shooting 24p was one of the only ways I could have made HT. But the freedom that shooting digital provided us on set became a burden during post. We shot over 250 hours and paid the price when it came time to cut. We spent 7 long months editing it together. I think digital is an amazing format for independent filmmakers but I also think it is creating high shooting ratios. Is it a crutch?

Yeah, we shot my last music video with a JVC 24p and 35 mm adaptor. We were tied in to a storyboard, shot list and budget, regarding location usage. SO those factors can help curve the freedom given to you with video. But some if not most independent filmmakers want that window open for spontaneity or that great new idea comes to you in the middle of a planned shot/ You AD isn't happy, but down to do anyway type of thing. I do teh two take rule. Try the new idea, but you and the actors have two takes to make it right and real, otherwise maybe it wasnt meant to be. Beyond two, maybe three, takes spontaneity, not to mention, moral start to take a dive which isn't' good for the overall process anyway.

I try to be as prepared as possible. But in the end I try to go with my gut. It's interesting that a lot of the directing experience tends to be answering questions but sometimes you don't have answers. Not to mention that sometimes what you thought was amazing doesn't work with the overall arc of the story or a character. Those moments of letting go of the shots, performances or even scenes that you love can mark a huge difference to the project. It can be painful but eventually once you let go off all the trappings that it took to get that coverage, performance or the dialog just right  etc. it can be very liberating. Post does an amazing job of keeping you honest. You just have to listen and most importantly work with an editor that you trust or if you're cutting on your own give yourself breaks to try to create distance.  And make sure to do a few test screenings.