Logistics in a Pandemic

In order to create this new opening, my group's production process is going to have to be flipped on its head. Before the COVID-19 outbreak, we would of met up in person and recorded the scene together, with each of us having our own roles either as cast or crew. Personally, my role would of been (and still is) to direct. With none of us now able to get together, we will have no choice but split up the production. These obstacles are the same reason why we only have one actor written into the opening and why the primary location is indoors. I began to ask myself a host of questions on the best way to tackle this situation. How do you direct without anyone to direct in front of you? How can you film without any actors available? How are you able to create a quality production with such a huge lack of essential resources? These have been the questions racing around my mind these past few days, but was able to come up with a solution after thorough discussion.

The Plan

My partner, Edward, is going to be the one filming the project. While it would make more sense for the one who has actually written the screenplay and the one who is the director to record everything himself, I am unfortunately unable to. Shooting it all alone would mean I would also have to be the actor in the opening, which in itself is not an issue, but having no proper way of setting up my camera is. I lent my tripod out to a buddy of mine a while back before this chaos ensued in my country, and therefore have no way of getting it back anytime soon. It would be extremely difficult to act and camera operate by myself with only my hands available to do so. On the flip side, Edward does have a tripod. He would be able to film the opening himself without risking the shot composition, making him the perfect man for the job. I wasn't going to make him do everything by himself though, so I am getting B-Roll footage of natural scenery that we need in the opening as well. No acting is required for these shots which make me able to get these without too much trouble. To further compensate,  I will also draw out the opening's storyboard. Edward is typically the one to storyboard these projects out if you closely remember. Doing it myself in a way would allow me to direct without being there in person as I can both show Edward what to capture and also maintain my creative vision in the production. 

In conclusion, it is clear to see that one of the biggest tasks of creating a production is overcoming any obstacles that might stop you in your tracks. With the plan we made today, we can finally get this project finished.