Production
Crew Selection
Procuring an excellent crew came natural for first time feature Producer,
Nansi Michels. “Nothing magically appears; being resourceful was
the key, and it helped to have someone in the industry who believed
in my abilities, and knew I would produce a quality film”, says
Nansi Michels. So with these important elements at hand, the quest for
THE CONTROLLER Crew began.
Although the relationship with Cinematographer Steve Wargo was made
in one of the most unique manners, it was by far the most instrumental
by means of assembling the crew. Wargo’s fifteen plus years behind
the camera, had put him in touch with other key crew members, most of
whom have consistently worked together for years. “Watching the
ebb and flow of the key crew members was quite amazing”, says
Nansi Michels, “they knew how to read each other, perhaps with
just a glance. It takes true personal and professional respect to work
together like they do”. Wargo’s leadership, technical knowledge,
and amazing work ethic was one of the many reasons Nansi Michels knew
he was to be the captain of the crew.
As well as taking on the many roles of heading the production, Nansi
Michels was also supported by veteran Sound Recordist, Rick MacDonald,
and innovative Lighting Director, Anthony Miles. “I did not
have to concern myself with the depth or mood of the lighting in the
scene, Anthony is as much a perfectionist as I am; sometimes he would
want to put in just one more light to make the shot look it’s
best, I just had to make sure he didn’t light the scene all
night!”
The Assistant Director, was perhaps, the most important department
head Nansi Michels knew had to be exactly “the one”. “The
personal and professional collaboration between the Assistant Director
and debut Director Frank Michels needed to be flawless. I had to find
the one perfect person who could possibly fill those shoes,”
says Nansi Michels, “Earnest Robinson was the one and only.”
After a very unusual first chance meeting between Producer Nansi Michels
and Earnest Robinson, Nansi set her sights on hiring him. “Director
Frank Michels is a delight to work for, he brings a gentle, soft-spoken
leadership to the set”, says Nansi Michels, “and Earnest
displayed some of the same personal and professional qualities. I
instantly knew Earnest and Frank would compliment each other”.
And she was right.
The film’s Executive Producer was pleased about the endeavor.
“I knew it would be a First-Class act from beginning to end”,
he says about getting involved with the Husband and Wife Director
and Producer, “I’ve admired their collaboration for years.”
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