"Lost Heroes" Recap of our 48 hour film project

Lost Heroes Teaser from Mental Eclectic on Vimeo.

Well, I have to say this was my first personal experience with the 48 hour film project. I knew it was gonna be a challenge and a half. I knew I was gonna be tired. What I understood the most was that our team would have, hopefully, a viable project afterwards. Having seen our project, I like to think that this is EXACTLY what happened.



So, on Friday August 5th we met at my place and sent out one of our actors, Panther (aka PJ and Pericles), to pull our genre for us. Lo and behold, we got "superheroes," which excited us. So, we sat down and brainstormed an idea. As a director, I knew I wanted it to be an ensemble and some sort of new take on an overdone genre. We pulled off both thanks to the genius behind the keyboard, Read MacGuirtose, who busted out the first draft in 1.5 hours.

I am not going to give away the story--but here is what I will tell you: we got to shoot on an awesome broken down double decker bus. Since the moment I saw that thing--months ago--I wanted to shoot on it. Dreams really do come true? Er, I mean...



By the time we were as ready as we could be for Saturday's shoot, it was 3am. Call time? 7am. Can you say tired?

Despite early morning hiccups, our shoot went smoothly. 13hour day--not bad for very little pre-production.

After meeting for about a month, this was the first shoot the new generation of the Mentals' had together. I personally was incredibly excited. I looked forward to seeing this group of talent shoot, create, and pull-off this challenge. For better or worse, I knew once we were done, it would never be the same. Luckily, it went smoothly--people stepped it up--and the talent shined.

What I think I am most proud of is the fact that the general attitude that flowed around the set was, DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO GET IT DONE. Seriously? As a filmmaker how often do you honestly get a crew and cast with that attitude? No divas on our set. Amazing.

Our editor (he was also the star and executive producer) stayed up for 24 hours to finish this sucker. All of that after a long shoot day and only two hours of sleep the night before. How many times do we get to say that?



That is what I love about the 48: the concept of rushing to piece it together; you get it done. NO EXCUSES. You just get up and go. I have projects that are still in post--years later.

With that vent out of me, below are some links to play-by-plays of some of our tweets and uploads from set. And if you continue down you will see a playlist to some behind the scenes video and some pics to the project.

But first a clip from the movie:

The Director: http://twitter.com/#!/MentalEclectic

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
Still living off of the shooting high. #48hrfp #mentals # LostHeroes
20 hours ago Favorite Reply Delete

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
Home? Bed? Sleep? What? Must mean 48hr film project is over #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes
22 hours ago

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
Dropping off. #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes (@ Cinescape) http://4sq.com/oEicxo
22 hours ago

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
In route to drop off. #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes http://twitpic.com/62popq
23 hours ago

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
RENDERING!!!! #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes
7 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
We may be able to meet our self imposed 4pm deadline. #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes
7 Aug

MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
@I am more delirious now then I was after being up for 24hrs #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes
7 Aug

MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
@Dear, PJ, Lindsey, Nico, you play villains well. Sincerely your loving director, Craig #48hrfp #Mentals #LostHeroes
7 Aug

MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
@This is where we are at... #48hrfp #Mentals #LostHeroes http://twitpic.com/62jmdl
7 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
4.5 hours later #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes http://twitpic.com/62jiei
7 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
I think being up for 24 hours to make a movie is enough for now. Yeah? C u in 4 hrs #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes
7 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
For being up for almost 24hrs- creative juices are still flowing #48hrfp #LostHeroes
7 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
Sleeeeeep??? There is no room for sleep in filmmaking. #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes
7 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
Close to a rough cut. #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes
7 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
Screw it. I am staying up. #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes yfrog.com/gzueeduj
7 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
Editing #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes http://twitpic.com/62awlw
6 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
Composing. #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes http://twitpic.com/62aw3l
6 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
Getting it laid out. #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes http://twitpic.com/629o0q
6 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
I'm at Mental Eclectic Edit Bay w/ @evanpaulgreen http://4sq.com/ohRJ2g
6 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
Food and off to join the editing process. #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes
6 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
It's amazing what a shower will do for you after 2 hours of sleep/shooting all day. #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes
6 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
I want to kill this airplane #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes
6 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
Freakingrooven. #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes http://twitpic.com/624s1j
6 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
You know the AD means business when she breaks out the Multi tool. #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes
6 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
Let post begin. #48hrfp #LostHeroes #mentals http://twitpic.com/6247dt
6 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
Meet clementine and morpheous. #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes http://twitpic.com/62147b
6 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
The Franetic Five #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes http://twitpic.com/6212v8
6 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
9 shots left. #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes
6 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
Take a look #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes http://twitpic.com/61y7lf
6 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
And now an army if darkness reference that we hope shows up. #mentals #48hrfp #LostHeroes
6 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
Look for the Stan Lee reference. #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes
6 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
Ready. Set. Go. #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes http://twitpic.com/61vt0p
6 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
I'm at Mental Eclectic shooting the 48 hour film project (Los Angeles) http://4sq.com/nOzFLC
6 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
Btw script is called #LostHeroes. #48hrfp #mentals
6 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
Shot list done. Script broken down for actors. 4 hours till call time. #48hrfp #mentals #LostHeroes
6 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
I love our script. #48hrfp #mentals
6 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
"we are gonna shoot around your leg issues," #48hrfp #mentals
5 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
10:38pm update. Draft 1 almost done. #48hrfp #mentals http://twitpic.com/61oigy
5 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
10:35 pm and counting. draft 1 almost done. #48hrfp #mentals http://twitpic.com/61ohat
5 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
Superhero, politician named Jenny or Jeremy north and "please tell me that is not what I think it is." #48hrfp #mentals
5 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
And we got superhero #48hrfp #mentals
5 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
PJ taking video at #48hrfp #mentals http://twitpic.com/61l3j3
5 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
Uh oh. Composer and writer is having computer issues. #48hrfp #mentals
5 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
#mentals From PJ at #48hrfp kickoff on group A and we are in E, so probably another 20-30 mins
5 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
T-1hour... #mentals
5 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
Good luck to @Arrrpad and @NathanWitte on their respective 48 hour teams tonight! #mentals
5 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
@MrScottyBaker Good luck to one of our own on an IE team! #mentals
5 Aug

