There’s a certain allure to being part of a film crew. Maybe it’s the idea of contributing to something creative, or maybe it’s just the chance to wear a headset and shout, “Quiet on set!” Either way, working on a film crew is equal parts exhausting, exhilarating, and downright hilarious.
I recently had the chance to join a crew for a small indie project, and let me tell you, it was an experience I’ll never forget. Let’s break down why everyone should try it at least once—and why you’ll need a gallon of coffee to survive.
The Setup: Lights, Camera, Chaos
Film sets are organized chaos. The moment you step onto the set, you’re hit with a flurry of activity. People are setting up lights, adjusting cameras, and shouting things like “Where’s the gaffer?” (I still don’t know what a gaffer does, by the way.)
There’s a palpable energy in the air—a mix of excitement and mild panic. Everyone has a job to do, and the clock is always ticking. It’s chaotic, yes, but it’s also oddly satisfying.
The Roles: A Team Effort
Being part of a film crew is like being on a dysfunctional family road trip. Everyone has their role, and everyone thinks their role is the most important.
The director is the stressed-out parent trying to keep everything on track. The cinematographer is the artsy cousin who spends way too much time framing the perfect shot. And the production assistants? They’re the unsung heroes who make everything run smoothly, even if it means fetching coffee for the entire crew.
On our set, I was tasked with sound—specifically, holding the boom mic. It looks easy, but let me tell you, holding that thing steady for hours is an arm workout like no other. By the end of the day, I couldn’t feel my shoulders, but I felt like a champion.
The Camaraderie: Bonding Through Exhaustion
There’s something about spending 12 hours on a set together that creates an unbreakable bond. You laugh together, complain together, and celebrate the small victories—like finally nailing that one tricky shot.
By the end of the shoot, we weren’t just a crew; we were a family. A sleep-deprived, coffee-fueled family, but a family nonetheless.
The Hiccups: Expect the Unexpected
No film shoot goes according to plan. Lights blow out, actors forget their lines, and someone inevitably spills coffee on the script. But those hiccups are what make the experience so memorable.
On our shoot, we had a scene where a character was supposed to storm out dramatically. On the first take, they tripped over a cable and went sprawling. It was a disaster, but it was also the funniest thing I’ve ever seen.
Why You Should Try It
Being part of a film crew isn’t just about making movies—it’s about being part of something bigger than yourself. It’s about collaboration, creativity, and learning to roll with the punches.
So if you ever get the chance to join a crew, do it. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll probably drink more coffee than you thought humanly possible. But most importantly, you’ll create something incredible.
