Daniel Klug:

When we started Advanced Acting (Class 5), we were encouraged to come up with story ideas that we really wanted to tell. Stories that, by definition, would "brand" us in the realm of filmmakers. We were advised that once you create something that gets you noticed, people will mostly associate you with that style and idea.

I know that it isn't really that concrete, but it resonated with me. I decided to tell a story with a style I would be proud to represent. I wanted action. I love ninjas, so that's where I started. But then I didn't want to be limited to just pointless fighting. I also have a soft side for a great romance (I am a child of television), so I decided to build some action around a love story. The movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith instantly came to mind as a story I would love to tell. But how did they meet?

To summarize, my idea was born from my love of ninjas and action, driven by romance, with a dash of comedy.

---

Daniel Klug:

The most important lesson that I learned was that if I can make a short film, anyone can make a short film. We're in a time now where almost any amateur is within the means of living his or her own dream! All it takes is dedication and devotion to follow your dream. Break down those brick walls and just go for it. The only thing stopping you is you.

---

Daniel Klug:

Don't take your friends and peers for granted. Everyone at Animation Mentor is on the same path (to become an animation ninja)! So make friends and foster those relationships. When you get into the industry, you will find that every gate and every bridge is made of flesh. Don't take them for granted.

---

Daniel Klug:

Pencil down as many one-line thoughts as you can. Even a single word will do (it will be enough to spark an idea). Fill an entire page if you can. Once it's done, start crossing out the words that don’t immediately grab you. Start circling the words you keep coming back to. Once you have narrowed it down to a handful, describe each idea with a paragraph. Show those ideas to a close friend or muse. Soon enough, you will have an idea that you just keep coming back to.

---

Daniel Klug:

Certainly! Check out my awful storyboard animatic and my woeful "final" layout. You can see some of the camera angles had changed along with the timing of almost everything. Timing is very difficult when drawing one image per shot. For example, the shot where she flips back and he flips up from the ground was originally storyboarded to be 30 frames long. I think the final was more like 140. Even in layout, things changed dramatically. If I were to do this again, I would definitely add more drawings (at least the golden poses).

Also, one thing to point out is that I can't really draw, so my spatial sense while storyboarding wasn't very accurate. I could never really get the camera angles right in relation to the characters. But I was saved by layout in this case because it's so easy to set up the characters and then move the camera around until it feels right. The layout step is a huge advantage because of this.

---

Daniel Klug:

When I first pitched my idea, I got a lot of moans and groans from people telling me, "don't do ninjas. That's a horrible idea." I think that people are used to seeing an idea beaten to death or done poorly. I'm glad I didn't let it stop me – although I did have nightmares for weeks of people booing at me. I did get a lot of encouragement from my Class 5 mentor Jed Diffenderfer. He kept telling me to not second-guess myself and to go for it. I think he's also a fan of ninjas. :-)

Another obstacle (in the production sense) worth mentioning is the environment. I wish I did a film indoors, because when I storyboarded Les Dangereux, I didn't add any background. But when I started layout, I suddenly had to fill in all that white space. This setback gave me the most anxiety. I was constantly worried about "what to put back there!" Thankfully, I had a wonderful friend to help me out by modeling the street for me.

---

Daniel Klug:

By teaching me how to do it, telling me that I could do it, and providing me with the mentors to guide me through to the finish line. Without Animation Mentor, I would have never dreamed of doing a short film, let alone getting it to this level. Being mentored by my heroes has been the most rewarding experience I've have ever had. If not for their insight, wisdom, tough love (yes, those critiques can bruise the ego), and encouragement, I would never have succeeded.

---

Daniel Klug:

You can do it! No matter what, just stay the course and follow through. I can guarantee that there is nothing like finishing a film and letting it go out into the world. It's worth it.

But more seriously, I think the most important piece of advice I can give is to learn to accept criticism. Develop a thick skin but not deaf ears. Be rational and not emotional about your work. Sometimes your work will suck and you will hear someone tell you so. Don't argue with people giving you critiques. If you have to explain your idea, then your work didn't succeed at explaining it for you. It's very hard to hear, but it is the surest way to recognize where your weaknesses are. But don't worry - you will get better and you will succeed!