Hi! I'm currently attending University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL. There is so not a film/DV scene here. I've done my best to build a community. I started an organization "Alabama Film Club" during the spring semester, we made my first movie "Blind Date" which sucked! I will probably send it in eventually, but now I'm all alone for the summer semester. I have a short script ready for filming and I need some help. I like this one, it's not super original or anything I just think it flows well. I would like to get good lighting and make it look nice.

I need 4 male actors, someone with sound and light equipment and such. I have no money (like everyone else) so what do I do??

I'm waiting on my girlfriend to get my a tridpod for my b.day. Mine's too small for my camera haha.

I have found myself in this situation, and will soon be in it once again when I move to N.C. at the end of this month. I will be leaving behind the people who have always worked as cast and crew in my shorts, and starting fresh in a new place with only a few connections.

My point is simply this. Dont let your lack of... well, anything keep you from shooting. When I was younger, and had no one to work on shorts with me, I used to do them myself. By "myself" I mean, I stared in them, directed them, shot them, edited them, ect. In fact, when I move I intend to do this again, and remake an older one I did with my new found skills and knowledge of film making. I would set the camera on a tripod, or hold it in my hand, or whatever it took to get it done. Of course, give my limitations I would build a story around the camera work I was able to do. (IE: a camera very tight on someones face, like it would be when operated by an extended arm, usually would be best served if the character was experiencing some sort of tension, or paranoia.)

I hope you do find some folks to work with on projects, but if not do stuff yourself. Make shorts, even if they suck. You will learn from every one. (and about your first short sucking, dont worry the first always do) Robert Rodriguez says, "We all have 10 to 20 bad films in us. Better to get them over with now (on video) while it dosent matter." You learn best by doing, so go do. Good luck, and keep us posted on any progress you might have.

R. Michael

"Luck, is when opportunity, meets preperation." "There are 3 sides to every story. Yours, mine, and the truth, and none of us are lying" -Robert Evans

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I will do so.

I live in Birmingham Al. I have connections to all that you need. I am often at U of A, and I am right now looking into doing a couple of shorts my self. My email is KrisKimlin@bellsouth.net Write me if you get the chance.

"Pain is temporary, Film is forever"-Peter Jackson

Cool! The excitement mounts! I emailed you.