2.1 Explain the working culture of the film industry

The working culture of the film industry is very demanding and hugely competitive. The working environment for this industry is busy and hours are varied depending on how each day goes. Long hours are common and are spent on the planning, preparation and the production of the film like the editing. Travel can vary sometimes you’ll be in easily accessible locations and other times you’ll be in remote areas which can be only accessed through driving which owning/being able to drive can be an important factor in film as it makes you a reliable person. Freelance workers are very common as productions tend to be temporary rather than permanent which is less common. Negatives can be that work is dependant on your network, ‘your network is your networth’.

Doing all the production process I learnt there are a few basic foundation to working in the film industry, this is focus, dedication and professionalism. With these you are set, but the film industry is always evolving so you need to know how to adapt to different situations this means taking initiative where required. Knowing your specialism and what your good at is important to having clarity as to what the next steps are. Good time management and effective communication skills are extremely important.

2.2 Describe a range of key job roles and responsibilities in the film industry

https://www.screenskills.com/education-training/job-profiles/technical/camera/

Camera operator-The camera operator manage the camera equipment and for set up and operation. This role includes managing everything camera wise including parts such as lenses and filters organising items so that they can efficiently do their job. A lot of experience is required to be a camera operator and they need to adapt to the trends and styles of film in order to ‘keep up to date’ with the industry.

Producer-the producer is responsible for everyone on set, they manage everything on set and off set including crew, budget, the locations, editing, producing the script and more. They have a big responsibility and have to be able to adapt to the various aspects of production and decisions made on and off set.

Director-The director is responsible for the overall production of the film. The director has the vision of the film and helps crew to understand this vision so they can carry out their job role. A director works in the centre during the film production, in documentary production one person does the job of director and producer as the teams are usually fairly small.

Editor-The editor is responsible for editing the film. They have overall control over the editing process and how to professionally edit a film however the producer makes the overall conclusion of what content is used. The editor in the film industry needs a fair amount of experience as their skill set in editing is very valuable and important and how well the film turns out is down to them. They need to be able to handle pressure and meet deadlines.

Sound Recordist-The sound recordist is responsible for sound mixing on set. They are responsible for recording sound as clear and crisp as possible and have the skills to change sound levels based on the environment. They work closely with the camera operator to monitor the levels.

2.3 Potential progression routes into the film industry and wider sector

I have learnt that nowadays there are far more opportunities for someone to do an apprenticeship relating to a role in the media industry. I learnt from Elias the UWE course is also very good and useful for the knowledge, skills and experience you gain to boost your potential in the industry. I have been on both the Bristol bfi and the London camp which I have learnt so much about film and the different job roles, I’ve met some really great people who I have stayed in contact with and it has been an great experience. I understand the importance of networking and how this has a big impact on your how successful you are in this highly competitive industry.

My speciality is with cameras, I have a high familiarity with cameras after previously working with an Alexa arrival camera and various types of DLSR’s, I am currently exploring different options in film and haven’t got a set personal progression plan. I would like to try and experience as much as I can before I make the decision however I don’t think ill go to uni, unless I have a definite idea of what I want to do, I will most likely go for an apprenticeship and find work in film somewhere.

I enjoy making documentaries you can learn a lot and the journey filming can be spontaneous and exciting, although it takes hard work, dedication and commitment it worth it for the finish product and knowledge you gain. I will invest in a good DSLR camera to make my own films.

I have already joined the BFI academy private FB group, I will attend film festivals and  networking events where I can network and build contacts with likeminded people.

Group Research:

Learning from Masterclasses

Masterclass speaker: Varun Raman 

Writer/ director for drama and film

Varun Raman started off doing a university radio show writing 4 scripts with 4 others and has don’t the national youth fit academy. this led to his interest in the film industry and throughout his career he has produced a short film called transmission, written scripts. He works with various cinematographers to produce films.

I have learnt:

-patience and resilience is key when entering the film industry as its highly competitive

-finding a good mentor to support you is useful

-make friends/stay in contact with everyone you meet

-if seeking ideas take a walk, the best ideas come to you when your head is clear

Masterclass speaker: Elias Williams

Content creator and Film maker

Started off doing politics for a year at university, after previously making his own films, he switched to study media and filmmaking at UWE. He made a few short films during uni and stayed in contact with many people he networked with as contacts to help him in his career path. He created the platform “mandemhood’ which he manages and runs.

I have learnt:

-networking is important in general but key when entering this type of industry

-find a niche that makes you unique

-use your contacts

-be open to rejection but don’t let it hold you back

-when something doesn’t work out as planned try, try and try again

Masterclass speaker: Nick Shearman

Award winning executive producer, worked on lots of history and documentary work- focuses on non-fictional pieces

He found an interest in drama through University resulting in him getting into theatre. He then changed to pursue a career path in journalism. Through school Nick met an actor he became friends with and did research in documentary production, through this he decided to do a directors training course leading him to build contacts which would help him create the award winning documentaries, factual films then becoming a commissioner at the BBC.

Masterclass Speaker: Alice Cabanas

Talent Executive for BFI South West – searches for new film makers and supports them.

Completed a degree in french and drama. Has worked as a PR at film festivals, she has also worked with the British council to produce short films and promoted short films.