\\\  PRE-PRODUCTION  [stage I]
Usually I will have an idea and I'll write it down in a few sentences carrying the basics and point of the piece. Then, I'll map it out by drawing storyboards with as much detail as I think is pertinent. You don't have to be a master sketch artist to do this - stick figures will suffice. On simple projects, like the ones on this site, pre-planning usually doesn't exceed a week - depending on complexity, of course. I will then take that storyboard and pitch it to whomever I am involving in the project so they understand what I am going for and "get it" - this will be invaluable during shooting. From there I hope everyone is on board and take suggestions along the way that I may or may not incorporate.

\\\  PRINCIPLE PHOTOGRAPHY  [stage II]
There is a level of improv involved here and there, but most of the time I have a set way of doing things to set the mood. It's interesting to explore the many different ways a line can be delivered - tonality is EVERYTHING. Exploring tonality is fun and you can sometimes come out with something better than you had imagined at conception. Multiple takes are a must and getting coverage of a set or scene can do wonders in editing.

\\\  POST-PRODUCITON  [stage III]
I capture all of my clips, organize them, and get to work. I have specific ideas for editing any project in certain places - kind of a logic to it (i.e. cutting to a beat). From there you have to fill in the gaps and get the piece to flow as smoothly as possible. This task alone is very tedious and requires viewing after viewing... and then  more viewing. Editing in a non-linear fashion allows you to try ideas easily. Learning this just takes practice. I love editing and trying things out.
The "vision," especially on a low budget, is ALWAYS going to change, alter, mutate, and/or metamorphasize. You have to go with the flow and work with what you have. Your imagination is always better. That's why most people are disappointed with "book to movie" translations so often. I had to learn that I wasn't going to be able to get it exactly the way I wanted it mostly because I couldn't afford it. Do you have millions of dollars? I don't. We have to work with what we've got.

This is typically how most movies are made and there is a reason. It's a logical way to do it. 

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MY THOUGHTS ON THIS PARTICULAR PROJECT   /// //  /
I've done quite a few small pieces. On everyone of them I have learned something by doing them. This one is no different. I speak about this also in the journal. I conceptualized the idea, shot the footage, edited, recorded the music, and put together the "Making of..." page pretty much in one big clump of time. Even small projects, especially when working with limited resources, can consume you. This project posed new challenges to me as a director and creator, so I was interested in putting in the time to complete it. I find that if I set semi-solid deadlines for myself then I feel more productive.
The shoot went well and I was pleased with the way the props worked out. We got access to a very nice baseball field [THANKS to Don & Coach Ken Jackson] which was integral. As always there were complications that had to be overcome, but nothing that was ultimately detrimental to the project. I tried to involve as few people as possible - there were 4 including myself. Thanks to them of course and especially Scott for letting me borrow his camera on this project.
It's a bit hard to tell how long it took me to do any one aspect of this one because, like I said, I somewhat clumped it all together [for instance: as I'm writing and creating this page I'm not even finished editing]. 
Usually I do everything seperately. This is one aspect that was different than the others. I was doing specific things in editing that needed to be cohesive to the music and vice versa. From conceptualization to completion took roughly three weeks. There were a few days that I got away without working, though. I worked hard on this and for the most part I'm pleased. I have walked away from this one feeling proud. On to the next...