Producing a new Hollywood horror feature: Conflict resolution
strategies, fly away walls and fun with movie special effects

So the month of February has mostly been spent filming my second feature. A horror flick directed by the amazing Chris Stokes.

The film location, a gas Station/Motel/Diner, is in the middle of the desert just outside of Palmdale. It was built with ‘fly away’ walls and props, which is one of my favorite parts of this type of production. Turning the middle of nowhere into a small eerie town just feels so cool.

We’ve had our share of troubles in the last few days, and a lot of fun, but what’s interesting is, even with production coordinators, getting a cast and crew of 55 organized can be a handful. Our unit production manager and 4 producers have been presented with different challenges/obstacles on a daily basis with no end in site.

We’re dealing with everything from the fire inspector coming on set and breathing down our necks to friction between the camera department, and a producer, over the availability of water on set.

The overall responsibility of being in a position of authority and leadership is taxing, but with the right outlook and people skills it’s actually fun overcoming the challenges.

I originally started my adult life as managing director in the medical field (a story for another blog, I’m sure). So I’ve been trained to deal with people in crisis situations. Although the situations are obviously different there are definite similarities as far as the fundamental skills you need to possess.

On set I’m faced with millions of questions/comments/concerns from the cast and crew. Since every hour can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, my ability to delegate responsibility has been absolutely CRUCIAL and put to the test.

The best trick I’ve found has just been to keep smiling and keep delegating. This keeps me sane, and helps get the job done. In order to keep the talent in front of, and behind, the camera happy I make sure everyone is doing their part, and have what they need. From the department heads to the PA doing a rubbish run, people need to know they are appreciated regardless of their role on set. So my smile and attitude acts as a positive reinforcement.

The general attitude and vibe of the whole crew during this most recent feature has actually been very positive considering the 16 hour days and 20 degree weather!!! (It’s crazy how much of a temperature difference there is between our location and LA. I mean the location is only an hour away and I’m bundled up like I’m waiting for a blizzard.)

Now I don’t want you to think it was all stressful. We work hard but we make sure production is fun. I mean that’s the way making a horror movie should be. The most interesting part for me personally has been observing the special effects team. Watching them build fake bodies where, when ripped apart, the guts fall out all over the place or the head gets chopped off and blood oozes and sprays from the gaping neck wound! The stuff these men and women do is ABSOLUTELY crazy!!

Another fun side was the helicopter shot over the desert where our hero’s car drives fast down a dirt road. Coordinating with the pilot and working out the logistics has definitely been a learning experience for me.

All in all I have to say it’s been a great shoot and I appreciate everyone in the crew for all of their dedication and hard work.

To anyone out there in the blogosphere who enjoyed this post; visit us again for more info on the release of this project, or just to hear me rant…

…Until next time

Zeus Zamani