Collaboration was a very important part of my work this semester. Firstly, with my own project, as I’ve mentioned before, having Kiralee as a sort of AD/camera operator was invaluable, as I was able to rely on someone to film what I messily explained, while I was stuck in front of the camera – somewhere I’d probably rather not be again. Being good friends and having talked so much about each other’s work and ideas this semester definitely helped in her being able to translate my direction as well as sometimes input some of her own direction. My actors were also good friends of mine, so it was a reasonably relaxed set. I was also lucky that these non-actor friends were also able to give some solid performances (as they’ve done in my past works), particularly Louis, who put everything into the role of Bowie. Also, as the set was also my house, they could go off and do their own thing when I didn’t need them, adding to the relaxed feel.
On the same day of my second shoot, I also helped with Kiralee’s shooting, as I was the star leading man. I was very keen to help with this project, as I’m a big fan of both Edgar Wright and Kiralee, and I’ve loved watching her replicate his rapid style. This was a reasonably easy role for me, as I just did what I was told, while Kiralee broke her mind making sure to remember the directions of all of the whip pan transitions that Wright is so fond of. I’d like to say I helped Kiralee as much as she helped me, but I don’t think that’s the case.
The other collaboration I was involved in was on Mimo’s shoot, which involved a crew of Jess, Kiralee, two StarNow actors and two dogs. Mimo’s project idea was one of my favourites from the proposals earlier in the semester, so I was very happy to be asked to help. My role was AD, which in this case mainly involved keeping track of the shot list, and working the slate. This allowed Mimo to pay more attention to the actors, the camera, and the annoyingly sunny light, rather than having to worry about what shot she’s up or hold a book with the shots listed. I enjoyed this shoot, and thought Mimo was a great director – which I hopefully played a small part in as AD by lightening the work.
All of these collaborations were pretty successful, I felt. While they were all reasonably low-key, it was interesting to see the differences between having essentially just a director and their actors (Kiralee’s), a director/non-actor, their AD and some more non-actors (mine), and a more well scheduled shoot with several designated roles and StarNow actors, and dogs (Mimo’s). I felt these were all effective and the best for what each of us were trying to achieve – which we all hopefully will.