Producing a 'Life-Changing' Conference Promo Film

Challenges, Conceptual and Practical

In general, their concept translates to the final version of the film, but as is often the case in filmmaking, some limitations hindered the team from realizing their full vision. "The concept actually called for more than we were able to get done," admits Roman. With the cast comprised of conference attendees, scheduling conflicts understandably arose. In the end, they were left with only 2 or 3 hours to shoot these scenes.

The script also called for several scenes they were simply not permitted to shoot, such as some inside the MGM Grand Hotel. "As soon as we walked through the doors with cameras, we were escorted out by hotel security. So we had to make do. It's not a movie set. We had to play by their rules," says Roman, and wing it quite a bit in production.

For example, the night before the shoot they still hadn't found anyone to play the mugger. As it happened, Roman was at dinner with Ryan Martinez, and "I looked over and said, ‘Oh my God, he'll be perfect.' "

Martinez in the mugging scene

It's a familiar scenario to most, if not all, producers, who nevertheless have to deliver a product. Even though you can't be certain how it's going to play out, "in the end you're still responsible for producing a great film, whether we got our content or not," Roman says. "We're professionals at adapting, and making something that's very compelling to watch."

Incorporating traditional promo film elements such as interviews into the concept film

Editing the Concept in Concert

After WPPI closed its doors and the filmmakers went home, Robin to Los Angeles and Roman to Miami, they had a 2 week time frame to edit and deliver it. "It was a challenge. We both respectively had our own ideas, but ultimately Ray is bigger and stronger than me, so I gave in," says Robin, tongue-in-cheek.

Adds Roman, "Anytime there's a collaboration, you have to be a little more open-minded," acknowledging that he and Robin have different styles. "I certainly respect what he does in terms of his concept work. He definitely brought a lot to the table," referring to not only his expertise but to the fact that each of them contributed various assets to the project, including the scriptwriter, storyboard artist, sound engineer, and on-site editor.

All in all, says Robin, "We would love to do it again. We learned a lot, and know that with a little more planning, we can take it much further next time!"

Echoing those sentiments, Roman agrees. "You learn from your experiences. Any time you can collaborate with people you haven't worked with before, there is always room for improvements. The experience of working together is something to build upon for the future."