In comparison to Snapshot, we started developing this project a lot faster, knowing how well we all worked together before.
Being able to have and utilise a given studio space was a strong motivator to attempt a short film set in a single location with only two characters.
Happy to be Director only on this project, the talented Jacob Welby (who helped me re-shape and structure Snapshot) pitched a script first titled A Real Change, but was subsequently re-titled to Small Changes.
Primarily a Horror, I gravitated towards this project for its underlying social themes and issues that you’ll all see once the edit is complete, and that given this is a self-funded and self-produced piece, we were all able to workshop the nuances amongst ourselves within WhatsApp conversations and Zoom meetings in due course.
I also really found myself wishing to be involved with this, is because it’s definitely something unique that I haven’t done before. A great way of pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
It entails a door-to-door campaigner's encounter with a struggling mother that holds more than just embitterment against the promoted MP in question.
Another huge difference to Snapshot, is how we didn’t have delays (Snapshot was due to be filmed in October 2020) because of...well, that, and there wasn’t those additional accompanying logistics, especially unit moves!
But I personally feel for Snapshot, those were justified and feel they pay off in the final cut. For Small Changes however, the singular location gave us a complete control of being able to manipulate the given space and really experiment with what’s on offer and what we were trying to create around the story.
Casting was initially a challenge, but we were able to bring on board two incredibly talented actors, who were both just a pleasure to work with.
The set was dressed last Friday (9/9/22), for which I wasn’t present for, but was absolutely amazed by how much hard work went into it, taking all day to complete it!
So then I came up on the Saturday (10/9/22), having recently moved a tiny bit further away from Sheffield (a good few inches on the map!), and we successfully managed to; rehearse, block, and plan the shots, successfully shooting enough coverage of the first two thirds of the script with little to no hiccups!
For the Sunday (11/9/22) came the fun stuff! As is standard for most Horror films of this calibre. Leaving the climax and finale until last.
When it came to the Directing, I personally found myself to be a lot more confident on Small Changes then Snapshot. Perhaps without the previous personal worries, as well as overhanging uncertainties that initially delayed Snapshot, then having to juggle not only what I wrote, but attempting to convey such words from script to screen, marrying both so that the vision is ultimately realised, which thankfully, it was!
But like with anything, it’s all a learning curve, and I genuinely feel pleased with myself, being able to confidently advise and talk through with the two which scenes and sequences we were doing next, and giving everyone that time to relax and take enough breaks in between their hard work behind the scenes, as there are dialogue heavy moments in between the action. Again, justified, and you’ll see why soon enough!
So now comes the edit, most likely undertook in a similar fashion to Snapshot, but one we’re all looking forward to finishing and sharing with you all, hoping that as Snapshot finishes its film festival circuit, Small Changes will start its journey through.
Would make quite the double bill!
