2. WE PREPARED YOU WELL, SO DON'T STRESS OVER PRODUCTION
The next stage is, not surprisingly, "production," and it's what you think of when you dream of Hollywood: you sitting in a canvas chair telling actors how to deliver their lines and giving instructions to the guys filming it all. Maybe you'll have a megaphone, maybe not.In many ways, this supposedly glamorous portion of the project is the most mundane. For a start, it is the shortest of the three stages, so you will be mistaken if you think it's all there is to do. But even when it is underway, it is usually just the rehashing of things you have already practiced in pre-production: the actors will be costumed and rehearsed, the set will be scouted and dressed with props, and the DP will have organized the crew. Of course, it will be incredibly stressful for you, knowing that any screw up will cost you money if the film is being wasted or if you get behind and have to rent anything for longer than you anticipated. But in many ways, this is the ideal time for you to hand the reigns over to the DP to let him or her stress about it all and earn the big bucks, or more likely, points. You've already developed your artistic vision through the script writing and rehearsals -- so while you should work with the DP to make sure your vision is accurately captured on film, resist the urge to micro-manage the technical issues. Let the DP do his or her job.
