The Making of Rouge de Rage

It all began before I even turned on the camera.

Before I even started to film, I had a conversation with a girl, a girl that helped me so much. The conversation was long and unexpected. She sat with me for hours, helping me understand how the camera is working, because I have never used one before and it was essential I learn how it works. We sat and spoke for hours. She spoke gently, with patience, and we tested the camera together, before I finally understood how to use it in a beautiful, cinematic way. Her words became my guide when it was time to shoot.

I met with the actors at 12:00. I was nervous and excited to create this film opening, but I didn't rush. Instead, I allowed two actors to create a connection before I started filming. No cameras. No script to follow. I just gave them time. It was their first time meeting and it was important that before I started filming, they created a connection...

... And when the time to start filming arrived, it was already 14:00.

The apartment I decided to film in was small but perfect for what I had in mind. Cigarette smoke filled the air, creating a cinematic yet suffocating atmosphere. Every shot demanded patience, because the first try was never perfect. So we filmed the same moments.. again.. and again.. and again. Everyone grew more and more tired, but at the end, I got what I needed.

Six hours later, everything was filmed. Everyone was exhausted, especially the actors. So we all went home. The actors could finally relax while I immediately had to look over what I have filmed.

It wasn't perfect. But it was my creation.

But as I finally finished looking at the shots, I realized that this wasn't the hardest part. The editing had to be done now.. The process where everything is put together and created into a beautiful, cinematic story.

Filmmaking is a beautiful experience, but it's also hard. You need to try again and again.. until something clicks.