2001 | 25min. | dv

written/directed/edited
by pierre bennu

produced by:
pierre & jamyla bennu

starring:
  • nathan bennett
  • sabah el-amin
  • aminisha ferdinand
  • derrin maxwell
  • liza jessie peterson

 

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It was summer 2001. Things had been tense on the set of 6 stops or less and I was losing my feeling of fun in filmmaking. I had to do something to just release. For the first time in my life I had a camera and a computer to edit with. I had friends who were willing actors. What more does any filmmaker need?

I was also mindful that I couldn’t afford to waste any tape, film, or time "having fun” (see here for my feeling on 'student' films... i don't throw away work.) I found a balance by giving myself an assignment.

these were the rules

  • I could use no more than 5 people
  • One tape limit (no more than an hour of footage)
  • No more than 3 locations
  • Only one day to shoot it
  • No one involved knows their role until they show up
  • I would edit each piece in a different style

My job as a writer was to come up with a story each day for a week. When I was finished, we assembled a brilliant ensemble cast... a set of actors who rose to the challenge with humor and depth. For the first time ever, I shot without storyboards. This was a big lesson in trust. I had to trust the actors; they had to trust me and each other; I had to trust myself. It was a process of letting go and a great exercise for us all, AND it was fun. We'll definitely be doing it again someday.

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