What is a Lighting Technician?
In any production environment (Television, Film, Commercials or Video), the creative vision of the Director and the Director of Photography has to be translated into reality with a set of technical equipment. In order to make that possible, Lighting Technicians, along with the electrical department, have to combine an artistic eye with technical knowledge and expertise.
In this edition of Word of Mouth we talk to TV & Film Composer, Jim Hustwit, about his career to date – creating scores for major broadcasters, understanding the director’s vision, and writing for the bin.
What is a typical working day for you as a composer?
The expected response might be, “lounging around in my pants procrastinating”, but I start the day more like an entrepreneur than a creative layabout. Exercise, meditation and a hearty breakfast before I hit the studio to get creative.
I like to do my idea generation at the beginning of the day. So I’ll just sit at the piano or with a guitar and play around with ideas. Hopefully inspiration strikes and I start to hear an idea in my head so will try to translate that in to a rough recording. I believe in writing for the bin. i.e. being prepared to throw away ideas. It takes away some of the pressure and fosters a more creative environment.
You have a background in investment banking and marketing. What made you want to pursue a career in music production?
I’m an idealist. I believe that if you are going to spend 80% of your life working, you have to do something you love. Banking and marketing left me somewhat unfulfilled.
Music and film have always been my passions. As standalone art forms they are incredibly powerful. When effectively combined they are even more so and for me that is a way of connecting with people and hopefully moving them in some way. Combining the two professionally became my focus.
What is an Animator?
While most of an Animator’s job today consists of working with design or 3D software which requires specific technical expertise, producing animation remains mainly a creative job, involving talent, inspiration and creativity.
A lot of us have found ourselves dreaming about producing their own movie, short, documentary or any other video project. However, making a movie from scratch is a very expensive process which usually requires professional equipment, talented staff and promotional efforts.
Because of this, independent film makers usually cannot afford to finance the production out of their own pocket. However, there are a few ways to obtain enough funds to realize your project.
Before even starting to look for investors, there are two inescapable requirements that every aspiring film producer has to fulfil:
The makeup department of any production takes on an essential role in giving characters a three-dimensional identity, enriching the distinctiveness of the actor/actress’ looks. However, jobs within this sector suffer a fierce competition, often together with a frenetic environment and long working hours.
What is the Job?
Depending on the production’s needs and budget, four different positions can be found in a makeup department:
In this edition of Word of Mouth we talk to Edit Producer and Producer/Director, Farrah Jaufuraully, about the joy of working on kids TV, the creativity of the edit, and the perils of working with animals.
What was your first job in the industry?
From the age of 15, I dipped in and out of work experience: I worked at my local radio station, had a stint on BBC Watchdog when I was at university, and then took on a summer job as a Runner for a west London film company. Two months after I graduated, I was offered a Researcher job on a Nickelodeon show.
You’ve worked on some of the UK’s most popular programmes. Which would you say has been favourite to work on so far?
Tough question. I’ve really enjoyed the shows where you genuinely help somebody make a life change and you go home feeling like you did something useful. Shows such as Embarrassing Bodies and The Joy Of Teen Sex were series where I played a part in solving people’s problems. Equally though, I enjoyed TOWIE and World’s Most Talented because I loved my team, and going to work was a joy.
BBC Studios is looking for new talent to help us make one of their best-loved programmes, The One Show:
“We are hosting an exclusive invitation-only event for Senior Researchers in June 2017. We are looking for both live studio researchers and self-shooting researchers, who help to make topical films for the programme. You will need to be an experienced researcher with a proven track record at generating ideas and stories. You’ll have rigorous journalistic skills, be passionate about primetime popular entertainment and should be able to demonstrate experience of both. Get to hear the latest about our shows and job opportunities direct from our Executive Producers, Programme Editors, Series Producers and Talent Managers.
To meet, network and speed date our senior staff apply to be shortlisted. Email your CV with the subject heading ‘Talent Event’ to:talentRSVP@bbc.co.uk“
In this edition of Word of Mouth we talk to Sound Designer, Paul Guiver, about the rise of technology, the dark arts of the Foley Artist, and creating sound effects with coconuts.
How would you explain the role of the Sound Designer to a layman in one sentence?
Storytelling with sound: creating mood, light, shade and adding dynamics to the soundtrack.
What made you want to pursue a career in sound production, and what was your first job?
I was a musician in my teens and early twenties, this gave me experience of composing, recording and eventually making records. During this time, I was producing my own music and becoming more and more interested in the technical side. When I saw an advert in one of the national newspapers recruiting people for a television production course I jumped at the chance. I absolutely loved it; a perfect marriage of technical and creative skills and knew this was the direction for me.
My first job was working for Radio City in Liverpool as a Music Mixer / Engineer. It was a fantastic first job – recording both the shows and live performances.
What would you say is the biggest misconception about the world of sound design?
Ha! Probably the use of coconuts to create sound effects! Seriously, good sound design, ADR and foley is often transparent, people are only aware of the art if it is badly performed. It’s a backhanded compliment if a scene where the sound has been totally replaced goes un-noticed.
What is a Music Editor?
The Music Editor curates all of the music featured in a production, including the soundtrack, any music performed within the scenes, and the score – produced by the Film Composer.
We’ve got two more great speakers lined up for the latest in our Turn On, Tune In series of events at The Hospital Club on Thursday 9th February. Find out more about Laura Greene (Casting Producer, First Dates) and Matt Nida (Series Producer, Big Fat Quiz of the Year), who will take us behind the scenes of their hit shows, and reveal a few of the secrets of their success!