A few years ago I had the privilege of shooting a movie with my wife and kids. At the time I had envisioned making a series of such films but didn’t quite get around to it. Now things are different and I think I might actually feel my interest in video re-emerging. That would be a great thing considering the potential for fun it provides.
It’s so easy to get in a mode of “I’ll do it tomorrow”, especially if you run into difficulties today. Making movies with kids isn’t without its challenges, I assure you, and using your own kids doesn’t necessary help matters – the usual sibling bickering still goes on only now it’s immortalized on digital film.
The concept for this particular movie came from my son, Matthew who, at the time, was all about Spider Man and Jedi mind powers. William was also very much into Star Wars, and the two had already done one very short clip together (Kidwars: http://www.youtube.com/watch?)v=-dbualLEFUI) that was a bunch of fun to do. Now they wanted to do something more substantial. “Are you sure?” I asked. “Oh yes, Dad. We’re ready,” they replied enthusiastically.
And so, once the idea was hammered out we began filming. By the time we finished, the movie wasn’t quite what I’d hoped, but such is life. The main thing is that we did it together. Yes it’s corny as can be, but come on – that’s part of what gives it its charm.
The kids are now asking if we can make another movie, and I’ve told them yes, as soon as we come up with a good idea. I’d actually wanted to turn my short story, Mirages (richardpnixon.com/Mirages.html), into a movie since it didn’t require any complex character animation (Superhero’s Yoda was supposed to be done with CGI but we couldn’t find a model to use. What we did find was unsuitable, so I did it using a mask). The only hard part would be creating the lab – who wants a garage full of old junk?
Now that I’m coasting towards my first “finish” line I can breathe a little, live a little, and devote more time to doing things with the kids. After all, they are only young once and we’re all getting older with each passing moment.