Finally, ATW: Bloodline is Online for Viewing in Full

Thank you for the kind words and thank you for sharing!

And yes you are right! Be critical of yourself and make your mistakes NOW! The film gods know I've made mine, and the film gods certainly know that I made some on my feature. Well, at least things that I feel I could have done in different ways or better. It's good to study your own work and kick yourself in the ass a few times.

My only other thing for you now is this. BE CAREFUL OF WHO YOU WORK WITH. There is a lot of good people out there. But there is always ALWAYS a crooked person. If something in your gut tells you that something is wrong, DON'T IGNORE IT.

We all had this feeling during the making of our film. And our gut instincts were right.

Also, when doing your film, listen to your team. That's why they are there--to support. If they suggest something and you don't like it, then don't use it. If you like it, shoot it.

But here is the way I do it. I get EXACTLY what I want first. If there is time, then you listen to suggestions. But trust yourself. DO NOT SACRIFICE YOUR VISION for someone else's thoughts. I know it sounds asshole-ish, but it isn't BECAUSE IT IS YOUR FILM. But check it man, I trusted my cast and crew so much, that I did listen a lot to what they had in mind--but the difference here is, that I spent so much time with them in conversation months before the shoot, that everyone was on the same page and understood each other. So everybody was working within the confines of the director's vision and coming up with great stuff--and the director (me!) was so excited to work with these people because they were already there. so it really makes a big difference to take all the pre-production time possible. All the character work with your actors. Conveying your ideas to your DP so that he could move at thought's speed.

And most of all man. Be a leader. Lead your team. Be strong. Shit will go wrong. It always does. So be quick with solutions. Don't stand around and think about it if a light blows. If a light falls on someone's head, call 911, let the paramedics handle it while you set up another shot. haha

And most of all, make sure everyone respects you. If they don't, you will lose them and your set will fall apart.

Check this out. I remember I had this meeting at FOX with Debbie Liebling (Dodgeball). She really likes my writing, we talked about what was next for me and what I really wanted to do. Of course, I told her I WANT TO DIRECT duh! She makes a fist and makes it tight--she asks "are you like this?" I didn't get what she was asking me. She asks the same question again drawing my attention more to her fist. I finally got it and said, "YEAH, I DON'T FUCK AROUND". She smiled and said good cause that's how you have to be.

Money and time isn't cheap.

So, Mr. Frights. Strap on your battle boots. Prepare to get dirty. AND BE THE FIST.

Good luck to you man. Keep us updated on your progress and share the experience! 

DRINK UP ME'HEARTIES YO HO!

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