After graduating in 1999 from Glenwood High School, I moved on to Columbia College, where I was lucky enough to work on major motion pictures for Artisan Entertainment and Universal Pictures. We had equipment, a few hundred dollars and the entire summer. Screenwriting isn't my strong point, but I knew that after some changes it would make a great film. With the help of friends and teachers, I continued to work on the script. Right now is the best time to be in film school and the most exciting time to be making films.
Young filmmakers have a chance to do what they love to do and actually have an audience.
After casting, one of our leads got a job at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Since we apparently can't compete with that salary, he had to be replaced just days before shooting. To make it work, we had to find a body double for a scene and shoot in a whole different way. We've had to find creative ways to raise money. The budget was raised by shooting weddings on weekends, seeking donations and selling Pez on eBay.