Throughout the first semester, I have been asked to crew for several shoots.
The first shoot I was a part of was Tom Chimiak's film, 'A Creative Interpretation...'
Being the first 3rd year shoot I was on, I was initially extremely nervous as I had never worked with the crew members, and I did not know how they worked (for example, if they are laid back or strict etc). However, after I had been introduced to all of the crew, I found that working with them was extremely easy and comfortable: I was able to ask them any questions when I needed help, and they were all a joy to work with.
My role for the shoot was runner/stills. I used a Canon 5D to take stills of the shoot, which was an amazing experience! I first found using the Canon complicated, nevertheless, as soon I came to terms with the technical aspect of photography, I loved taking the photos and exploring with the focus lengths etc. From this shoot, I decided to research into photography and cameras, and learn the technical aspect of photography.
SHOOT FINISHED: 2PM
TOTAL HOURS: 4hours
The next third year I crewed for was Daniel Latham's production, 'Percussion'.
I was originally asked to be a Runner for Daniel, meaning I had to help him carry items, make teas and coffee, clean up after the shoot and help set up kit. However, after I had created the set design for the first scene (Doctors office), Daniel asked me to be the Art Director - meaning that I created all of the set design before the crew filmed there, which saved valuable time and gave me the opportunity to work to the best of my abilities independently whilst the rest of the crew were filming the other scenes.
The above photo is the set design I did at the 3rd location, where the kitchen had to represent an untidy male with too much on his mind to bother about household cleaning.
I really enjoyed the role of Art Director - it gave me freedom to work how I wanted, but still had the opinions from the DOP (Simon Hill) and 1st AD (Kieran Sadler) to base my set design on.
The 2 day shoot was a great success, and I enjoyed working alongside the third years as it gave me a perspective into how professional film makers work.
UNIT CALL DAY 1: 8AM
SHOOT FINISHED: 19:00PM
TOTAL HOURS: 11hours
UNIT CALL DAY 2: 8AM
SHOOT FINISHED: 19:30PM
TOTAL HOURS: 11.5hours
The 3rd shoot I was asked to be a part of was Chris Yarwood's film, 'Times Up'.
I thoroughly enjoyed being on Chris' shoot: I learnt the true meaning of being a runner, and learnt how to make conversation with the actors whilst they were preparing to be on set - a valuable asset to learn for future productions!
UNIT CALL: 10AM
SHOOT FINISHED: 20:30PM
TOTAL HOURS: 8.5hours
The final shoot I was on was Jamie Sergeants production.
Jamie's film was in two locations; in a local club in Hanley town centre, and a newly built home in Stoke-on-Trent.
I was the runner and clapper loader for Jamie's shoot, which I had never done before. I am extremely thankful for the chance to be a clapper loader, as I was concerned that I was become confused with the shots/takes etc, however, I found it extremely easy, and enjoyed working closely with the 1st AD, Alex Kingham. Jamie's use of organisational tools - such as an iPad app that plans out your shoot - meant that I could refer back to the iPad if I couldn't remember what shot was next. I really enjoyed the rush of being a clapper loader and the opportunity to work with the brilliant actors Jamie had cast - I would love to work with both the crew and cast in future productions!
Overall, I have learnt invaluable advice, tips and experience from being on each third year shoot. I have learnt the true meaning of being a runner, how to create set design, and how to be a clapper loader. I also learnt how to make conversation with actors whilst they are preparing to go onto set, which is something I struggled with in the past.
Furthermore, I learnt the roles of the crew and what it means to be them, for example: the directors role on the day of the shoot is to inform the cast of what is happening, and making sure they are okay. The 1st Assistant Director, on the other hand, takes complete control of the shoot - directing the rest of the crew with what they need to do next, handling the petty cash for any items needed to be bought, and setting up shots in the appropriate order. Once that is complete, the director asks for quiet on set, and says action once the clapper, camera and audio are ready.
Learning the definitions of each role will help me immensely when directing my own shoot or being an Assistant Director for someone else's and I now know what my job consists of and how to approach it correctly.
UNIT CALL: 11AM
SHOOT FINISHED: 20:30PM
TOTAL HOURS: 9.5hours
COMPLETE TOTAL HOURS: 44.5hours/80hours
UPDATE: So after selling ourselves to all of the third years, I've been asked to crew for a total of 15 films. Hooray! Unfortunately, due to having an operation during the shoot period (just my luck), I can only say yes to a handful, and I'm working on pre production for most. Here are the hours I have collected so far:
HOURS SO FAR:
Alex Kingham: 4hours (meetings) 9:30hours (test shoots) 1 hour (storyboards/shot ideas) 1:30hours (set design preshoot) 10hours (shoot day 1) 10 hours (shoot day 2)
Mat Thompson: 4:30 hours (meetings) 8 hours (storyboarding) 20 minutes (props list -referring to script)
Shelbie Wark: 2 hours (meetings)
Paul Atkinson: 1:30hours (meetings)
Jamie Sergeant: 1 hour (meetings) 1 hour (reading script + feedback) 14 hours (shoot)
Tom Chimiak: 1 hour (meetings) 1 hour (test shoot)
Peter Crees: 45 minutes (meetings)
Will Alcock (B.T.S): 2 hours (behind the scenes)
Dean Batty: 1 hour (meetings)
Chris Yarwood: 10 hours (shoot day 1) 7 hours 10 minutes (shoot day 2)
Total hours in 2nd semester: 91hours 45 minutes
Complete total hours in whole academic year: 136hours 15 minutes/80 hours
Alex Kingham:
For Alex, I was hugely pre-production based. I helped organise set design, did location reccee's, draw some shot ideas, work on test shoots, help with the script, and be on 2 of the 4 days of filming.
