Making a $30k film with my friends (PART 1/5)

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  • Опубліковано 20 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 162

  • @spensersakurai
    @spensersakurai  Рік тому +2

    FLEE (FULL FILM) - ua-cam.com/video/EfhSReDZin4/v-deo.html

  • @rpeters330
    @rpeters330 2 роки тому +83

    I’d love to see a budget breakdown

    • @John-e4p1x
      @John-e4p1x 2 роки тому +3

      Buy a red komodo -$6k, then Rent a sony venice (??) $2.5k, DP $800 a day (on the cheap). actors, (paid in exsposure bucks). Give your red komodo to Pa to shoot the bts. (???) because youre a "youtuber" not a real person, oh, signature primes $350 a day three day week, tokina primes (I htink the rental company pays you to rent the tokinas, but in this case spenser asked to borrow them form soenone). Sandwich spenser is grossly eating for some reason in this video, $1. The life of the animal spenser killed for his sandwich and fur coat? Priceless, payed for in his lack of humanity.

    • @kylehaggard7348
      @kylehaggard7348 2 роки тому +21

      @@John-e4p1x are you okay

    • @John-e4p1x
      @John-e4p1x 2 роки тому +3

      @@kylehaggard7348 Im eating a sadwich on set og my $30k throaway vanity short film! How about you! 😲

    • @MasonLogerquist
      @MasonLogerquist 2 роки тому

      @@John-e4p1x mental illness

    • @blackdonte24
      @blackdonte24 Рік тому

      @@John-e4p1x I've seen more done on smaller budgets.

  • @skeletoncrewflicks
    @skeletoncrewflicks 2 роки тому +53

    Hey Spenser, thanks so much for this behind the scenes. As a 20 year vet of the VFX industry in Hollywood now starting the journey of becoming a director myself, I have learned a lot from following your path a few steps behind you. Watching this vid, I am reminded of a quote from Jay Bauman of RLM . "Making a movie is just a never ending series of compromises to get to the finish line."

  • @GxAce
    @GxAce 2 роки тому +9

    Can’t wait for part 2 and to see the finish film man! Looks awesome!

  • @StandardStoryCo
    @StandardStoryCo 2 роки тому +1

    Love this BTS, looking good!

  • @Hatcheeproductions
    @Hatcheeproductions 2 роки тому +19

    This is incredible. I can't imagine how much work it takes to produce a high end short film, much less film BTS for it. It's creators like you that inspire us and give us much needed insight.

    • @SantaAnaCreations
      @SantaAnaCreations Рік тому +1

      Its not as hard as these people make it seem and you dont need to spend that much money keep the team small i mean small forget all the stupid titles just get what u need and dont spend to impress anyone we made a sci-fi series 11 episodes for less than 1.5k it looks just as good as any netflix title and the story is compeling and interesting

  • @Aaron_Smith_OM
    @Aaron_Smith_OM 2 роки тому +6

    I think it's pretty cool that UA-camrs are coming together to make/take big steps toward their dreams. You, Matti, Danny, Gian Carlo, etc. Pretty inspiring.

    • @Eyeofkamau
      @Eyeofkamau 2 роки тому +4

      Lotta these guys are filmmaker/cinematographers/directors 1st, before youtubers. So it was bound to happen, they’re just showing the process to youtube

  • @martinmestrevlog
    @martinmestrevlog 11 місяців тому

    this BTS series is so educational, saw this 11 months ago and it came up on my feed again had to watch. It is a wealth of knowledge and very educational. So excited that the short film is out. I will definitely be watching it. Look forward to more of your content - keep up the great work ! all the best from Toronto

  • @MarkHoltze
    @MarkHoltze 2 роки тому +3

    Damn man, this is a very authentic look at what it feels like to work on a indie short film. This takes me back to those days, I could feel the chill and the adrenaline and the exhaustion. This is fantastic!
    Commentary is brilliant as well. Nicely done mate;

  • @JasonMorrisphotocinema
    @JasonMorrisphotocinema 2 роки тому +1

    That venice though!!!! OH man I can't wait to see this

  • @brandongoebel9270
    @brandongoebel9270 2 роки тому +2

    Dude, I loved this. I appreciate how in-depth you go into everything, including your mistakes of not staying in your lane, which I admittedly have done from time to time. I can't wait to see more, and I hope you go into some preproduction stuff like how you produced all the logistical things like flying out actors, putting them up in hotels, and negotiating getting them in freezing cold waters. Thanks for all you do, man!

