I Am Ready
BY SHAWN DOWNS, HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA, USA - A few months ago I was given the opportunity to join the crew of BAD TIMING. At first I was hesitant to go to another country. It was such a large decision to make in a short period of time, especially when I just graduated high school and I was preparing to begin film school in two months. But, ultimately the decision was an easy one. I realize that few opportunities open in the film business. When you are given a chance to work on a feature film, you take it. You cannot be afraid to take on a project because you think it may be too big for you. You must rise to every challenge. You cannot fear failure.
Upon my arrival in Zambia I began to understand the importance of this experience. I am only 19 years old, and have never been abroad. The weeks I am in Zambia, I find myself thinking differently. People close to me told me that this experience in Africa will change my perspective on life. I now understand what they meant by that. I am so excited because now I see the changes in my writing and my ability to think of creative ideas and develop my scripts.
When it came time to shoot I was not quite sure what to expect of myself. I produced a few shorts in high school and had done extensive research on cinematography and editing over the last few years but had never been put in a situation where I had to perform on the set of a feature film. I had no doubt in my mind that I woud give my best work. As a gaffer I ran into problems the first day on set when our crew realized that the bulbs were the wrong voltage. We were still using American bulbs. This error was rather embarrassing. However, we learned from this mistake and corrected the problem. I began to understand why there is such a large importance on pre-production in the film business.
I felt very comfortable working with the crew. It is certainly true that a film crew becomes like a family by the time the movie is finished. The collaboration between everyone pushed the film through its toughest trials. Everyone respected each other and their skills. Everyone accepted criticism and improved upon it. I always hear that many low budget films go unfinished. It is remarkable that we flew to another country, one that has no film industry, and worked together to complete our film.
It has been a month since I returned from Zambia. Now I am in Hollywood studying directing and screenwriting. I still find myself listening to Zambian music and looking through pictures from the production. I feel so fortunate to be this young, and already have participated greatly in a field that I always dreamt of working in all my life. I feel now that I am ready to take on this business. I am ready to do great things.