Yeah I was into organizing the whole production, which although I know nothing of producing would have made me a sort of producer, but I got the sense that people weren't really into it, that they were being nice - a prevalent insecurity. It was only after I made the decision and filled out the forms to transfer that I understood people were actually serious and even passionate about making the film, and I had to let them know I was leaving.
And so I thought it was dead in the water, and I knew I couldn't adapt the story to fit where I was going (Chicago). But apparently a wonderful time was being had throughout the production. So I really have no idea what would be different about the film if I had stayed. The key thing that was switched in the script: I had John, whose sister it was that died, tell Stephen, here boyfriend, that he loved him. It was a sort of exclamation point to the story, but maybe for some reason it didn't work out.
In any case, I think they did a great job considering it was many/all of our first times making a film - but you're right. The sound I think was a red flag early for other viewers as well. They hammer it into you early that bad sound is one of the first things you have to overcome.
But hey I don't know how far my orchestrations would've gone. Directing, even producing, would likely prove to be an exhausting juggling act in my case. But thank you for watching it, and for the feedback. I hadn't even noticed the lack of close ups - which shows how dull the eye can get.