I gave a lecture today at a college here in Ireland. The class was full of eager young minds, asking me about my career, what they could do and how they could get themselves further.
And then the question arose. A young man unmuted himself and asked - with a bit of desperation - "I'd love to get involved on more sets... or just on ANY sets at all, but I wouldn't even know where to start. I wouldn't even know how to get myself onto a set. How do you get yourself involved in the industry at all? I'd do anything... I'd hold coffees..."
Nodding faces filled my screen - they all agreed, with varying degrees of dismay, they all thought it would be an impossibility to ever get a foot in the door - I mean... how do you even start?!
I was in that situation, not 18 months ago. Heck, 10 months ago I'd never been on a set.
And this young man was so eager, had asked so many great questions, had been taking notes throughout the entire lecture, I couldn't help myself.
"Okay, you're ALL invited to my set. Any set you want to be on, here is your official invitation. If I'm running the set, you're invited. I'm directing a thing for one of my experimental projects on Saturday - why don't YOU ALL COME ALONG!!!"
Smiles, unsure laughter, eye rolls... and then tentative looks - was I being serious?
"Ya! It'll be fun. You'll learn set etiquette, you'll have to run around and hold things, you'll have to get out of the way, you'll have to be quiet, but yes. Come along. We can always use hands, and it's great experience. I can't pay you cause the budget didn't account for 15 eager people, but... if you're happy to just come along and help out, you're more than welcome."
Out of 20 in the class, maybe 3 looked promising - they had been asking the right questions, seemed to really have a purpose for being in the class. I'd noticed them right away. And what do you know... I had an email from exactly those 3 in my inbox not 10 minutes after I'd finished the class. Did I mean it, and could they please come along?
I said yes, naturally.
I didn't invite them because I needed extra hands. I didn't invite them because I was on a power trip. I didn't invite them because I wanted them to see what a set is like. I invited them because nobody has ever invited me to a set before. I had to go and build my sets, build my career, make it all happen for myself. So now, when I get the opportunity to bring others with me, of course I will take it!
I can't wait to work with these eager young kids. They're going to be brilliant. They'll fuck up. Maybe even cost us an hour or something... and I don't care. I want them there.
Because in ten years' time, when they get to run their own sets, and see a wide-eyed kid with admiration in their eyes, looking over at the fancy camera, I want them to say: "Hey, kid, come over here! Ever seen one of these? That's a C-Stand. That over there, that's our gaffer. You wanna make movies, kid?"
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Well done...
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Yes! Thank you! There's a very good chance you just changed lives! Keep up the good work!
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That's great, Ronika! My favorite part was "I didn't invite them because I needed extra hands. I didn't invite them because I was on a power trip. I didn't invite them because I wanted them to see what a set is like. I invited them because nobody has ever invited me to a set before. I had to go and build my sets, build my career, make it all happen for myself. So now, when I get the opportunity to bring others with me, of course I will take it!"
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I love this. You’re setting a really great example for others to follow. This was touching.
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This is amazing.
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Great story
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Love, love this! Mentorship is so incredibly important, and what a powerful moment for them to experience where you took initiative. There's no better way to be inspired to continue the momentum as a young rising filmmaker. Good on you!
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The shoot went brilliantly! 2 of them showed up! And one of them... oh my God. He took some BTS photos and videos... the kid is about 19 years old, but his eye for composition, his instinct to find the perfect shot, his dedication, his absolute RAW talent was mindblowing.
I think I have found a cinematographer who will be very very successful indeed in a few years. I want to work with him for ever now.
They both were first year students, but already knew set etiquette to perfection, had dedication, and not a single complaint between them.
I love this job, I love this industry!
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I mean look at this eye for composition:
That's a great photo, Ronika Merl.
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So happy for all involved! Keep up the good work Ronika!
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Ronika - I'm glad you found a couple of 'live wires' to work with - don't let 'em get away. I'm not impressed by the composition of the shot you posted (it's just a snapshot). What story does it tell? This is a wonderful opportunity for creatives to speak up and help this guy hone his craft. Come on all you Directors - speak up. Talk about his blocking, eyeline, lighting, focus depth and the transitional aspects of his shot. Let's really help this guy. There are a lot of talkers in here- let's see if there are any doers.
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Come on Directors - speak up!
So far, all I hear are the crickets. This says a lot about all you who label yourselves as Directors here in the pollywog puddle now doesn't it?
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I think people need to realize most filmmakers just wanna make their own stuff...so it's not like gatekeeping, it's just sphere of interest...anyone can write a script, just words on paper...and if these guys can find or already have the means, what'll they do? Search for a perfect script? Hell no, they gonna do their own ideas, even treatments will do the work...
It awfully hard to spark someone's else interest with your script...chances play major role...
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I agree, to a certain extent @Kiril, but I'd define it as "letting people into my sphere of interest". And I'm curious to be let into theirs.
I'm as excited when one of my writers gets a sale as I am when I do. I'm as stoked for someone else's production getting funded as I am for one of my own.
Because chances are, if they can "make it", then so will I.
The more spheres you get into, the better. Even if it's not your own sphere.
Getting thanked in an awards acceptance speech is just as exciting as winning one, which - as a producer - is the name of the game, in my opinion. These kids are gonna make movies one day. I'll be a part of their sphere of interest, as you put it, by default.
Here, here!!! Kiril. > Kiril Maksimoski3
I think people need to realize most filmmakers just wanna make their own stuff...so it's not like gatekeeping, it's just sphere of interest...anyone can write a script, just words on paper...and if these guys can find or already have the means, what'll they do? Search for a perfect script? Hell no, they gonna do their own ideas,...
Bang on!
Thank you Ronika Merl for this. I've volunteered to be a "Water-boy", "footstool", Scooter from the Muppet Show if needed...anything to get exposure/experience...I get nothing. I even offered to work for free, but nothing. Thank you for being a voice for those who aren't afforded one.
This is one of the best posts I've ever seen on here Ronika Merl! We need more people like you in the industry! What a great experience for those students. I hope it all went great!