The Rite of Passage - from Actor/Writer to Director

Transitioning from an actor/writer was no easy feat but it felt like this was something I needed to do. I believe the ritual, "Rite of Passage," reign true on August 18, 2013 when I yelled, "Cut," for the last shot of my short film, The Prank. I have to admit there were times where I didn't have a clue on what I was doing but I had to press forward. I relied on my intuition, faith, and past experiences to complete a four day shoot that spanned over two weekends. August 10, 2013, the first day of filming, was like the first day of high school though you're familiar with the regiment you're still not sure on what to do first. It wasn't until my Co-Producer, Lionell Hilliard, said, "Mr. Freeman what is your first shot," that I sprang into action. The morning shots were outside while the evening ones were inside a hotel. It started to rain only after a couple of hours but we at least got some footage. The hotel was better since we could control the environment. That first day was partly cloudy but the next day would be sunny. August 11, 2013 at the Club location is where I truly became a director. The Club patrons and the Production (actor and crew) stayed within their boundaries and I can honestly say it ran smoove. My 1st AD, Toni Womack, even mentioned that I should slow down a bit because we were on schedule no need to rush. I was confident and relieved at the same time. The following weekend, August 17th, was a bit different due to I had more cast (nine actors) and crew (five) in one location; a house. On this third day of filming, I saw the look of uncertainty on my cast's face but with prayer, support (Toni rallied and rehearsed them during light changes), and patience I was able to lead them through the cloud of doubt. August 18th, the fourth and last day of filming, would prove that I had crossed over into "director-hood." One of my actors made a comment which became words of encouragement. Greta Jordan-Williams, the lead actress who plays Dawn, said, "Marcus the ride didn't seem as long as it did yesterday." Greta lives on the Southside of Houston and the location was on the Northside at least an hour's drive and a half of tank of gas. Considering this was a low-budget film, Greta's words were like receiving an all-expense paid ticket to President Obama's first inaugural ceremony.

I crossed over, passed the test, I made it, and Director can now be added to my list of skills. I have a new respect for the art of film making. It is definitely a craft; the more you study and do it the better you become. Not sure what my next film will be but rests assure I'm confident that I can do it.

#transitioning #theprank #director #riteofpassage