Hearing your unique stories and on set experiences is fascinating. It’s like standing around one big craft services table!
This Week’s Comments
Thank you to everyone this week for leaving thoughtful and informed comments! Here are this week’s five comments in no particular order:
1. FB On The Steven Spielberg Three Step Guide to Rejection
Persistence, in my (few years and not American) experience, is exactly what sets apart the ones who really really really (3 times) want to be in this industry and those who, simply put, don’t, even if they think they do. I’ve met some who seemed to be extremely passionate about “cinema” and then gave up after spending 2 days on set, not to mention those who decided they had had enough of it all, after years of actually being in the industry, and moved to different careers.
2. Thadeus on Learning to Limp By the Long Days
I managed to break my foot heading to a set back in November. I got to set, finished the work, packed up and went home. The very next day I was gripping on the set of a music video. Hadn’t had time to get to the emergency room, so I put on my boots and went to work. After a week I finally got to the emergency room and got put in a walking boot. Which I paired with a cane and worked normally. Then came a damn hard day on set.
When a shoot day starts with your walking boot snapping in half, and having to get one of the actors to drive you to the emergency room 3 blocks away, you’re in for a rough damn day. It ended up being about 17 hours, all taking place in a tiny, cramped apartment that we could barely fit all our gear into. It was hot, stuffy, and we didn’t get to eat much. By the 14th hour, we were all snapping at each other. But do you know what? Now I look at that as one of the most rewarding days of filming I’ve had. It’s the type of day on set that will either prove you to be a filmmaker, or let you know you’re in the wrong business. If your shoots are consistently going completely smoothly, you’re not taking enough risks.
3. Phil Jackson on Learning to Limp By the Long Days
Yeah, we all have those moments when we ask, “Why am I here putting up with this?” and there are days where you think, “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but here.”
4. Teddysmith on The Lazy Way to Take Your Own Production Stills
Hey you might want to ask a producer for permission first. Many movies are extremely paranoid about on set photos. I have witnessed an intern get threatened with a lawsuit just for bringing his camera on set. When working as a set stills photographer, I am often explicitly warned against giving out any photos of the crew. I used to at least try to get permission and give out photos as gifts but it became such a hassle I don’t even do it anymore. If a crew member asks me to snap a photo I have to tell them to find someone else to take it because it might be months before I could release it.
5. Ryan Parkins on 5 Rules to Help You Dress for Success On Film Sets
First day of filming and it’s sunny. I never thought I would need to buy a hat in England.
– via Twitter
Help Me Help You
Instead of asking you to comment on a boring article, tell me what you want to read about.
Please e-mail me what topics you would like to see covered on The Black and Blue!
Is there a question you’ve always had? A piece of gear you’re not sure how to use? Does set etiquette confuse you?
No topic is too basic, no question too dumb. Help me help you and tell me what’s important to you.