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.
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