Alex's film was based on the story of two brothers who were constantly competing against each other, which always left one brother the loser. With a love of cars, the boys have a battle (in a dream) at a go-karting experience day, where they fight for the love of a girl and most importantly, the victory of the win.
On the 2 days I was on shoot, I was clapper loader, continuity, set design and stills. It was a great experience - I've had the role of set design once before, but this time I had to transform an empty hallway into an office, which I believe I did well. I was also clapper loader, which meant I always had to keep focus on what was happening, as well as keeping check of continuity issues.
Tom Chimiak:
For Tom Chimiak, I was the stills photographer for his test shoot. Unfortunately, due to my operation, I could not be on his shoot - however, I still managed to attend a meeting where I gave him many ideas about his film which he has taken into production (scenarios in which you'd hear music that he could re-create).
Mat Thompson:
For Mat Thompson, I had the role of storyboard artist and set design. Although I couldn't be on shoot, I helped Mat by making a list of props he needed, including costume, for his shoot.
The storyboards took around 2 days to complete. I tried to make them as detailed as possible, and give the appropriate direction where needed for the crew. I loved doing the storyboards (although they took so long!) as I enjoy drawing in general (I took Art&Design for GCSE and A-Level, obtaining 2 A*'s, 2 A's and a C for GSCE) and liked planning shots out in sketches rather than blocking through.
Jamie Sergeant:
For Jamies shoot, I was given the role as camera assist, which involved changing lenses, batteries, holding the camera, clapper loader, and I even did some filming. I was admittedly nervous, as I know nothing about lenses etc - however, this shoot has given me plenty of experience in regards to camera work, which I needed greatly. We met at 8am, then drove to the location in Stoke-on-Trent. The location was a scout camp with wall climbing activities, walking trails and streams. Luckily, we were given a cabin that had electricity and toilets, so we had a base to eat our food/have drinks in. Working alongside the camera operator, I found it helpful to ask questions and learn from the experience, giving me an insight into the camera side of the production process.
Chris Yarwood:
For Chris Yarwoods 2 day shoot, I was firstly a runner/stills. I picked up actors, made sure everyone was nourished, took production stills, helped with kit, charging batteries etc and generally helping wherever I could. I found that my main role as the Runner was to keep the actors happy whilst they weren't on shoot (having conversations with them, keeping them busy etc).
However, on the 2nd day of the shoot, I took the role as First Assistant Director. I absolutely loved being 1st AD, as I haven't had much experience in this role, and found it to be something I enjoyed thoroughly. I managed to get the shoot finished 3 and a half hours before planned, kept the actors happy, planned lunch/breaks, planned when the actors going home. I found that I took to the role well - I (hopefully) kept the enthusiasm going to the crew members and cast, but made sure everything was done on schedule and everything was running smoothly for Chris. I absolutely loved this role, and would love to try it out again!
EVALUATION OF CREWING MODULE:
The crewing module was designed to give us an insight into working on more professional shoots, as well as helping us learn how to properly network amongst potential clients.
The first aspect of the module was do have a 'meet and greet' meeting with the Level 6 students, and sell ourselves as good crew members. Initially I was nervous, as my weakest point is selling myself. However, because I already speak to and are friends with some people in level 6, I found it must easier than anticipated. Furthermore, I found my strengths whilst pitching myself: I have a strong art background (5 GCSE's and 2 A-Levels in Art & Design alone), I had already worked on third year sets and knew how to act responsibly, I'm dedicated in what I do (wanting to learn about photography, lighting etc) and honest about what I can and cannot do. This helped me immensely, as I was aware of my strengths and weaknesses, so could play them to my advantage. Although some meetings were intimidating, I felt like I sold myself to the best of my abilities, and showed them my dedication to my work.
I was asked on a total of 14 shoots, and said yes to 9. Unfortunately, I had an operation during the level 6's shoot week, meaning I had to pull out of a lot of shoots. However, I worked a lot of pre-production, so I didn't miss out on getting hours. I was disappointed that I could not attend the shoots, but it was an unavoidable and unfortunate event that I could not postpone.
In pre-production, I helped Mat Thomspon with storyboards. Although they took 2 days, I absolutely loved doing them, and it rekindled my love with art. Furthermore, I took part in many location reccee's (including a Go-Karting place for Alex Kingham), and test shoots. Whilst there, I took stills, filmed behind-the-scenes footage, and helped where ever I could.
Being on the shoots gave me invaluable experience. I learnt how to do set design, continuity, storyboards, clapper, runner, camera assist, stills photographer, behind-the-scenes camera operator and much more. Although I was nervous, I took each task on and learnt a lot from it. Each experience has given me an insight into what the film industry is really like, and how to make your way to the top. I assumed that I would be a runner for all shoots I was on (as I'm a year below them, and thought I wouldn't be higher up in the ranks), however, I was always doing more than a runner, and helped in all aspects of production, which led to me learn more things.
My last crewing role was to be 1st Assistant Director for Chris Yarwood's production, 'Rooms'. I absolutely loved being on this shoot - I learnt the craft of directing, working closely with the DOP and Director, managing a whole crew and cast, as well as making sure everything ran smoothly and efficiently. It was a great experience, and I have learnt a new love for ADing.
From being on these shoots, I have learnt that I have to delve into the things that scare me the most to get over them - for example, camera assisting. I was terrified to even touch a lens beforehand, and didn't know how to change them. Now, I can change them easily and I'm learning more about lenses everyday.
In conclusion, I believe that this module was extremely beneficial in both my experience and confidence, as I have learnt a lot about myself and how much I can actually do.
