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3 Ways to Experience the Magic of Summer Movies

3 Ways to Experience the Magic of Summer Movies 2560 1707 Dani Lyman

There is nothing quite like a good summer movie. Taking the kids for an air-conditioned afternoon of superheroes saving the world or sharing a popcorn on a first date watching an indie arthouse film can feel magical. Movie theaters provide a great escape and hours of entertainment on long hot summer days and sticky evenings. They add a little magic and fantasy to our serious world and bring diverse groups of people together to laugh, cry and cheer in unison.

This summer, things are a little different. A worldwide pandemic has forced many theaters to remain closed (or close their doors permanently) for the summer months. As COVID-19 continues to change the way we go about our daily lives, it is also changing the way we view movies.

Luckily, movie fans and business owners are a resourceful and creative bunch who won’t let anything stand in their way of bringing movie magic to their community.

Here are 3 ways you can enjoy your favorite films with your loved ones and neighbors this summer

Time Travel to The Drive-In

The pandemic has forced many theaters to remain closed, but has revived a classic viewing experience. The Drive-In invokes feelings of nostalgia, of wholesome America, of “simpler” times when families, rambunctious teenagers and young couples flocked to a parking lot to enjoy a cinematic experience from the comfort of their very own vehicles. During these not-so-simple times drive-in’s across the country are reopening to provide much needed 2 – 4 hour blocks of entertainment and escape from the chaos. This is the perfect opportunity to revisit your childhood favorite films like The Goonies and Indiana Jones or introduce your children to a technology once of the verge of extinction while watching summer blockbusters like Jumanji and Sonic The Hedgehog. Plus, this is the safest way to catch a movie outside your home while practicing social distancing!

Reopening Local Theaters

While major theater chains like AMC and United have not opened all their houses across the country, many smaller or locally-owned theaters are reopening and adjusting the way they do business to keep audiences safe and employees working! Many theaters are opening at 50% capacity, reserving seats to allow for social distancing, playing old films as new films are not available, and going the extra mile to keep the house clean and sanitized for your safety. Catching a showing of the classic Casablanca is a great way to support local businesses and help to keep workers employed during an economic crisis. Plus, it’s the best way to get your fingers on that extra buttery theater style popcorn!

The Power of Projection

And finally… on to my favorite idea: projecting movies! I know, I know, it sounds like a hassle to set-up. You may need to purchase some equipment and spend a half-hour quietly cursing at the instructions, but nothing can bring families, neighbors or couples together like projecting your fan favorite films! It is an easy way to invite others to join you or have a small block party while enforcing safe social distancing.

I first heard about this awesome idea when I read an article about a Denver couple who met on a dating App who watched a movie he projected outside his home. What a creative date! Then I noticed my neighbors started inviting a small group of people over every week to have a mini movie party in their backyard! Pretty soon subdivisions and apartment communities got on board with this new trend having residents RSVP to screenings set up in the common areas. This is such a fun and simple way to allow people to come together safely during such difficult times.

The world may be massively different in 2020 than it was last summer, but movies continue to bring people together in unique and creative ways. Despite restraints, despite Safer-At-Home restrictions, despite a deadly pandemic, people who felt isolated, alone and afraid now have more ways to gather safely and experience their favorite films with their friends. This is the magic of movies.

 

 

 

4 alternatives to kids’ screen time while sheltering in place

4 alternatives to kids’ screen time while sheltering in place 610 345 Alicia East

Pre shelter-in-place, I was one of the irritatingly-principled parents who seriously limited screen time to special occasions like a quarterly family movie night. Admittedly, I also found it useful here and there when I noticed smoke from an overcooked bird cascading out of the oven or it felt like the whole house was going to crumble into a heap around me as a result of the sheer volume inside it. In this new reality, as a working parent with 3 littles (all 4 and under), I feel the constant temptation to put the older two in front of a screen so can get a little time in front of mine. I am very grateful for the various sizes of square babysitters I can turn to at any moment. 🤷🏻‍♀️

It’s not all about me though. I want my kids to become fully-functioning human beings with the capacity to do something productive with their boredom, energy, and creativity. Also, I’m fairly confident they’ll still benefit from knowing how to read in our new reality.