  • @j.r.dawson
    @j.r.dawson 2 роки тому +5

    Thanks so much for the BTS always so educational and inspiring to watch other filmmakers killing it. Can't wait to see the final film!

  • @zer0K0000l
    @zer0K0000l Рік тому +6

    This video made me realize how crazy I actually am making short films by myself with an inexperienced crew.....But filmmaking is for people who are absolutely out of their minds....

  • @budsaurus
    @budsaurus 2 роки тому +2

    Nice stuff as always, Spenser! The comment you made about "promising yourself that you won't shoot at T/1.5" but then looking at the frame and being enticed to just go wide open was definitely a mistake I made when I shot with the Venice and Tokina Vista Primes too! It was a good reminder, so thanks for being honest and sharing!

  • @KarimAmerStudio
    @KarimAmerStudio 2 роки тому +1

    Cant wait really for the rest of the bts ! Best of luck bro

  • @alikareemfilms4789
    @alikareemfilms4789 Рік тому

    Love this Spenser. I'm a director in Dallas and really enjoyed this bts video and the honest take of all the challenges that come with narrative directing

  • @paulanthonyfrith7824
    @paulanthonyfrith7824 Рік тому

    I just wanted to say thank you for putting this out there. It's incredible to watch people work on creating art in this way. I only wish I were 20 years younger and I'd be there with you. Thanks again 😁

  • @mitchellvandehoef3792
    @mitchellvandehoef3792 2 роки тому +1

    hope you bring us more of this! i loved watching how you do your work

  • @chicobraz4335
    @chicobraz4335 Рік тому +1

    Good job , can’t wait to see it . I just directed my first series , and you had me laughing when you kept mentioning it’s hard to let go and not worry about camera and exposure and such . It’s something I don’t think I will ever let go ,and it’s just the inner artist intuition of wanting the best (since you also know cinematography ) , I think it’s healthy and any professional Cinematographer will understand and appreciate that . All the best

  • @duylinhnguyentu
    @duylinhnguyentu 2 роки тому

    Very happy for you. I see so many UA-camrs who have just given up filmmaking to make content to grow their channels. And more power to them. But, you are clearly a great storyteller and I'm glad you're investing in your own craft. Takes guts.

  • @starsearchervideoshorts1899

    From POM POM PICTURE STUDIO Philadelphia Pa. Saturday Feb 18th 2023 Time 20:32 Looking Good!!!

  • @fulloffame
    @fulloffame Рік тому

    i love this new little series you have going on with this film Spenser!! this is so damn inspiring. can't wait to make my next film

    • @fulloffame
      @fulloffame Рік тому

      also wow i live right by Oklahoma

    • @mayorofblugsnax
      @mayorofblugsnax Рік тому

      @@fulloffame just noticed the same thing, glad to see people not from the east and west coast making movies too.

  • @OfTwoLands
    @OfTwoLands 2 роки тому +1

    This is great, mate! Keen for the second one :)

  • @MtZionMediaPro
    @MtZionMediaPro 2 роки тому

    Excellent content! I understand how crossing over can be a new normal. Keep up the good work, looking forward to ep.2!

  • @7-bs
    @7-bs 2 роки тому +1

    cant wait for part 2

  • @TheRMMFilms
    @TheRMMFilms 2 роки тому +1

    don't ever feel bad about getting involved in things like lighting as a director. alot of the best directors get involved in every aspect of the film, at the end of the day it is your film, you are the director and it is your job to make sure that everyone onsite is doing their job the way you need them to be to make the film how you need it to be. especially in a circumstance like this where you were not hired as a director, this is actually YOUR film.

  • @bobtronic73
    @bobtronic73 2 роки тому

    That's so cool. Always love these behind the scenes shots. Looking forward to "Flee".

  • @YoungBlaze
    @YoungBlaze Рік тому

    where can i watch the final ?

  • @brandonostermanfilms
    @brandonostermanfilms 2 роки тому

    Congrats on your first film, bud! Can't wait to see it come together.

  • @ILoveTheGreyScale
    @ILoveTheGreyScale Рік тому

    Great stuff, OJT through BTS, thanks man.

