Fingernails

A Filmmaker's Journal

Wednesday 2nd October 2024

It feels like the wheels are coming off The House on Lidderman Street. All down to money and crew. Ash Connaughton brought in his friend to be the script supervisor, but Jeremy didn’t get in touch with her for ages and ages and there is confusion about what he is offering. So, I think she’s out.

We’re also having trouble getting someone to record sound - because of how low the money is - and it just feels like it’s all becoming very, very fragile. I’m not being paid a thing to make this, but then, I stand to benefit the most if it all comes together and gets picked up. Jeremy is paying for everything, so what can I say? It is crazy to shoot a film on six grand, but it is what it is. This is absolute down-in-the-trenches guerrilla filmmaking. You have to do what it takes.

Jeremy said that we’re already about 20% over budget (for the shoot itself), but he does desperately want to do right by people. At the same time though, Jeremy only has so much. People have to understand that and try and see the bigger picture of what we’re trying to do here. If this works, hopefully, we’ll get to make more films with larger budgets, and what I want, what I’ve always wanted, is my own filmmaking family where we can all grow, learn, and GO MAKE together.

I am wondering if Lidderman is actually going to happen now though. Feel like I’m hanging on by my fingernails.