3 WAYS TO MAKE THE DAYS A LITTLE MORE ORDERLY, HAPPY, AND PRODUCTIVE—FOR KIDS AND PARENTS ALIKE

  1. Make a plan the night before. My husband and I used to have a nightly routine of packing lunches and bags for the following day. We’ve replaced that with planning activities and deciding which blocks of time we will each cover with kids or work, respectively. We never follow the plan exactly, but it sure does help to have a guideline. Since our daughter is learning letters, we start the day by spelling out a word (our theme for the day) with magnetic letters. The younger one identifies the color of the magnets. I have noticed the kids are actually happier when we have a structure (even if it’s a loose one) instead of letting the day just run itself.
  2. Cook together: We enjoy this Kids Cook Real Food program to support cooking together in the kitchen. Yes, you can just wing it, but I have found the structure of this very helpful since my kids are small and need to be guided carefully rather than just set loose with a knife. It also provides guidance for working with multiple age/skill levels at one time so you can be in the kitchen with toddlers (no joke!) all the way up to older kids. I love that it gives them some independence in the kitchen and motivates them to be participants rather than just recipients at mealtime.
  3. Garden: As we mentioned last week, gardening is having a moment. Between sparse grocery store shelves and more time at home, people are growing food for food’s sake as well as for therapeutic reasons. Why not get the kids involved? Of course they love to water the plants, but you can take it further with activities they will learn from, too. This online resource is geared specifically toward kids.
  4. Water day: Each of the above requires your full attention. A water day, on the other hand, is a great option because a) kids love it; b) some water activities are independent enough that you might be able to catch up on some communication or just get a moment to think; and c) it sets them up for a very long nap. And nap times are more valuable than gold right now.

BOTTOM LINE

I realize that every person’s situation is different. Some are still working the front lines or don’t have a partner to share the load. And some will have to let the screen be the babysitter just to be able to keep feeding the babies. Whatever your situation is, I hope you’ll be patient with yourself and those around you.

As long and trying as this time seems, we will never get it back. Yesterday, my son woke up from his nap and said, “I need some snuggling.” It was a rare moment with just the middle child while the other two were sleeping. I had things to do, sure. I always do. But I left my phone in the other room and sat with him. I told my restless legs–which threatened to carry me away–to be still. I told myself: This 2-year-old in your arms is not an obstacle to all you have to do: Being with him is all you have to do in this moment. So I was. And sure enough, a short time later, he was wriggling out of my arms and on to the next thing. I’m just glad I wasn’t the first one to move on. During this shelter in place, I am determined to look back and know that I did what I could to provide shelter (haven, security, love) for those in my care.

3 new skills to learn for a new reality

3 new skills to learn for a new reality 2500 1667 Alicia East

We can only guess what things will look like on the other side of this. And for me, I can’t spend too much brain space guessing. Not only has my history of predicting the future not proven very accurate, it also takes energy and time away from what’s in front of me in my actual world.

What we do know is that some things simply won’t be the same. Even as restrictions ease up in some places, the virus is still raging and the world is still changing. Some of the changes will stick. Doctor Fauci recommends ending handshaking permanently, for example. The business world was already moving rapidly toward telework and online interaction. Now, you might say it’s Zoom-ing there even quicker.

So what can we do right now to prepare for what’s ahead? The combination of being home more often and navigating a changing world makes now a great time to learn a skill for the new normal. We’ve identified 3 that will serve you well in both business and health.

These 3 skills set you up to adapt to a changing world

Podcasting

As a fairly new medium that democratizes the process of getting heard, it’s been compared to the blogging of 15 years ago. Major bonus during a pandemic: You can podcast from home without fancy gear, other people, or permission from anyone. Also like blogging, podcasting likely won’t be a big money-maker in itself. But if you can get established and find your niche, you can build a platform for your work and products. And a platform? Well that, of course, is invaluable.

I learned the basics–and met some great people virtually–with Seth Godin’s podcast fellowship. It was affordable and got me started with the basic foundational technical knowledge and necessary equipment. It can be as simple as a computer (had it) and a headset (30 bucks). The website says it will be offered again but there are similarly-priced courses available elsewhere. If you want to make a career of producing podcasts, you may want to invest in something that goes deeper. If you’re ready to drop nearly 3K, consider The Podcast Engineering School which will take you deep into the finer points. Keep in mind that you may end up racking up the tab on the other tools of the trade. Think mixers, boom mics and more.