  • @garethryancreative
    @garethryancreative 2 роки тому

    Amazing! So fun. Reminds me of the project I directed of the summer. It brings back so many memories. I don’t think people realize how hard these Indy film days are. Best of luck!

  • @housermousemedia
    @housermousemedia 2 роки тому +1

    Love seeing my Oklahomies creating 🎬🎥
    That Overholser dam is no joke on wind lol

  • @normalworldfilm
    @normalworldfilm Рік тому

    Content like this is great! Nice work!

  • @dmitryyamen7076
    @dmitryyamen7076 2 роки тому

    I've been watching you for a long time, I've learned something from you! It's very cool when you're doing creative work, I wish you good luck and really want to see what happens in the end.

  • @maxchadwick1052
    @maxchadwick1052 2 роки тому +4

    The gaff tape sun shade is a classic. "Why did I think I wouldn't need a mattebox"

    • @spensersakurai
      @spensersakurai  2 роки тому

      I don’t think our box would fit these lenses

  • @martinmestrevlog
    @martinmestrevlog Рік тому

    great BTS... thanks for sharing.... when does the short come out ?

  • @workinprogress2077
    @workinprogress2077 Рік тому

    A a crew guy that has been on about 12 of these short film shoots directed by another crew guy over the years, I see many familiar things. Firstly thanks for making this video as many are secretive of their process. Having dome so many of rhese shorts as crew and now making my own content I really believes thast getting 15 people out in very cold weather is not a good start for anything creeative in my opinion (I live in Canada so I know about cold weather shoots!) . Those 15 hour days don't feel the same for the Director and the person spending the money as the crew no matter how close friends you are. The big question is how much is the cold, the small crew, and the limited time have on the story? Pressure can make diamonds or coal.

  • @Lowest_Levels
    @Lowest_Levels 2 роки тому

    Looking forward to more of these behind the scene videos. Passion in action.

  • @HermannOberg
    @HermannOberg 2 роки тому

    Love this! Cant wait for more

  • @larionszilasi2964
    @larionszilasi2964 2 роки тому +2

    Incredible amount of work, and the cinematographer guy - with all the other crew members - feels like an absolute goat. You can see that professional dedication in his face. Btw did you just shoot 2 scenes, in one day? The gas station and the dam?

  • @alice-14-k6b
    @alice-14-k6b Рік тому

    Thanks for doing these! Just did on for my film, too.

  • @TrueURIEL
    @TrueURIEL 8 місяців тому

    AWESOME

  • @beatrizbettler646
    @beatrizbettler646 2 роки тому

    Dude the behind the scenes looks crazy good when is it coming out Im so pumped

  • @ChroniclesofGhoul
    @ChroniclesofGhoul 7 місяців тому

    What wireless focus device was used on the Venice?

  • @Colinlutterloah
    @Colinlutterloah Рік тому

    Loved this!!

  • @DetroitVideoDiaries
    @DetroitVideoDiaries 2 роки тому

    Excellent . I can’t wait to start shooting my film.

  • @kumakick6038
    @kumakick6038 Рік тому

    pretty cool man... great BTS

  • @ryangump9527
    @ryangump9527 Рік тому

    when using a generator for night shoots, how do you deal with the noise of the generator when doing on location sound recording? Are you just charging batterypacks for the lights and shutting the generator off during sound speed, or are you doing some post production over it?

    • @spensersakurai
      @spensersakurai  Рік тому

      we had it far enough away it wasnt much of a problem. you definitely have to work around it a little but its better than not having light haha

  • @OwoyemiMichael
    @OwoyemiMichael 2 роки тому

    This is lovely to watch. Your content inspires.

  • @kareemabulaban9456
    @kareemabulaban9456 2 роки тому +1

    This is rad! Im working on a short right now and id love to know how you secured that private gas station!?

  • @RobWatt
    @RobWatt 2 роки тому

    Making it happen. Great job Spenser

  • @luca.85249
    @luca.85249 2 роки тому

    Thanks for your interisting video Spenser!!! Luca from Italy.

  • @KaceyBakerFilms
    @KaceyBakerFilms 2 роки тому

    As a director DP myself I could see the look on your face of, “that’s not how I would light it, but we have no time, and I secretly wish I could jump in and tweak lighting to how I want it to look”. Hehehe

  • @ronbackal
    @ronbackal Рік тому

    Hi! Loved this video, it gave me a lot of inspiration. Where can I see the movie?

