Colton Johnson

Submitted for and received a $3,000 grant from VCUarts to make this film. Responsible for submitting reimbursements, so my department heads could purchase necessary materials for the shoot.

Brought college students across multiple disciplines together to create a lighthearted drama about a deaf, homeless busker. Worked closely with heads of departments - especially the Director of Photography - to bring the story from script to screen. Learned American Sign Language and conducted research to attempt an accurate portrayal of the language on screen. While acting, directed several extras and actors, including a 7-year-old girl and her mom.

Shadowed reporters, photographers, editors, creative services, and engineering to get an overall look at a local broadcasting station. Filmed interviews, stand-ups, and b-roll for daily news stories. Edited packages and VOSOTs for evening news and website stories. Edited parts of 5pm and 5:30pm evening shows.

Wrote multiple drafts of this script over the course of my time in college, receiving occasional feedback from professors, students, and people knowledgeable of ASL, including a Deaf professor.

Used LEDs, small hot lights, and candles to light scenes. Worked closely with the Key Grip to block out light, including over half a dozen exterior windows on the side of the house and garage.

Meal planned - confirmed the cast/crew’s preferences, allergies, and dietary restrictions before purchasing snacks/meals; and made sure that the meals were ready on time for lunch each day. Helped where needed on set, including as a Dolly Grip, 2nd AD, Sustainability, and primarily as a PA/dog watcher.

Created and emailed call sheets before each day of production. Led daily morning safety meetings for the crew, briefing them on the filming and location plans for each day. Constantly worked with the Director and DP to stay on schedule, and discussed which shots to trim when time ran short.

The week before shooting, while working as a full-time manager at a youth summer camp, I was thrust into the Producer role to field crew questions and put out fires because ATL - including the Director, Producer, and 1st AD - were unable to reach him. Brokedown the script, worked on the budget and scheduling, led a few pre-pro crew meetings. On set, worked primarily as a PA and firewatch for craft services.

Worked creatively with the writer and director throughout pre-production to help form the script. Completed budgets, schedules, call sheets, food orders, outdoor toilet rentals, and production binder creation/maintenance. Responsible for finding a set piece/production vehicle and trusted by the owner to drive it to and from set. Submitted final cut to festivals.

Created a detailed shot list in pre-production that the director and camera team could follow without me, as I was unfortunately unable to make it to set

Set up c-stands and combo stands for lights and flags. Rigged the 8x8 avenger. Helped level the dolly track.