@MentalEclectic Craig Wilson
Our people are checked in. *cross fingers* no period piece, western or musical. #mentals

The writer/composer http://twitter.com/#!/readmcg

@readmcg Read MacGuirtose
So, I've participated in #24HourComicDay, #NaNoWriMo, and now the 48 Hour Film Project (#48hrfp). I guess that's some sort of trifecta?
19 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply

@readmcg Read MacGuirtose
Less than 5 1/2 hours till the 48 hour films are due. (Our team's in good shape; we're basically done.) #48hrfp #mentals #lostheroes
7 Aug

@readmcg Read MacGuirtose
I think this may be my first time on set during the shooting of a film I`m not acting in. #24hrfp #mentals #lostheroes
6 Aug

@readmcg Read MacGuirtose
Kinda weird writing a script and then seeing it filmed 12 hours later... #48hrfp #mentals #lostheroes

An Executive Producer, actor who plays "Commodore" and the editor http://twitter.com/#!/Evanpaulgreen

@Evanpaulgreen Evan green
#mentals are done #24hrfp #lostheroes 2 1/2 hours early
7 Aug Favorite Retweet Reply

@Evanpaulgreen Evan green
Editing lost heroes has begun #mentals #lostheroes #24hrfp (@ Mental Eclectic Edit Bay) [pic]: http://4sq.com/obOhsN
6 Aug

@Evanpaulgreen Evan green
#mentals #lostheroes shoot is looking great time to start editing #48hrfp
6 Aug

@Evanpaulgreen Evan green
So tiiired but still truckin #metals #lostheroes #24hrfp
6 Aug

@Evanpaulgreen Evan green
Good morning! #mentals time to get back to #24hrfp
6 Aug

@Evanpaulgreen Evan green
First draft written on to rewrites #mentals #48hourfilm

If you are super curious- here is a documentation of our making of....

Here are some pics from the set...

Did this perk your curiosity? Then come see the project at the 48hr LA screenings. Here is our invite.

And last but not least, if you want more behind-the-scenes looks at our various projects and us, join our "Friends of the Mentals" Facebook Group page. You will experience a growing collection of all of our behind-the-scenes work. You will get to know our filmmakers, actors and writers. You will get to see who and what we are all about.

#IndieMM definition

About two weeks ago The Mental Eclectic started #Indiemoviemonday on Twitter. (now #indieMM)

#IndieMM started as a Twitter based (it is now expanding to social media) movement which creates exposure for independent films. It is meant to be a means of discovery for film fans, film collaborators and film financiers. If you have a film (short or feature) link it every Monday on Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, etc. If you have a film that is using one of the many resources online like www.Wreckamovie.com or www.indiegogo.com to help support your film then link that page too. This is meant for you, the filmmaker, the film fan to discover new movies, get involved and self promote.

@FansofFilm recently wrote a blog on the movement:

Take a minute and read it here.

