EXCITING SUMMER
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by Cybel Martin
What an incredible (random) summer this has turned out to be. After leaving one film, I went to Arizona, returned to New York for a video project and then doubled back to Arizona for another film. Tonight we wrapped and on my drive home I listened to one of my favorite classic rock stations. Dire Straits came on just as I pulled in to my driveway with:
"She's making movies on location
she don't know what it means
but the music make her wanna be the story
and the story was whatever was the song what it was
rollergirl don't worry
d.j. play the movies all night long"
It was the perfect serendipitous cap to the evening.
Nichelle NIchols (aka Uhuru from "Star Trek") was acting in this last film and I wish I knew how to have half the amount of grace that she does. Working on films is not an easy experience, yet she was just as at ease in 115 degree weather, wearing pants and a long sleeve shirt with no AC on.
A big lesson for me on this gig was how to deal with the "car issue". Most of my films have been shot in New York, which means walking to set, taking a cab or the 15 Pass Van. A much easier experience regardless of call time. This time I had to calculate an hour drive to and from set. One day I got loss. Another day I was stuck in LA-type traffic. I was constantly thinking of Haskell Wexler's film, "Who Needs Sleep". Being a New Yorker, I am not a big driver and made sure never to push myself. On days that I felt exhausted, I took the slower side streets.
Another interesting part about this film was this was the first time that I worked as the Camera Operator (and not the DP). I have always wanted to have that experience. Out of curiosity, I guess. It started a few years ago when I knew that I wanted to go union (Local 600). I was advised to work on a Union Shoot as the Operator, go union as an Operator (slightly less initiation fee) and that would still allow me to work as the DP on non-union shoots. One major upside to working as the Operator was I able to do my job and learn some new tricks from an experienced DP. We all have different skill sets and ways of approaching a film. And its refreshing to be around another DP and be inspired to try things differently on my next film. One thing I want to try is operating the Steadicam.
This was also my first time working in Arizona. I was surprised at how busy the film community is here. We needed an AC for a few days and I made a few calls and everyone was busy. Incredible.
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