I loved this post over at raindance about the 15 Things Everyone Does on A Film Set.
So to continue the meme, I thought I would tell you about the 10 things everyone does on my set...
Congratulate ourselves on packing the cart tight. Yeah, it's the simple things in life that are most satisfying. When a grip, PA or I pack up the cart like a veteran bricklayer, we're all very proud of ourselves
Chatter about the latest technology. "Hey, did you see the new Sony FS7?" "I saw some 6K footage last night." "I worked with a Octocopter on my last shoot." "Check out my SDI cable, it coils!" During set up there's always a little talk about what's the latest bell and whistle to buy at B&H, Adorama or AbelCine.
Leave half-filled cups of coffee around and forget whose coffee is whose. PA's get extra points by putting initials on everyone's coffee cup. Note: PAs: Bring a sharpie to set.
Take a picture of the set but in the monitor that is attached to the camera. Feels very Brechtian to do this.
Remember that re-booting the camera is the most effective way to figure out camera hijinx but not remembering this until I've looked in the camera menus a dozen times in vain.
Chat during a shoot when sound isn't being recorded. You'll notice the loudest place in the world is when a film crew is shooting without audio.
Futz over the back light. It's a game of degrees. That's too much. No that's too little. Okay, just right.
Make fun of the guy who is particular about where to put stuff back in the cases. I am the guy they make fun of. But if it doesn't get put back in the right place, it won't be there next time.
See Number 1. Yep, again as we leave.
Give everyone a hug. We battled; we won. We will reconvene and do it all over again soon.