Lighting Terminology

[RyanT]

We were all very eager to learn, but putting the production on hold to go Google some terms wasn't a possibility. When asked to get whatever piece of equipment we'd inquire as to what it was/why it was called that/etc while we were fetching it or helping set it up, but instead of it leading to a learning opportunity, it turned into a myriad of sighs, frustrated eye-rolling, and very visible annoyance from those who had been on sets before.

I totally understand where you're at and it's really the gaffer being frustrated with production not being able to hire his normal guys. We all want it done fast and good, but unfortunately that isn't always possible. You'll find that some Gaffers/DP's love to teach and they are the guys that you want to stick with as you're coming up. I find one thing that really helps the newer guys is being meticulous about labeling gear. If you've got a head cart with all of your tungsten lamps labeled and you send someone for a baby, all they have to do is look at the labels and pick the correct light. Even better yet if you have them label everything, as it helps to really engrain the names into their minds. In the end this is also great as it helps promote cleanliness on set and gives them some order that they can fall into.

Sure Patryk is completely right that finding out your Electric and Grip team are a bunch of yahoo's is probably one of the more frustrating things, but if we are paying little to nothing, I'm never surprised with the calibur of guys we get and I try and adjust my expectations accordingly.

 

[ian dart]

come on guys where else are students and newbys going to learn about filmaking but on set.
film school and research can build a framework but getting on set is where real word knowledge is built.
i have been doing this job 20 years and consider my lighting crew (newbies or students) a part of my team.
it is in my interest and the productions to impart as much experience as possible. there is always something new to learn.

if the schedule is pushed out so far everybody is rushing around and bustin balls then the schedule was wrong.
in my opinion there is always time to impart some knowledge on set.