Film title:

STRAY

Short summary:

When Ben was strolling on the street, he encountered a woman shouting for help to catch a thief. Instead of lending a hand, he chose to brush it off, which resulted in the woman hurling insults at him. Later, at the entrance of a convenience store, he came across a lonely puppy. Engulfed in internal conflict, he eventually decided to share his bread with the puppy, only to discover that the dog belonged to the woman who had been robbed. She once again directed her anger and harsh words at him. In a dimly lit alley, Ben meets the thief again. As they reflected on the events of the day, Ben’s frustration and disillusionment reached a tipping point. With a heavy sigh and a punch to the thief’s face, Ben’s suppressed emotions erupted.

Process:

During the first weeks of the semester, I watched low-budget movies recommended by Tim, gaining insights into low-budget filmmaking. Combined with my class learnings, I developed scattered ideas for my own film. Through writing exercises, I understood that practice is the first step to get started.

I faced obstacles while writing the script and felt clueless initially. However, a small incident in my life sparked inspiration. With a rough script in hand, I formed a team who volunteered their help, alleviating my concerns about expenses.

I decided to cast real actors, encountering both unreliable and passionate individuals. They agreed to work for low pay, supporting my project. Alongside finalizing the actors, I worked on shot lists and storyboards, realizing the significant workload and the importance of hard work.

On the shooting day, the actors were cooperative, understanding my lack of experience. Collaborating with them reinforced the synergy between director and actors.

During post-editing, I recognized the vital role of a sound engineer. Sound quality significantly affects audience engagement. Colors and music also presented challenges, highlighting my need for continued learning and artistic growth.

What I got:

This is my first time following a more professional process to shoot a film, and I have learned a lot and gained valuable experience throughout the journey. I now understand the role and importance of the crew, as they help eliminate unnecessary troubles and ensure that I have a clear mind to complete my work to the best of my ability. I also deeply appreciate the significance of shot lists and storyboards, as they prevent me from experiencing mental blocks on the shooting day and save a lot of time during the filming process. I have come to realize the strong correlation between actors and the quality of a production. Acting skills truly are one of the essential factors in a good film, and the director and actors undoubtedly complement and elevate each other. Lastly, and most importantly, I believe that having the support of friends, family, and loved ones is crucial in the pursuit of art.