#TheGuilt tweets as of 7-8-09

This is a recap of all the #TheGuilt hashtagged Tweets from my @MentalEclectic (you should follow me) account on Twitter. I used this to help promote the film and as a way to get an audience involved. You should look them up and respond but please use the #TheGuilt hashtag:


Just received the email of the rough cut The Guilt from his editor and is ecstatic to see it #TheGuilt #FilmInSanDiego

On my way to my editors home. #TheGuilt #FilmInSanDiego9:32 PM Jul 2nd from txt

Going to be looking at dailies tomorrow. #TheGuilt #FilmInSanDiego1:12 AM Jul 2nd from txt

That was the first set I wasn't directing where I didn't want to leave as soon as I could," 1st AC #TheGuilt #FilmInSanDiego5:37 AM Jul 3rd from txt

" No major hurdles got in the way. It was the best functioning indy set I have worked on," -crew member #TheGuilt #FilmInSanDiego3:39 AM Jul 3rd from txt

Just finished watching dailies. Very happy. Only 1 or 2 pick ups needed. #TheGuilt #FilmInSanDiego2:43 AM Jul 3rd from txt

On my way to my editors home. #TheGuilt #FilmInSanDiego9:32 PM Jul 2nd from txt

Going to be looking at dailies tomorrow. #TheGuilt #FilmInSanDiego1:12 AM Jul 2nd from txt

http://twitpic.com/8xjhy - Cookie monsters penis #TheGuilt1:20 PM Jul 1st from TwitPic

http://twitpic.com/8xdty - Wilson the creepy neighbor #TheGuilt11:13 AM Jul 1st from TwitPic


My wife and my DP have made cameos. #TheGuilt #FilmInSanDiego9:38 AM Jul 1st from txt

Thanks to the extras that showed up. #TheGuilt #FilmInSanDiego9:04 AM Jul 1st from txt

Holy crap this room is a sauna #TheGuilt #FilmInSanDiego3:51 AM Jul 1st from txt

Getting a little sexy on the set. #TheGuilt #FilmInSanDiego3:49 AM Jul 1st from txt

Smooth run so far. #TheGuilt #FilmInSanDiego3:47 AM Jul 1st from txt

http://twitpic.com/8vwfw - Before the chaos #TheGuilt2:03 AM Jul 1st from TwitPic

Putting on derby to manifest his directing superpowers. #TheGuilt #FilmInSanDiego12:50 AM Jul 1st from txt

Went back to sleep and am now just waking up. I like late call times. #TheGuilt #FilmInSanDiego11:59 PM Jun 30th from txt

My actors are brilliant #TheGuilt #FilmInSanDiego5:39 AM Jun 30th from txt

http://twitpic.com/8syoj - Actors sacrafice lungs #TheGuilt4:23 AM Jun 30th from TwitPic

http://twitpic.com/8sgtj - Lunch sponsored by El Indio #TheGuilt1:44 AM Jun 30th from TwitPic

http://twitpic.com/8scfe - Between takes #TheGuilt1:06 AM Jun 30th from TwitPic

"Is it infected?" the on running joke on set thanks to Jarrod the sound guy #TheGuilt #FilmInSanDieg12:35 AM Jun 30th from txt

http://twitpic.com/8rxv1 - Slate sponsored by rubbermaid #TheGuilt11:00 PM Jun 29th from TwitPic

DP is in the shitter...or I mean 10-1. #TheGuilt #FilmInSanDiego10:42 PM Jun 29th from txt

"No farting on set," Kat the AD #TheGuilt #FilmInSanDiego10:28 PM Jun 29th from txt

http://twitpic.com/8rpkn - The fantasy #TheGiult9:46 PM Jun 29th from TwitPic

http://twitpic.com/8rph0 - The couple. #TheGiult9:45 PM Jun 29th from TwitPic


http://twitpic.com/8rkta - Wine at 9am. #TheGuilt9:00 PM Jun 29th from TwitPic

http://twitpic.com/8rggw - Setting up #TheGiult8:14 PM Jun 29th from TwitPic

http://twitpic.com/8re4w - In between shots #TheGuilt7:47 PM Jun 29th from TwitPic

http://twitpic.com/8re0m - In between shots #TheGiult7:46 PM Jun 29th from TwitPic

Lighting for the first shot of the day. #TheGuilt #FilmInSanDiego7:04 PM Jun 29th from txt

http://twitpic.com/8raj6 - Lighting for the first shot #TheGiult7:04 PM Jun 29th from TwitPic

Waiting on a PA for coffee filters. #TheGiult #FilmInSanDiego5:38 PM Jun 29th from txt

My derby is on. Now you know I mean business. #TheGiult #FilmInSanDiego4:45 PM Jun 29th from txt

Making initial efforts to wake up. #TheGiult #FilmInSanDiego4:30 PM Jun 29th from txt

Still waiting on a client at work. Almost done, then getting ready for my film. #FilmInSanDiego #TheGiult7:33 AM Jun 29th from txt

One day left before it begins. #TheGiult #FilmInSanDiego3:23 AM Jun 29th from txt