yep, i was afraid that the realistic answer is that ultimately, especially for a short, i will not have much control over it regardless.
so i think i'm gonna use the lenses i want, get the look i want, worry about the acting, then put it in a an envelope, mail it and pray to the independent film Gods that it looks as good as it can when people see it.
if only the independent film Gods financed films...
thanks david!