On-Set Production – ‘Breathe’ Camera Department Meeting
On-Set ProductionOn November 7th, Gus, Joseph, and I met online for a camera department meeting for the short film ‘Breathe’. Gus wanted to have a meeting to discuss on-set responsibilities, roles, and workflow. The production group and Gus want to prioritise working to a professional, industry standard so he wanted to discuss how the camera department would operate prior to arriving on set.
As the 1st AC, my job is primarily to set-up the camera whilst Gus discusses lighting, framing, and shots with the director Luca. Gus also wants me to pull focus for each of the shots using the wireless follow focus, which is something I am nervous for as I haven’t used it before – or been a focus puller on set. It will however be a great opportunity as I will have to adapt and learn quickly in order to not hold up the production schedule – and also gain proficiency in a new piece of film equipment. It wasn’t discussed in the meeting, but I assume I will also be responsible for maintaining the camera report and notes for post-production.
Joseph as the 2nd AC and gaffer/grip is focusing on enhancing the lighting in the corner shop and also taking responsibility for the clapperboard. We will be relying on each other to troubleshoot any potential camera or lighting issues before going to Gus with any questions in order to streamline the production schedule. We are limited by the hours we are permitted to film in the corner shop, so we need to set-up quickly and move seamlessly between shots.
Location Recce Reference Pictures
Gus, Luca, and Jack visited the corner shop to complete a recce prior to the shoot on the 14th and 15th. Below are the images Gus sent into our camera department group chat. I think they’re a great visual reference and it’s encouraging to see how interesting the images look even without additional film lighting and negative fill. They used the app Magic Cinema Viewfinder to create a cinematic frame.
I am looking forward to being on the shoot for Breathe as I haven’t had the chance to be a 1st AC before and prioritise working directly with the camera. It’s also a new type of location I haven’t been in for a film set and it will be insightful to see how Luca and Gus work through observation.