The end is in sight.

With a large part of the filming completed and for a change everything has gone smoothly. Although the most important section to film is still to be completed. It was never meant to be this close to the deadline but unforeseen circumstances has pushed the filming dates back. A gambler who turned out to have a drink problem and very aggressive so after numerous interviews and organising filming dates around him I had to cut him loose. After a hunt to find a replacement with little success my friend luckily came to the rescue although he had to be made redundant to be able to take part.

All the filming is organised and ready to go. I have the location secured, the crew is organised and the equipment is ready to go. The editing of the film is well underway with just these final parts to be added. The sound designer is producing some excellent tracks to accompany the footage. Once edited over to a visual effects artist to add the effects and produce the DVD.

I am hoping to use this documentary as a blueprint to make another documentary about poker players but longer in duration even as a feature length documentary. tracking potential poker players over a number of months or years as they succeed or fail at the game.

This documentary has been a good experience and has taught me that being in front of the camera and behind is not practical even if you have help, as the filmmaker you need to be focused on the subject and keep the documentary on track. Being the subject makes it difficult as vanity and your image on screen becomes important as you can watch your footage back and delete and re -shoot anything you want. I would not class myself as a vain person and am quite happy to reflect my real personality but I did find it difficult to see and hear myself on the screen. The lesson here is I'm no Michael Moore or Louis Theroux but this was still a worthwhile project especially for my personal improvement into documentary filmmaking.

The filming Process

For the past few weeks I have been filming myself playing poker. This may sound straight forward but this requires setting up the camera, sound, lighting and then filming for 30 seconds before checking everything is in focus and the sound is not peaking and the lights are not too bright . Once this is set up I have to sit in front of the camera and talk to an imaginary interviewer. The best part of being a filmmaker is the fact that you are behind the camera and I wish that is where I had stayed. I did become more comfortable as time went on but I'll be staying behind camera in the future.

No one likes to see a friend hit bad luck but my gambler/poker player friend who is one of the reasons I got interested in the game. He originally declined to take part as he worked for a high street bank as a financial advisor and felt it would not reflect his job role in a good light if he is gambling and playing poker. He has unfortunately been made redundant which means he can now take part.

I've managed one full day of filming with my professional gambler/poker player Adrian. Which is a relief as he's been hard to book him in for filming. He has agreed to play me in a live heads up match which will be the finale of the documentary. Myself and Adrian have been friends for many years and I've always been envious of his success at playing poker, although he does ok in the gambling department I have never had an interest in that area. Adrian only plays live poker and feels more comfortable in that environment opposed to online.

In terms of his success the money he makes pays for his holidays and other gifts. Such as a Mercedes Car and luxury holidays in the Caribbean and Mexico.

I'm hoping I can persuade him to tackle the online poker world for this documentary. My progress is up and down I nearly doubled my starting bankroll at one point but am now sitting at around $180 so up about $60. It's strange I thought filming would change the way I played but once I'm in a game I forget its there.