Baby Oil Reflection

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 1^st and 2^nd AC where I helped move a dolly on track and took down camera reports. In the future I would like to take on more 1^s 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.