ChomPics Guest Post - Brianna McAuliffe, "Pressed" Episode 2 Director

Hello readers. My name is Brianna McAuliffe and I was the Director for episode 2 of “Pressed.”

It was almost exactly a year ago that I was working as an assistant director for “Off University” episode 2. It was one of my best college experiences I had been apart of so far. I had the opportunity to meet and work with so many amazing individuals and it was a great opportunity to collaborate and work with other students on the production.

When this year came around I knew that I wanted the chance to kick it up a notch and be able to direct an episode of this year's web series “Pressed.” Going into this project I knew it was going to be a lot of work, but I also knew that there was an absolutely terrific crew to work with, and the reward of seeing everyone’s reaction and hear their responses to a project that we have all put so much work into would make it completely worthwhile.

I have always had a passion for the world of production ever since I was young and I am so thankful to have the chance to work with ChomPics on “Pressed” in order to hone my skills once again. The process of creating this episode dealt with many laughs, and bloopers, and even some frustrating moments, but out of the frustration came excellence.

To say that the cast and crew of episode 2 of “Pressed” are unique is an understatement. Micaela Fagan was literally the perfect Amy. No matter how many times we asked her to sing a song about the Speak Cheesy to the tune of cabaret, she brought out her inner Sally Bowles every single time. The same goes for the rest of the cast. Every time I would say “One more shot,” which would end up being 5 more shots, everyone was an ease to work with and would bring the star power each time.

Some of my favorite moments on set was when Mitchell Kerby (Jack of all Trades) decided he would climb to the top of a very tall tree and chant the hymns of cheese lovers. This ended up resulting in the absolutely perfect comedic moment that would make it into the final cut without a doubt. Another moment was when the entire crew looked on as Zak Dahlheimer, who plays the pleasantly lactose intolerant Paulie, was drenched by a squirt bottle filled with water to replicate the image of a nervous sweat. Even though it was a squirt bottle we were using, it didn’t seem to be getting the right look for the drenched back of the shirt we were looking for. In order to get the right look we ended up taking the whole bottle of water and dumping it on his back. Not to mention it was kind of cold outside, but Zak was a trooper and took on his part with stride. Thanks Zak!!!

I know I’ve said it before but being able to work on this episode was an absolute honor and I had such an amazing time directing and working with the cast and crew. Memories were made that I will never forget and they will forever be encapsulated in episode 2 of “Pressed.” If you want to see what memories I am talking about be sure to go check out episode 2 which is now up on YouTube! I am definitely planning on working with ChomPics again next year to make some more memories!

#chompics #gatornbs #pressed #briannamcauliffe