What I’d give to travel in the past to the exact moment I stepped on a film set for the first time. As I walked through the set, there was a genuine feeling of fascination and the keen bite of anticipation and fear.
I remember how my mind surged with curiosity and filled with questions like a balloon.
Over the course of the shoot, I was given answers and my fears were quelled, but the memory of those first few days are still crisp as fresh lettuce. In particular, among the millions of other questions racing through my head, there was one that stuck out.
I couldn’t help but wonder: “What do all these people…do?”
On the Outside Looking In
From an outside perspective, where I had been, the film set is a strange world populated by a complex hierarchy of talented crew. Figuring out what’s going on can be an overwhelming prospect.
When that question was finally answered for me, my entire perspective of filmmaking changed. Suddenly those random names in the credits became personalized and finding out who does what helped me figure out how films get made.
But that first day, I needed something like a crew diagram to help me navigate through the set.
And now I’ve created my own.
Inspired by Oliver Stapleton’s idea of diagramming a production still, I’ve taken five photos from various sets and labeled each one for your entertainment — or education.
(Click to enlarge any of the photos)
1. Shooting Exteriors for a Short Film
From the short film “Heather” shot in Richmond, VA. This particular day was hot and noisy — two elements that seem to appear wherever film productions may be.
2. The Set During Arrival Time
This photo gives a good glimpse into what it’s like when you first arrive on set: a lot of people doing nothing and just as many people doing something.
3. Scene with Dolly Track
The following picture is a continuation of the one from above and shows the other side of the narrow street. Notice the pink tape on the wheels for dolly marks.
4. During a scene on “Ghosts Don’t Exist”
It’s not everyday that you have a professional football player like Chris Cooley arrive on your set. It’s also not everyday the same person happens to be the Executive Producer.
5. On the Set of “Below the Beltway”
Below the Beltway was one of the first features I ever did and at times it challenged my ability to sleep. Exhibit A: this picture was taken around 3 A.M.
Did You Like These Pictures?
If you enjoyed looking at these, let me know in the comments if you thought they were cool or please hit that “Like” button on the left and I will do more if the response is strong.
In the meantime, you can see more great production stills submitted by you or even learn how to take some of your own.