Making A Movie

I was brought in to be the offical Behind The Scenes photographer for a motion picture being filmed and produced in Mineola. My job was to capture what goes on behind the scences during the movie making process. I had full access to everything and everyone. These are some of the photos from three of the filming locations over a three day period. I hope they give you some idea of the complexity and amount of time making a movie involves. As far as the actors go, it starts with make up. But there is plenty of time when it isn't their turn to act, so what happens then? It's the Production Crew that makes it all come together. They plan and execute every minute. But it is the actors that are the face of the project. Who are they? Scroll down to learn more.

It Starts With Makeup

The makeup artist plays a major role. This is Marie prior to make up being appied.

You can see the transformation beginning.

The transformation can be amazing. You seriously wouldn't reconize Marie on the street.

Out of makeup waiting for her scene.

Photo shot during a scence being filmed.

Even the Tough guy has to have makeup.

Here Alex the makeup artist continues to make over Josh.

The lead actress, Grace Fields, looks over her shoulder at the camera as she begins her time in the chair.

It takes time, but each person must go through the process.

Everyone who goes in front of the camera has to first spend a good bit of time with the makeup artist.

Zach was also a member of the crew who also was in a few scenes.

The Sets

The sets and crew

During the production something is going on at all times, but it isn’t always the actors acting. The production crew is checking camera angles, lighting, sound, scripts and much more. Simply put, there is a lot of organized confusion on set.

Ready, Set, Action!

There are always two cameras being used for each scene.

This is Aaron, the sound man. He has a heavy burden in more ways than one.

He needs to be in place, close to the action but not in the shot.

Here Johnny, the Director of Photography is explaining to the group of extras, used as an audience, what they are suppose to do.

Here Johnny and Nicole are setting up for the next scene.

You might notice Aaron, the sound guy, in a wierd postion. Note he has his headphones over his eyes as the spot light is, well, very bright.

Let's get that shot just right. Many scenes as you can imagine are shot over and over. It's a long process.

Here Johhny sets the mic so it's not impeding the shot from below.

In this shot Director Trent Judson discusses how the actress should play her role.

This is what Nicole, a camera operator sees while filming.

You can see the back of Nicole, the camera operator, as well as the mic in the upper right corner as they shoot a scene in the ice cream shop.

Wait, wait, wait! The boring part of acting.

Production Wait Time

Being an actor means lots of waiting time. While the production sets up the scene, the camera angles, where the sound guy will be and so on, the actors are just waiting their turn. Guess you get paid the big bucks cause you have patience. Here are a few shots of them just waiting.

Maybe a quick nap? Aaron is one of the buisest members of the crew. He has to be involved in every scene. I found him taking a break during a slow point in the action.

Caught up with some of the main actors hanging around outside while other scenes were being shot. A good actor never pass up a chance to pose for a photo!

With nothing better to do, Marie was hanging out in the studio part of the building they were shooting in so I caught this shot. You might notice Eddie relaxing.

The actors stuck together when not shooting. Again, a good actor never pass up a chance to have thier photo taken.

Just killing time. Michael is in the next scene so while waiting he carries on a conversaton with Grace and Erica.

Waiting for the next scene, Grace, Nicole and Trent once again grab the photo opportunity.

Christian is in his spot as he patienly waits for the call to Action.

While Christian begins his scene Aaron checks the sound levels while Josh and Trent observe.

Eddie and a production assistant are stuck with nothing to do while the crew prepare for the next scene.

Michael was hanging out in the studio area when I came in and... being a true actor immediately struck this pose.

Break Time! Most of the crew steps outside to get some fresh air. Johnny reviews the last scene while Marie watches.

The Actors

A movie wouldn't be a movie without actors. Most of the actors were very friendly and treated me like one of the family. They didn't mind me being in their face and as you will see many took the opportunity to show me their best side sort a speak. Let me try and introduce them below!

So, What is the name of the movie and what is it about? A small-town businesswoman wreaks havoc on a local gang after they tear her community apart. The working title is Bad Bitch!

At the time of this posting the film is still in post production. I for one can't wait to see it finished!

Trenton Judson is the writer, director and lead character Colt.

Colt (Trent Judson) was the leader of the Gang.

Trent and his wife do a quick pose outside the Ice Cream Parlor. Trents wife was an extra in the movieas well as a producer.

Grace Fields, played the lead role Estella. She has an extensive background in the arts and currently is playing in The Wafer King (2023)

Grace came into the low light studio area and took advantage of my camera as she quickly began posing. The background wasn't the best but click click click.