behind the scenes

[taragolden]

Im interested in talking to other filmmakers who have done behind the scenes work. Can you tell me about your experiences?
I am about to start my second behind the scenes project and am open to imput from others who have done it.

[miker]

what do you mean by "behind the scenes work"?

you got a job as a runner on a film set?

whatever, a few simple rules:

SAFETY FIRST!

1. don't be an ass

2. most technicians will be nice to you because they never know when they may be working for you

3. some high-ranking over-pressured types will be assholes because they never know when you'll be after their job

4. there will be rubbish everywhere. you'll get used to it

5. respect protocol

6. wear black/dark clothes

7. learn from other people's mistakes (or triumphs)

it really depends what sort of shoot you're on though. a union shoot will be more comfortable than a student shoot in most cases.

[occasus]

some high-ranking over-pressured types will be assholes

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">no shit [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[Chance1234]

1. Respect the Hierarchy, don't be surprised to be told to f*ck off if you interupt the wrong person and the wrong time

2. Get yourself a decent tourch if its a studio shoot, 6 Cell Maglites are reserved however for the DOP and the Director.

3. Experienced crew wear the cheap gloves from the hardware store, they laugh at crew who go out and buy expensive gloves, especially when at the end of the day they are in tatters.

4. Depending on what you are doing, a toolbelt can be a god send.

5. As Miker says where dark clothing and learn how to be invisible, especially handy when the stedicam opp decides to go wandering.

6. Good tea and coffee skills go along way.

7. Expect to get dirty , how we laugh at the TV people in their designer clothes getting covered in sh*t.

8. Expect to have long waits, (two days sitting on a tail gate of a lighting Van doing jack all)

9. Sob stories have all been heard before, learn to sit quietly in the corner and bleed if neccesary.

10. DONT EVER BE FRIGGIN LATE!

11. Fresh faced crew who come springing onto set all skippy and happy, do not go down well with the guys who are on there X 18th hour day.

12. If its not your job, dont touch it, pick it , push it, pull it.

13. Your not their for your opinion, you are there to do a job.

14. Make sure you know your lingo, so when the DOP says hes shagged the redhead and popped the bubble on the blonde, you dont go on to tell your latest sexual adventure.

15. Be a smoker, thats the only way you will find out what is really going on.

16. If its a big shoot, and your name is not on one of the monitors in the monitor village, then live with it. if its a small shoot, if you try and get a peak on the monitor and you have no reason to, be prepared to be told to f*ck off.

17. Dont get in the way, when the camera guys pick up and move!

18. A pocket full of sugary sweets will win you friends and influences.

19. If you go out drinking with the crew inbetween days shooting, make sure you can do your job the next day and not late. Grips and Armourers are especially heavy drinkers. Dont play with the big boys unless you can ride without stabilisers.

20. Safety, dont put it at risk. a recent shoot i was on , the AD asked us to go down into a basement , which was filled with stagnant water and rotting paper. His request was met with a f*ck off , get us some gas mask and we will go down. one frantic call to the producer and a runner sent off moment later and we got our gas masks.

21. Watch your fluids!

[jb_617]

You are not allowed to punch the principle cast members during a shoot. A black eye/broken jaw really screws up the continuity. Wait until they're drunk at the wrap party, follow them into the toilets and then administer a swift beating.

Even if they've done nothing wrong, you know they deserve it.


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That was a joke.

[twister!]

Are you speaking from experience there jb.....?

[jb_617]

I have only ever wanted to hit one actor I've worked with. But I didn't as we only had two days left on the film. I have vowed never to work with him again though.


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Make me angry, I love it when I'm angry.

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ January 07, 2005 08:32 AM: Message edited by: jb. ]</font>

[taragolden]

oops. There was a communication error. Thanks guys for all the tips but I dont think you've got what I meant. I am shooting behind the scenes FILMS about the production or film festival.
I was just wondering if anyone else had done so.

[Andy.tom]

Do you mean extras for a DVD or a documentary about making films?