LIVEALITTLE

Had my first role in a short film shooting today (little perks being roommates with a film student!). I was designated the 2nd Assistant Director. Sounded posh at first so I took the role without questioning much. Apparently my primary role was "child wrangler". The child actor on the set was only 10 and needed to be manned. Interesting that would be my first role given the fact I don't do too well with kids. In any case, my role expanded when I arrived and included: dog watcher, beer and coffee runner, breakfast picker upper, ute (= utility vehicle) guard and V (the production manager)'s phone receptionist. I enjoyed myself nonetheless and saw a side of film I never expected. I definitely wouldn't mind participating again (HINT! HINT!)
The set politics are strictly regimented. Noone is allowed to speak to the director nor the director of photography (the dude who deals with the cameras). The 1st Assistant Director speaks to both and to the rest of crew. He has the responsibility of shoot coordination as well as time management. Things were very precise and actually ended 1 hour ahead of schedule (which I needed to finish my essay due in 2 days). I understand why role definitions are so strict and I reckon I must just be thrown off in its acknowledgement. Who would have thought a small student film would would warrant ancient Chinese imperial hierarchical segregation to achieve efficiency? I reckon getting accustomed to the roles now would leave one better prepared when they aspired to be in the megabucks realm. We were about 20 people today. I can't imagine coordinating 100+ people without such structure!
Pics at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/livealittle/sets/72057594130976535/