2nd of 4 days of the production for Conv. 27. Location shooting and it's still raining. Luckily, I was prepared for the worst. The truck left just before 10am after loading extra stuff gathered last night. The location is just 15 minutes away but it takes at least half hour for the truck. I'm taking way more equipments I would need, but I'm learning to be redunant in film biz. Always have plan B, C, D...

We spent an hour trying to get hold of a manager because the workers there didn't allow us to begin as soon as we got unloaded. Our 1st AD even talked to the manager just day before, yet we were on hold, losing valuable production time. The truck was the staging area, and I unloaded few lights that can be used for the shoot before we settled. However, the DP wanted just small kinoflo, but instead, we turned out we needed all the lights I DID unloaded after we packed everything back. Ugh. It was partially my fault because I didn't have more convincing way to present to the DP that he needs the motivating/accentuating lights. Took 5-6 shots going 45 minutes overtime after the bar was officially opened-no customer came, fortunately.

Came back to the set an hour later than we are scheduled. The gears got all messed up, but who cares except for the Gaffer and the Key Grip? Everyone shoot away in a small laundry room built in one corner of the sound stage. The lighting got complicated even with nice kinoflo hanging on the high up. Bounce boards covered up most of the opening where the camera was not situated. You have to give more respect to the actors when they are pulling off an intimate scene in a small space, crowded with dozen people right before you. Even before the end of the 2nd day, we have burned more than half of the film. Uh-oh. No more 2nd takes.

We are behind again, but anyone counting, except relentless 1st AD asking ETA on everything? The director wants to setup as fast as we can shoot, but the DP wants the best possible shots, and the Gaffer, yours truly, takes his time to setup lights to satisfy his boss, and check the safety, while cleaning up around the set. The camera crew need their time to setup the camera, and the audio guys need to position themselves to find the best mic position. The actors need some time to get into characters. There's certain inertia in film production that even herculean effort can't overcome. Learn to Judo and make it to your advantage. Which means plan ahead, and learn to use the inertia to your advantage as much as possible.

Best of all, have fun and relax. It's only a movie. (I have feeling I'm going to say this a LOT.)