When In Doubt, Stick To Your Creative Vision
“Doubt can only be removed by action.”
– Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Still photo from Small Work Directed by Shana Lee Gibson
I spent three months preparing for something that would unfold in 24 hours: a short documentary shot with a crew of ten, including the characters themselves.
I had a vision. But I also knew that no matter how thoroughly I planned, reality wouldn’t follow the script. My goal was to stay true to the heart of the story while following the unfolding journey, but even then, what happens on the day depends on factors outside of my control.
It’s one thing to tell a story that has already occurred through interviews and re-creation. It's an entirely different matter to film a character undergoing a challenging task on camera, with only one opportunity to capture it.
Throughout the research process, I felt like I was swimming in circles, analysing story beats.
After grinding away for weeks, I finally stepped away from the computer and into the garden. Weeding is beneficial. Since weeds are sneaky, like self-doubt, I used the task as a metaphor, and before long, the answers became clearer.
On the first day of filming, despite all the preparation, I woke up at 3 a.m., wondering if I had a film.
I lay there, trying to replay the moments in my mind. But there were too many moving parts to form a clear picture. Not to mention, the second day loomed with a precarious task that would either work or it wouldn’t.
I was planning on shooting this film differently from my other short, ‘Ruth,’ and I knew I was taking significant risks that might not pay off.
The clock ticked 3:30 am, and I reminded myself that I had extensive preparation under my belt and enough gusto to direct this documentary. Sleep returned, and when I woke up, a small gift awaited me.
The DP had sent over a handful of stills. As I scrolled through them, something shifted. There it was—my film, alive in pictures.
Anxiety ebbs and flows on set. Filmmaking is a delicate dance—holding the story in your mind while allowing people to be themselves under the all-seeing, all-knowing camera eye of Sauron.
And then there are the practical layers: keeping the schedule, checking the light, losing time in places you didn’t expect to, running for extra batteries—or sandwiches.
Production wouldn’t be complete without its surprises. We were blessed to experience some extraordinary ones: our Producer Cameron Russell from Common Ground Media raised the money needed for our trip and production expenses, I had the pleasure of working with the humble and talented BAFTA-winning Sound Operator Chris Duesterdiek, and then we met Oscar-winning Set Designer Jim Erickson in front of a hardware store.
Finally, we completed production by celebrating with a wrap party where conversations drifted toward The Artist’s Way, TV shows free from violence, and cuddly chickens.
Filming in 24 hours is intense, maybe too intense for me in hindsight. It’s a pressure cooker that tests your skills, planning, flexibility, and emotional stamina. But when people love what they’re doing—and when you lead with respect and kindness—the work is joyful, even when it’s gruelling at times.
And, it helps to keep a bit of chocolate in your pocket. Just in case a character (or the director) needs a little motivation.
“As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.”
―Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Faust, First Part
In appreciation for your being here,
Shana Lee
P.S. The Documentary, ‘Small Work’, was shot over two days, May 31st and June 1st and will be entered into the Art Of Documentary One Day Doc Competition on June 30th, 2025.