting done on time, I accepted things I should have worked on more with the talent.  We were fighting time and a serious late-day energy drop and I gotta say - my little girl was inspirational.

In the end I knew I didn’t have a killer funny film, but I was ready to settle for charming and hoping my editing skills could pull out a story that made sense.  I didn’t get to even look at the footage until 3 weeks after the shoot because of a busy schedule.  When I got to the editing - it really showed me how distracted I was on the day.  Continuity errors abounded but I know how to cut around and fool the eye.  Overall, despite insecurities, I think it’s a nice little piece… and I wanna do MORE!