Pens, Pencils, and Backaches
I love being prepared. Ever since I was a child in elementary school, I was the kid with the twenty-pound backpack that was exploding at the seams. For years I did my best to cram as much as I possibly could into my school backpacks. Why? Because I always wanted to be prepared. I never wanted to ask anyone for anything, and I loved it when people depended on me for pencils. It made me feel like a superhero as I handed them out each day. But, after years of countless stolen pencils, pens, and developing backaches, I’ve learned to be a bit more economic with my school/work accessories.
When Opportunity Hits & Last Minute Planning
Long story short, I am grateful for my elementary school days because they taught me how to be ready for when opportunity strikes. Once upon a time, people used to laugh at me because the size of my backpack, but now, when opportunity strikes, I am able to jump up at a moment’s notice and run over to set.
The more that I get into the photography & cinematography industries, I've realized that opportunities often come from nowhere, and you have to take action fast.
To Pre-Plan or Not to Pre-Plan?
Growing up I was not known for last minute planning. As someone who likes to be prepared, I also really, really like to pre-plan my weekly schedules. “Spontaneous” has never been my middle name. However, I am slowly learning to embrace this spur of the moment, last minute lifestyle, and here is why.
-You never know what great opportunity lies ahead. Saying “yes” in these moments has only opened the doors to more connections, colleagues, and learning opportunities.
-They don’t give me time to doubt myself. I am an over thinker, and in the past this has saved me from bad situations. When it comes to building your career, however, sometimes jumping in with your arms open is better than sitting back in a corner worrying about everything that can go wrong.
-Being on your toes brings all of your senses and knowledge to the forefront. These situations highlight your strengths and your weaknesses, and they teach you how to think fast and how to MacGyver your way through stressful moments.
-At the end of the day one thing is for certain, and that is that each time you step onto a set you are guaranteed to learn something new, meet new people, and in some cases you are reminded of things you may have already known.
Chum at Neck of the Woods Bar
Today I received a call at 6:00pm to PA on a shoot at 7:00pm at a local bar called, Neck of the Woods. I was told that we were filming a music video, that would turn out to be more of a documentary piece for the lead singer of the band. Either way, I packed up my things and hitched a ride from my brother on over to the shoot location. When I arrived, I introduced myself to the DP, found out that what she really needed was a 2nd AC, which I have been training for, and got right to work. We worked with a Black Magic camera that the DP had rented off of a friend. Unfortunately, she forgot to check the condition of the camera and its batteries. We ended up having to connect the camera directly to an AC socket rather than use the camera’s on board batteries. A bit of a hassle, but it worked out in the end. We shot a local band named Chum from prep time, 7:00pm until 11:00pm, and here is what I learned throughout the night.
©AliciaM.BlairPhotography- Chum band at Neck of the Woods Bar
Today’s Shoot Lessons & Reminders
-Always triple and quadruple check your equipment. #bettersafethansorry
-Have backup options for everything. #batterieswhereartthou?
-When in doubt always bring your full shoot kit. One second you're called in as a PA, and then you show up and you're 2nd AC. #smallbudgetequalsgreatopportunities #forthosewhoareprepared
-Tape is your friend, as are extension cords. #alwaysgofullshootkit
-If you are filming a rock band, bring earplugs!! #amistakeyouonlymakeonce #earsareastillringing
-Getting to shoot footage of a band while they are performing on stage is a total high. As it turns out, 2nd AC can sometimes mean front row seats to awesome gigs. #2ndAClife
Alicia M. Blair