Cholesterol
Written & Directed by Soren Bushong
1st assistant director
Munch Burger employee Momo, a chronic gambler, stumbles upon a magical ring that grants him unfailing good luck. Conflict arises when his boss claims ownership of the ring.
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This quirky and satirical comedy required careful planning and execution to bring its whimsical story to life. As the 1st Assistant Director, my primary goal was to ensure an efficient and seamless shoot across our six locations within a tight 3½-day schedule. Balancing scenes set in both day and night meant precision in scheduling was non-negotiable. To maximize our time, we dedicated half a day to shooting Momo’s montage scene with a skeleton crew. This strategic approach enabled us to capture the quick, essential shots without the full cast and crew present, keeping the pace efficient.
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One of the key locations, a local deli, was transformed into the "Munch Burger" restaurant of the film. We spent two days shooting in various parts of the restaurant, navigating the logistical challenges of a dense schedule. With 43 shots to complete over two days at this location, timing and coordination were paramount.
The most demanding day of the shoot was undoubtedly the climactic "Munch Off" scene, a visceral and hilariously messy burger-eating contest between the two leads. Capturing this intense showdown required meticulous planning, especially for the moments where actors visibly consumed food. Every shot had to be carefully choreographed to minimize fatigue while maintaining continuity. With only 8 hours allocated for the scene, I collaborated closely with the Director and DP to streamline lighting and camera setups. Clear communication and adaptability were essential to staying on track.
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Shooting this film was both exhilarating and challenging. The blend of comedy and chaos on-screen mirrored the energy behind the scenes. Despite the pressure, our team’s meticulous preparation paid off—we wrapped on schedule every single day. This experience underscored the importance of improvisation and proactive planning in pre-production, skills I will carry into every future project.
