Keep The Camera Rolling
BY MICHAEL MONTESA, MESA, USA - It has been three months now since we started shooting the documentary. I remember how excited I was on the first day of the shoot because I got to use the Sony HVR-Z1U camera (that camera was the rave at Sundance last year and I really wanted one of those) and we got to interview Jabbes for the first time. The first day we spent over three hours capturing his backstory. That footage became the backbone of the documentary.
Now, many months later, we have logged many hours of filming and used up tons of DV tapes. I can't believe that within a month, we will be on a plane to Zambia. This is so exciting. Sometimes I can't sleep when I start thinking about it. When I was younger, I have never thought that I was going to become a filmmaker and let alone be filming a movie in Africa. This is one of those opportunities that you don't want to let go.
Working on the documentary has taught me not just different camera techniques but also to become a good team player. I did not know most of the film crew before but now we are becoming a family. It's always good to get to know the people you're going to work with because we will be in a foreign land with a different customs, laws and culture.
A shot in the arm: Some of us already have taken our travel shots (Hep A, Hep B, Meningitis, Adult Polio, Typhoid and Tetanus/Diphtheria vaccines). I got mine last Monday (Malaria and Cipro pills were also prescribed). My shoulders did not hurt when I was getting the shots but I was really in pain the second day. You are not supposed to get a fever with these shots but I did. Maybe it was from the pain. I was hurting and aching all over my body. But all that pain was worth it. I will endure the pain for the success of the film. In the end, I'm sure it will be worth it.