The
last 4 weeks have really been interesting and a new experience in my film
studies career. Baby Oil was
my first non-student/recreational film. It was also the first film I worked on
that was filmed outside. When we first started I didn’t know what to expect.
The video tutorials were helpful in explaining what a grip worker does and how
the equipment they use works. Some of the information from the tutorials I
already knew from past experience in my high school film classes such as how to
properly wrap cables and technical terms like saying “Strike” when turning on a
light. One of the most helpful things I learned was how to use c – stands.
Before watching the videos I thought they were used to hold lights in certain
positions. After watching the videos I now know that they can be used to hold
just about anything from lights to flags to props etc. During the week we
filmed I used c – stands to build a sound barrier for the generator and a canopy
to keep the actresses and the camera cool. In addition to grip work, I also
worked as a temporary 1st and 2nd AC where I helped move
a dolly on track and took down camera reports. In the future I would like to
take on more 1s AC duties. Watching Adam doing the rack focus on the
dolly looked like something that I would want to do.
There
is so much more I could talk about but I’m going to wrap things up. I am
thankful that I was selected to work on this project and being a part of a
hardworking and friendly crew. I am also thankful about how kind and
considerate everyone was when I needed to be with my dad because of his heart
problems. Even though there were several hiccups with the weather, younger
cast, and cranky neighbors I would say it was a positive learning experience.
Going forward I now have some experience that I hope to put to use on other
productions.
