Guerrilla Film Making - What if...why not? When shooting a no-budget film, a team that embraces acceptance, flexibility and ingenuity are paramount. Our creative team was a Director, Screenwriter and Lead Actor who took over the duties of every required crew member. We had intended the initial rehearsal to be as close to the real shoot as possible. Supportive friends donated lighting and lent us a professional camera for the run through. Our talented DP appeared miraculously through a chance encounter one week earlier, thanks to Yahoo Personals! As equipment is quietly snuck in to a residential high rise, tropical storm winds suck our special helium balloon props across Tampa Bay. The camera arrives with the note, "Sorry..was dropped the day before...doesn't playback...should be ok for recording purposes." With only 8' ceilings, a sound boom couldn't be used. Just the night before, the actors improv'd their way through the 10 minute script to try and get it below 5 minutes. Minutes tick by as everyone awaits the late arrival of the minimalist wardrobe for the star. There had been no time for fittings. It finally shows up, but barely, as it shrunk in the wash and does not even come close to fitting. Our sympathetic DP runs for replacement balloons and camera while we create an outfit for "Mom" that she has to be literally sewn into. We learned Final Cut Pro while editing this rehearsal footage and were completely surprised when it revealed a film short worthy of film festival acceptance. Expect the unexpected and rejoice!