When it comes to no budget independent film making, you will encounter flack from a lot of authority figures:

-Police
-Landlords
-Nosey neighbors
-Property owners
-Drunk Cubs enthusiasts

From years of dealing with these types, I’ve learned the best way to talk your way out of a tight spot is to claim your a film student at (local college, university, or art school). If you want to get ballsy you can say you’re an intern (or whatever) at the Sundance Institute. I did this for a bit, but people would ask a lot of follow up questions and assume I was famous.

I’m in Chicago, so my stand-by is grad student in the Columbia College film program. Art schools are especially nice because no one would expect you to produce a school ID.

Regardless of what school you pick, saying you’re a student creates the illusion that you’re well meaning (I’m sure you are, but most people see cameras and dudes and think you’re up to trouble) AND it’s an ironclad excuse for your lack of proper permissions and paper work.

“oh, really? I can’t film here? Oh, I had no idea. I’m sorry; I’m doing this thing for my film class at Columbia. I didn’t know I needed permission to shoot here. I thought it was cool. My bad. Is it ok if I stay just a few more minutes?”

Most of the time they’ll tell you to leave. Some might be cool with you finishing up as long as you don’t create a ruckus.

I’ve had equipment confiscated by security guards, tapes taken, and cops called on me before. None of which happened with the student excuse. Tell them you’re a student.

The first person to read my script is Joe Janes of Bite and Smile. Who’s Joe Janes? According to his blog:

Joe is a writer, director and actor in Chicago. He teaches at The Second City Training Center and at Columbia College. He is also a senior writer/director at Fig Media, Inc.

I met Joe at Second City and felt he was an excellent writer and teacher. He’s currently writing a new sketch every day for the entire year! Learn all about that on his blog.

Joe is also the narrator in Wheelchair Werewolf.

Anyway, he had the script for about a week and emailed me this:

Joe – I don’t think we really need to get together unless you want the in-person experience of me holding your hands and staring dreamily into your eyes and telling you how awesome the screenplay is. Because it is. Very, very funny and you better put me in it.
Minor notes
- I don’t think you need the scene in the liquor store. I think everything done and said there can happen at the party.
- The only overall plot thing I was unclear about is why is Jeff so poor? His face and name are on all these products, they’re sold everywhere, what’s the deal? I understand Marcus ripping him off, but to do so to that extreme really makes Jeff look stupid. I that’s the case. Maybe I missed something. Is he giving most of his money away to charity or something?
- Run it through a spell and grammar check.
Congratulations!
Joe

Sweet, he likes it. That’s a relief. I still have 2 more readers to discuss it with before I move forward.

I meet with the next writer tomorrow night. I’m looking forward to a conversation with another person who’s read it with a critical eye. I’ve gone over it so many times I don’t even know what’s what anymore…