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​LOCATIONS
STORYBOARDS
Ever wonder what all goes into creating some of your favorite movies? From the biggest box office hits to the smallest independent shorts & student films, the basics remain the same. Permits have to be filed; transportation for the cast and crew has to be coordinated; two (sometimes three) meals need to be organized for each shooting day; film/tape/memory card stock and expendables must be negotiated and acquired. Those and so many more logistics involved still have to get done. The difference is blockbusters have studio resources behind them while indie filmmakers find or make a way with far less manpower, money, equipment - you name it. Here's a look at just a few of the basic steps. Click on the photos to explore that stage of "Influence of a Dollar".
The Making of...
 A movie is a visual collection of scenarios arranged in the most effective order to best portray a story. Before you get to see the final project - deliberately infused with majestic colors, dramatic lighting, spellbinding acting and seamless camera movement - the whole thing existed only as random images in the director's mind. One of the most important tools in their arsenal is the storyboard. From staging to shading to camera placement, it all starts with the storyboard.
The setting of a movie can play just as important a role in the story as the script. Without being verbalized, a great deal can be learned about characters by looking at their homes, for example. Or the dynamics of their relationship can be assumed by the place where they choose to set up a meeting. The setting can be as broad as a farm community or buzzing metropolis and as specific as a long, dark hallway or a sleek glass elevator.
It is the job of the locations team to read through the entire script and find the perfect place where each bit of action takes place - scene by scene. Additionally, they usually have to come up with back up locations in case of rain or other unforseen circumstances. Good locations teams also take into account that there will be more going on while the actual filming occurs. So, while on a scout they keep an eye out for things like electrical sources for the lighting department; somewhere to feed and shelter the cast & crew; even somewhere that the production team can set up a temporary office.
Enjoy a peek at the magic of the movies that you don't get to see. What goes on behind the scenes? How do they get the perfect shot? Be sure to check back for the latest look as this gallery will be updated as the film progresses.
The casting process can be quite a hunt. It is already a task to find the actor
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or actress who is the perfect storm of talent, physical appearance and
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accommodating schedule for the part. On top of that the director and casting
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team must assemble a group of actors who will be able to collaborate and play
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off of on another in order to best bring the story on the page to life on the
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screen - similar to an orchestra. Here you can see who the cast of "Influence of
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a Dollar" includes so far.

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​BEHIND-THE-SCENES STILLS
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CASTING
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