What skills does someone need for a filmmaking career?
Twelve- to fourteen-hour days are standard. Some days are 16 hours. I get paid overtime after eight hours and double time after 10 hours. A typical work day starts at 5:00 a.m., and I get home around 8:00 p.m. The set provides the food service. On a typical morning, I get on the set, turn off house lights and turn on the safety lights. When the chief lighting tech says to turn on light 115, I turn it on. I sit at the board all day. I also take lots of notes. When the scene happens, I document everything. I watch on my own video monitor. I’m a second set of eyes, and I listen to what’s happening on the set. I anticipate what we need to do next and listen to what the DP and the gaffer are saying over the headphones. On location, I get paid for time commuting as well. I get paid for “idle days” when we’re not working.
