Jason Stringer

Last week I sat with a group of talented and enthusiastic people as we enjoyed some drinks and dip, discussing a short film production that is about to get underway. It’s a screenplay I wrote called That Year They Were Bridesmaids and I will be directing it in August.

Like any idea for a story, this has been swimming around my head for a while. This is evidenced in the numerous files saved in my ’screenplays’ directory containing all kinds of drafts and notes.

While the story itself began to grow from my mind the day after my first son was born, the screenplay didn’t begin to grow until I began studying at FTI the following year. Needing a screenplay to hand in during the course, I chose to flesh out this story ahead of many others I had drafted. I guess, at the time, it seemed like the safest choice.

That Year They Were Bridesmaids tells the story two middle-aged brothers who come together to begin cleaning their family home in preparation for it being sold. They recall old memories stored in the depths of their minds while coming across objects they haven’t seen in years.

I’m enthusiastic about the dedicated group we have on board for this film. They signed on with the knowledge that the screenplay was up for a government grant, and when that fell through (more on that later…) they stayed on. They turned up at this meeting rearing to go, excited to be apart of filmmaking and eager to be involved in every way.

Danny (Cinematographer) and I have started the shotlisting and storyboarding process, while our Producer, Sara, is busy lining up our departments and getting casting ready for auditions next week.

This is the first film Danny and I will have made together since becoming FTI graduates, and our first since Hair Dye in 2006.  Amazing to think we are about to shoot this under private investment, in Perth, with a full crew dedicated to delivering professional results with us. ‘Tis a long way from our small country town beginnings.

(My shotlist notes. I keep a different copy of the screenplay for every different set of notes. Always red pen.)