The penning of “Shakespeare’s Dilemma” was mostly completed in an afternoon.  From the comfort of my van (waiting for my wife to conclude some shopping) I wrote most of the less-than-epic story in pencil on some folded pieces of typing paper. Though smudged—this may account for some of the peculiar phrasing—I was nevertheless able to enter the script into my computer, generating a workable first draft spanning some sixteen pages. This is when the real work started, or so I thought.

The writing of the script was actually the easy part. When I approached John C. Lyons with the idea of using it to make a film, he readily agreed. He urged me to complete it quickly, which I did, and work—the really real work—soon began. The real work is the process of turning the script into a film. The unbelievable dedication and participation of the actors, and of course, the director—Mr. Lyons—cannot be overstated.  As the author of the script I am gratified to see such unbridled enthusiasm from my coworkers and fellow thespians.  To you all I bend an appreciative knee (feel free to imagine the graceful flutter of my right hand).

Prior to the first day of shooting, my impression as an actor was that I would have to memorize all my lines, and the scene would be shot in one continuous clip. Sure, we might have to try a couple times to get it right, but John would say “Go”, and everything would just happen.

Wrong.

The making of a film, as I learned, is a painstaking and very detail-oriented process. A shot here, a line there, change angles, now do it again. Good, but try it this way. Now wait while the camera is moved, etc. etc. All the while the director carefully eyes the background, lighting, noises, positioning, and a thousand other details. Now you say your line again—incorrectly, so try again. Two hours later you have filmed thirty seconds worth of usable footage. 

And that’s on a good day.

Shakespeare's Dilemma in the words of writer William R. Vitanyi, Jr.