Write & Direct partnered with Theater Eleven Pictures to produce a short film to be used for class instruction in the Write & Direct film school! The film is called RECKONING and is used as an example of the filmmaking process during development, pre-production, production and post production. Students of Write & Direct make their own film alongside Kyler Boudreau, the write and director of Reckoning.
At Write & Direct film school, the art of filmmaking is not just studied—it’s lived, from the first flicker of an idea to the final cut in post production. Aspiring directors are challenged to wear every hat on set, because waiting for favors or free help can stall dreams for years. But is it truly possible to become a one-person film crew? How do you bridge the gap between ambition and ability?
Learning by Doing: Reckoning
Enter Reckoning—our bold answer to theory fatigue. In collaboration with Theater Eleven Pictures, Write & Direct crafted a 30-minute short film, designed as a living classroom. Students embark on their creative odyssey in the Development stage, armed with nothing but a concept. Alongside them, independent filmmaker Kyler Boudreau navigates the same uncharted waters with Reckoning, transforming an idea into a cinematic reality. Here, learning isn’t abstract—it’s action.
Embarking on Pre-Production: Blueprints for Storytelling
At Write & Direct, students don’t just dream—they architect. After journeying through more than 30 immersive lessons in development, they cross the threshold into Pre-Production 1 & 2. Here, the intangible becomes tangible. Ideas are rebuilt through script breakdowns, transformed into visual journeys with shot lists and story maps, and grounded in reality by scouting the perfect locations. What’s done in pre-production echos into every aspect of the remaining filmmaking process. Work done right in pre-production allows for greater creativity on set.
Lights, Camera, Discovery
As the process unfolds, students step onto set and into the heart of production. They learn about lighting and sound, learn the language of the cinema camera, and discover the art of collaborating with actors. Each moment is a lesson in creation, made richer by hands-on deconstructions of Reckoning—what soared, what stumbled, and the invaluable wisdom earned through trial and error. Here, every challenge becomes a stepping stone, and every mistake, a masterclass in the making of a filmmaker
Shaping Story in Post: Seeing The Film The First Time
Once the cameras stop rolling, the real magic begins. Students at Write & Direct dive into the world of post production—where editing, sound design, color grading, and subtle visual effects breathe new life into raw footage. This is the place a director actually sees their movie the way the audience will see it. And a lot happens with such realization!
Empowering the Next Generation of Filmmakers
Reckoning stands as proof that resourcefulness and know-how can open doors. By mastering every stage of the process, aspiring directors take the reins of their own careers—using short films not just as calling cards, but as laboratories for growth, audience-building, and preparation for the opportunities that lie ahead. Theater Eleven Pictures will release Reckoning on their YouTube channel later this month!
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