  • @nikoloztheseventh
    @nikoloztheseventh Рік тому

    Spencer good luck. quit a hard work. It is good and should be appreciated the fact that you share the BTS. And what's the camera in the water?

    • @spensersakurai
      @spensersakurai  Рік тому +1

      Thank you! Fx3 was in the water, inside a water bag.

  • @Hotinri
    @Hotinri 2 роки тому

    can you add a link to the diffusers and flags you used, please

  • @nathanksimpson
    @nathanksimpson 2 роки тому

    7:03 Push your crew to invest yourself? This seemed the philosophy of a few indie no budget films where I wasn't even comped meals... Do you compensate your crews for overtime? How do you show you are grateful for your crews?

    • @JosephBaca813
      @JosephBaca813 2 роки тому +1

      Agreed, never okay to push your crew to work overtime to make your day

    • @spensersakurai
      @spensersakurai  Рік тому

      you have no context. everyone was compensated as agreed before production. your accusations are totally unnecessary given the amount of info you have.

  • @gooddayswithmohanbilaye
    @gooddayswithmohanbilaye Рік тому +1

    Intellectual Content😌

  • @StevenTallas
    @StevenTallas Рік тому

    I always had a question, what is the game plan for the short film? Like are you planning on just making a cool 30 K short film. I feel like you could of easily shot a feature film for that amount. Thanks!

    • @spensersakurai
      @spensersakurai  Рік тому +1

      The film has been submitted to film festivals and that was the plan. money is relative I suppose. I think for what I did this could have easily cost 60k without the favors and trades I did to make this happen. Concept always dictates budget. If it was just a couple characters in a house, maybe I couldve made a feature for this cost but this was a lot of locations talent and time.

    • @StevenTallas
      @StevenTallas Рік тому

      @@spensersakurai oh ok cool yeah so for sure. So this short film is going be like your calling card to the industry for more work in narrative films? Basically are you trying to get the money back you invested ?

  • @ArtyFarty13
    @ArtyFarty13 2 роки тому

    Hi, what a great afford by the crew. Why did you choose the water seen in the beginning? Weren’t you afraid at this early stage of risking the health of the DoP and a important cast member, both being so vital for the ongoing of the production?

  • @fremworks
    @fremworks Рік тому

    Looks like Sony had its blue print laid out start with people who are getting into film and give them small affordable camera then gradually introduce them to the high end cinema camera and looks like it all worked out

  • @EDJK
    @EDJK Рік тому

    wow I’m surprised this is only a 25 min short with a 30k budget im filming a short film that’s gonna be close to an hour and the budget is only $200 😭 but since I came up directing, dp’ing/cam op and editing as well all self taught until i finally got the chance to work on a couple of Movie sets I saw what was needed but felt like I had the proper enough equipment to shoot this Movie called “Make the Call” and we’re doing it to our best ability like our absolute best giving it our all to my surprise this short film has exceeded my visual expectations look forward to seeing your project 🎬

  • @joepvanuden3913
    @joepvanuden3913 2 роки тому

    how many shooting days? looking forward to the coming episodes!!

  • @evie._.lake20
    @evie._.lake20 11 місяців тому

    How do you raise a budget?

  • @patricks5390
    @patricks5390 2 роки тому

    I would love to see the full cost, including salaries. Time planning and script work are also topics for future videos i would be interested in. Thanks and lots of love from Austria, best wishes Patrick

  • @idletimeproductions4956
    @idletimeproductions4956 2 роки тому

    This was fantastic.

  • @Sifu628
    @Sifu628 2 роки тому

    Very informative. Thanks.

  • @travelfendi32
    @travelfendi32 Рік тому

    so sick dude. wanting to do this soon! be on the look out for my short :)

  • @secondhandmediaco
    @secondhandmediaco Рік тому

    What color profile?

  • @darrenorange2982
    @darrenorange2982 2 роки тому

    Can you talk about crafty and meals? Hate to say but on all productions that's how you really make people happy.

