Directing 800+ People for 1 Shot!

16 or 17 years ago I was an assistant director on a short film that took place in high school. I was in charge of directing all the background extras which meant I had to direct all the high school students that filled the hallways and the soccer fields.

Fast forward to last week where I had to direct an entire assembly of 800+ students and faculty to chant a song as the final shot of a video I am producing for Appleby College.

Funny story, but it's been a few years since I was teaching younger students that don't just call me "Eric" and instead use "Mr. Chan". So when I first stepped up in the photo below to introduce myself, I had a brain fart and forgot what my last name was and had to think about it for a second or two that felt like an eternity.... resulting in an awkward silence between me and 800+ people.

So yeah, if you were there and was wondering why I stumbled through my introduction, it wasn't because I was nervous, it was because I forgot my name. :P

Also, my name is printed on a sticker on my shirt which adds to the embarrassment.