That’s a Wrap!

“That’s a wrap on Principal!” Assistant Director Spencer Jarvis said on October 6, 2009. Many subdued feelings floated on the air that day: feelings of relief, gladness, sadness, and hope. Everyone clapped and cheered but mostly just grinned, too overwhelmed by the moment to react.

(Interns Andrew Faudree and Brooke Martin)

For most of the day, shooting took place at Merriwood Christian Camp where the interns had been staying. Then, as the sun was drifting down in the sky, a few necessary crew members loaded into a bus and drove to the spot where the last shots would be captured. Those scenes involved a car speeding down the road: fitting images for the end of this phase of our project.

(Camera Operator Greg Kraus waits to shoot the last scene)

Now that it’s over and people pack up to hit the road, the footage we have captured is also on its way, full throttle toward completion. Although we have worked diligently and completed our task, all the acting, the lights, and the direction of the last few weeks have created a product that still means nothing. The clips are rough, disconnected, and unpolished—fresh-cut timber ready to be used. Now comes Post Production, when the editors get to work. They will take the materials we have prepared and mold, crop, and craft them into a story.

Meanwhile, the on-set crews will part ways and move on to other projects. The hardest partings will be among the interns who have bonded tightly as friends and companions in this endeavor. This was the first project for some of the young filmmakers. They have learned a great deal and do not wish to forget the blessings God has given them during filming of One Good Man. Even now, while people are picking up and trickling away to their separate lives, many are energetically whispering of films, ideas, and challenges to come.

(Andrew Faudree watches the final scene)