It's a given that your first few days (maybe even weeks) on a film set will be super uncomfortable and incredibly intimidating. No matter what your background experiences or education have been - you will not be prepared for such an alien-like environment - nothing can even remotely compare to film crews. However, never fear FILM CREW 101; Tips, Tricks and Secrets to Success from Motion Picture Professionals is available to guide you with giant knowledge. Going in knowing what this one-of-a-kind-book teaches will have you in the groove and in the know in a fraction of the time it will take others! Then simply, "Enjoy the ride, because if you stick with it, it will be one hell of a ride."
WHO'S WHO on the film crew and what we do clearly defines and describes the different departments involved in the production of a job, titles of those in each department, job descriptions, responsibilities, etc... The departments featured are: the Assistant Directors, Art, Camera, Set Lighting, Grips, Locations, Props, Script Supervisor, Sound, Transportation, Special Effects, Hair and Make-up, Video Assist and Wardrobe. HOT TIPS; set etiquette/set savvy is an invaluable section dedicated to educate newcomers to the unspoken, unwritten rules of the film set. "Although film is a creative art, there must exist a personal sense of order to become and remain successful; respect the chain-of-command, care for the equipment you use daily, be aware of others' needs, display self discipline when working in the Circus, so as to not behave like one of the clowns." Knowing where to be, where not to be, where to stand, where not to stand, etc ... is critical information you won't learn anywhere else (other than breaking the rules on Set, looking like a moron, being embarrassed and possibly sent home). SLANGUAGE; industry words and terms – Kill the Baby! Actual words heard almost every day on film sets. The Motion Picture industry uses a peculiar method of communicating. “You'll be shocked to learn that in all the years and thousands of hours I've spent on Sets, I've yet to hear, Lights. Camera. Action,” Peter Clarson affirms. “These familiar words evolved a long time ago and somehow survived to the present. Today, shooting begins with a single command from the 1st AD, Roll Camera. Action is still Action and Cut means Cut. Crew members are mute in-between those two orders.”
On the other side of Cut and Action, a curious mangling of the English language occurs. Reference the definitions of over 400 weird and wacky words spoken on film sets daily in this handy dictionary-style section. Words like apple box, martini, grace, single phase, abby, fire watch, honey wagon, magic hour, walk and talk, going again, company move ... ON THE ROAD; travel tips is a helpful section that lists what to pack, what not to pack, how to prepare for everything, alternate accommodations, laundry ideas, etc ... Traveling away from home to work on a film job is not the same as being on vacation. Learn super slick ideas to look like a pro when you go! CALL SHEETS; daily work map details two true call sheets explaining what these valuable pieces of information hold and how to read it - where to be, what time to be there, day's shooting schedule, who's working/who's not, where to park, scene #'s, breakfast, advance schedule, etc ... This is something you probably didn't learn in film school and you certainly didn't learn it in a previous vocation. WALKIE TALK; communication skills - All crew members carry a walkie-talkie - everyone. Each department has a designated channel and we utilize these walkie-talkies to help us be stealth, better, faster and more efficient. Learn how to communicate before a walkie-talkie is handed to you and you're told, "We're on channel 7." TOOLS of the trade lists all of the tools crew members in specific departments should show up to work carrying. If you show up without some type of tool that's standard to your job - you can bet - you'll be asked for it and frowned at when you have to admit, "I don't have it. I didn't know ..." INTERNS & PAs; wise advice is a marvelous section brought to you by those who
have been there, done that. Read these Cliff Notes from Industry pros who share what to know before you arrive to work - day 1 - and impress your peers right off the bat! SAFETY is no accident will equip you with knowledge regarding the hazards that do present themselves on the set - yes, sometimes, it can be dangerous, but if you have a sense of what to expect and how to prepare for specific situations, you have no worries. REEL RESUMES; how to build one is a practical section focusing on smart ideas for writing, creating and presenting yourself and your credentials. Mainstream seeks a particular look for resumes - the film industry prefers something totally different. Additionally, learn phone skills when calling Production offices and awesome tips to use when you're face to face at an interview. PROFILES; professionals share their stories is inspiring, fun, encouraging and informative. Read Pros answers to questions such as - How did you get your start? How is the film business different today than when you started? Do you feel the differences are good? What's the best compliment on your style? Most memorable compliment? Insult? What's your favorite part about the business? Least favorite part? Name a favorite job and why. What advice can you give to Industry newcomers? and more...
Andy Stefanek wrote: “FILM CREW 101 is great! Peter, you've set the perfect tone in its writing ... very informative but also entertaining. I think it fits well with the personalities who will be reading it. Let's face it, we (film crew) are a bit off-kilter in our lifestyle and our humor. If we weren't, we'd all be wearing business suits! I believe this is a winner!" (Among numerous other projects, Andy spent two years working for world broadcast as Sound Mixer for the Saddam Hussain trial. His PROfile is featured in FILM CREW 101; Tips, Tricks and Secrets for Success from Motion Picture Professionals.)