  • @spacekarma4
    @spacekarma4 Рік тому

    Great behind the scenes :) loved watching it. Any chance you have a breakdown of your expenses on the film? I’d be curious to see what things cost you and how you allocated funds :p if not, I understand but I thought I would ask

  • @redbeardproductions-kevind9806
    @redbeardproductions-kevind9806 2 роки тому

    Do you live in Oklahoma?

  • @davithelion
    @davithelion Рік тому

    for the first 20 seconds i thought i was in a zebra zone video but without a french accent

  • @jmarutz13
    @jmarutz13 Рік тому

    What kind of waterproof camera bag did you use? Also great BTS

  • @Pinnacl3
    @Pinnacl3 Рік тому

    I see you didn't mention an AD here. Did you have one?

    • @spensersakurai
      @spensersakurai  Рік тому

      producer acted as AD a couple days and then another friend came in to keep us on track for 3 other days

    • @Pinnacl3
      @Pinnacl3 Рік тому

      @@spensersakurai Thanks for the reply. That an integral part of making the day. On the note of taking things off your plate, a solid AD can be a lifesaver.

  • @artdoneus
    @artdoneus Рік тому

    Soo dope!!!!

  • @QualityVideoService
    @QualityVideoService Рік тому +2

    I would have shot a full length feature with 30k.

    • @blackdonte24
      @blackdonte24 Рік тому +2

      Damn right! And it can definitely be done. This guy spent $30k for this fuckery? Unreal.

    • @spensersakurai
      @spensersakurai  Рік тому +1

      You can spend your money how you see fit and Ill do the same. Take your negativity and unsolicited opinions elsewhere. Thanks.

    • @QualityVideoService
      @QualityVideoService Рік тому

      @@spensersakurai Touchy, aren't you, don't take things so personally. I commend your work homeboy.

    • @QualityVideoService
      @QualityVideoService Рік тому

      @@blackdonte24 LOL, don't be so hard on the guy.

  • @tubeman1983
    @tubeman1983 2 роки тому

    So cool, man! Keep it up :)

  • @thejackoss
    @thejackoss Рік тому

    Why didn't you use the Rialto for the Ronin shots? Also, no mattebox?

    • @spensersakurai
      @spensersakurai  Рік тому

      The Rialto is a special venice. They don’t all the option and we didn’t have a mattebox that fit these lenses at the time. But it wasn’t a problem but like once.

    • @thejackoss
      @thejackoss Рік тому

      @@spensersakurai Every single Sony Venice camera can be turned into a Rialto, you don’t need a special Venice camera for this setup, you simply need to ask your rental house the extension system.

    • @spensersakurai
      @spensersakurai  Рік тому +1

      @@thejackoss oh yeah, i guess thats what i mean. we just had this camera on loan from a friend without the extra bits. just the venice and raw recorder.

    • @spensersakurai
      @spensersakurai  Рік тому +1

      @@thejackoss and honestly we just needed that iso 12,800 form the fx3. so helpful.

    • @thejackoss
      @thejackoss Рік тому

      @@spensersakurai interesting! What did you think of the noise level on the FX3 at 12,800 ISO? I tried the same native ISO with the FX6 and was super disappointed with the result.

  • @seedz11
    @seedz11 2 роки тому

    Great work

  • @afghanfilm
    @afghanfilm Рік тому

    so where can we watch the short film?

    • @spensersakurai
      @spensersakurai  Рік тому +1

      Unfortunately I cant show the film yet while its in festival submission process. Oh and its not fully done haha

    • @afghanfilm
      @afghanfilm Рік тому

      @@spensersakurai best of luck I hope you win

  • @SabbaLinga
    @SabbaLinga Рік тому

    Where can I see the film?

  • @chelo111
    @chelo111 Рік тому

    PLEASE DONT LET US DOWN

  • @YouGotJakeD
    @YouGotJakeD Рік тому

    Where is Charlie

  • @Vishnukanakath
    @Vishnukanakath 2 роки тому

    Love this

  • @brucatoproductions5712
    @brucatoproductions5712 11 місяців тому

    how did you need 30k for a short film

  • @mark.koval30
    @mark.koval30 Рік тому

    Where's the final film?

    • @spensersakurai
      @spensersakurai  Рік тому +1

      Film is in the festival circuit so it cant be released online any time soon unfortunately.

    • @mark.koval30
      @mark.koval30 Рік тому

      @Spenser Sakurai oh I really wanna see it. Is there a way to be notified?

  • @visionaryfilms
    @visionaryfilms 3 місяці тому

    was this a short film based on gear, all I seen was gear, for 30 K man I be making a feature film and or numerous short films. too many bells and whistles these days just to look impressive. overall curious to see what you have made.

    • @spensersakurai
      @spensersakurai  3 місяці тому

      Crew and locations. Wanted to properly pay the crew. Gear was mostly free.
      Everyone spends money in different ways.

    • @visionaryfilms
      @visionaryfilms 3 місяці тому

      @@spensersakurai i understand that, i do the same, but announcing you spent 30K is a lot of money rather or not if it all came from you or other backers. some filmmakers would love to have 5K for a production, most work alone with the gear they have and your announcing I spent 30K. 90% of my productions was zero dollars spent and I'm grateful because of my name and work I didn't have to spend a penny on locations, you always have a safety net for insurance just incase someone trips and falls or something gets broken while on location, including food and gas for the cast and their day rate. again I could film your exact production for 2K and you spent 30K. i'd focus on teaching young filmmakers who don't have nothing but a camera and tripod that you can make a great film with nothing because most don't have nothing but a dream and passion that yes you can make a great film with just what you have and asking to use a location for x amount of time. I've been where your at a long time ago and over the years became less and less to just me because of my experience and working at Universal and Warner Brothers as Steadicam Op. you learn a lot, so doing a production by yourself or with a very small film crew you can still get the same results, but 30K dang, I can make a dozen films or two feature films with that amount of money, but each to his or her own. overall I like your work, just a heads up on your title, that's all I was saying.

  • @DigitalGenki
    @DigitalGenki Рік тому

    Can i ask, for something like this, is it possible to make your money back on it?

    • @spensersakurai
      @spensersakurai  Рік тому +1

      Haha nah. It’s an investment to show that you’re capable of making movies. .... hopefully

  • @kennymcgraw1241
    @kennymcgraw1241 Рік тому

    Spenser this awesome! I’m a fellow freelancer in okc and have worked with Corey as well! Would love to be apart of your next project!!

  • @spensersakurai
    @spensersakurai  Рік тому

    FLEE - Official Teaser Trailer
    ua-cam.com/video/4xKwx2hS66k/v-deo.html

  • @Holtenstein
    @Holtenstein 2 роки тому

    Congratulations, very cool and amazing step in your career. So, some directors are more hands-on with the cinematography. For instance, look at James Cameron with Russell Carpenter ASC. James Cameron like to operate the camera at times. Although once you trust the DP you should be able to not worry about exposure and concentrate on framing. But this isn't necessarily a big deal. They DP is there after all to help you achieve your vision. So at the end of the day you should be happy about the results. And in this case it looks like you definitely are. Cheers

  • @AdamLProductions
    @AdamLProductions Рік тому

    0:11 So that's what Dave Mustaine from Megadeth does with his free time. Interesting. 😏

  • @sotocine99
    @sotocine99 2 роки тому

    Top!

  • @antelopepicturez
    @antelopepicturez Рік тому

    Great job buddy , I wish to work with you one , I'm a cinematographer from uganda

  • @lester-vision7429
    @lester-vision7429 Рік тому

    💯💯
    💯

  • @javebjorkman
    @javebjorkman 2 роки тому

    How many days did you shoot and how many actors? We’re budgeting a short film ourselves and there’s no way we can do it under $100K. Where are you cutting your costs lol

    • @spensersakurai
      @spensersakurai  2 роки тому +1

      About 5 principal days and a few pick up days. Lots of trades and half rates from my friends, since it’s a personal project. No sag actors. And loaned camera gear. I called in ALL the favors on this one. I could easily seeing this being double what it cost if there weren’t favors.

    • @javebjorkman
      @javebjorkman Рік тому

      @@spensersakurai dude, thanks for answering this. I need friends like yours 😅

  • @litehartstudiosllc.5941
    @litehartstudiosllc.5941 Рік тому

    🙌👏

  • @MPAflix
    @MPAflix 2 роки тому

    Wow, this is no longer a low budget film anymore.

  • @stevedoesnt
    @stevedoesnt Рік тому

    Wtf. You’re on the corner right next to my studio. Are you from OK?