Cyber Security

Hackers and scammers are not new, but their tactics evolve to every new situation. They’ll come after your credit card info, your identity, and your stimulus money. They can seriously blow your life up. Rest assured (?), if it can happen to Equifax, the government, and Zoom, it can surely happen to you. Becoming a security expert is good for your own financial world, of course. In addition, being able to offer security advice to your clients or employer makes you that much more attractive. Whether or not you’re consulting as a security expert, just being savvy enough not to fall for a scam (like this one, which took a Shark Tank judge for nearly 400K) could save your job and reputation. Udemy offers The Complete Cyber Security Course: Hackers Exposed, along with a boatload of other courses to solve nearly any business challenge.

Gardening

While you may not think it’ll directly benefit your work, knowing how to garden feeds mind, body, and soul, which pays dividends in every other area. It also helps the environment and ensures you can put food on the table even when the supply chain gets interrupted. P.S. You can’t work if you can’t eat.

You can learn about gardening in any number of ways and many of them are free. It’s also a rabbit hole you could spend your life getting lost in. As a gardener with a couple of years (and a million google searches) under my belt, this particular course by Ron Finley (the gangster gardener) has really piqued my interest. I mean, the man calls air “gangster as f%#k.”

Your investment in Masterclass also gets you access to everything from basketball to acting. You name a skill, it’s probably there. And it’s taught by, well, a master. Even if you don’t plan to become a professional tennis player, you might enjoy learning about it directly from Serena Williams. Surely some insight from one of the greats will benefit you and enrich your life.

Bottom line

Netflix and home haircut tutorials can only take so much of your time. If you’re ready to be mentally stimulated instead of just entertained, there are endless opportunities. What skills have you taken the time to learn with all this extra time at home?

cabin and foggy night | Crew Connection

How to turn your house into a horror set

How to turn your house into a horror set 4608 3072 Dani Lyman

That time of the year has finally arrived! Crisp fall leaves, foggy nights, a deranged serial killer hiding behind every corner. It’s Halloween! This is the perfect time of year to bring your love for theatrics to life by adding some spooky accessories to your front porch or using the natural ambiance to shoot that horror film you’ve been dying to finish!

Whether you want to film your masterpiece or just scare your neighbors or, here are a few last-minute tips to turn your Halloween into a horror movie!

FOGGY AMBIANCE

When it comes to Halloween, fall leaves tossed by a slight breeze give the eerie impression that perfectly merges innocence and creepiness. However, if you live in a state with unpredictable weather like I do in Colorado (I currently have a foot of snow stacked in my backyard) and there’s no depending on the weather, then there’s one easy and fantastic solution: a fog machine!

Available at any Halloween store and even grocery stores this time of year, this easy-to-use product will quickly set the ambiance for a perfect fall evening ready for some haunted fun.

No time to run to the store before the little devils and princesses come prancing to your doorstep? Here’s a quick and easy dry ice recipe that can be added to caldrons or hidden in the background for a spooky witch effect.

Sounds Effects

Squeaky doors, shattering glass, and wood creaking under footsteps. Nothing makes us crawl out of our skin like creepy sound effects. So, whether you’re working on your next indie horror or just want to frighten the bejeezus out of the neighborhood kids, sound effects are a MUST! You can purchase all the decrepit or haunting screams you want (some even downloaded for free online) and make your own playlist. Remember: Using license-free sounds makes it easy to throw your video masterpiece on YouTube without any restrictions.

Another last-minute fun Halloween toy to creep out the neighbors is this motion sensor you can find on Amazon or most Spirit Halloween stores.

Visual Effects Makeup

Back in the day, I was an Assistant Director and an actor/zombie extra on a low-budget horror film filmed in Bisbee, AZ. It has all the mediocre acting and confusing plotlines you’d expect from a C horror Western/ Zombie movie, but man, did our Visual Effects Makeup Artist KILL IT! Every zombie, bite mark, and moment of flesh tearing looked nearly realistic. It was ridiculously fun and gory to watch. Whether you’re making a mini horror flick for your Insta or you want to truly impress you’re friends with your costume, do not slack on effects makeups! It truly wows and disgusts your audience.

To get that great deep, dark red that looks more realistic try this fake blood recipe posted by Studiobinder.com. If you’re looking for something a little tastier, you can even throw some chocolate syrup in the mix!

If you’re not too squeamish, check out this amazing video by make-up artist Chloe Morello who reveals the secrets behind ripped and torn skin. Ouch!

This is how I will be answering the door this Halloween. Poor little kids.

About Crew Connection

Here at Crew Connection, we put many awesome marketing tools right at your fingertips. Feel free to get your demo reels, stills, gear, awards, and more in front of the biggest clients all over the world—all for free. At Crew Connection, we always pay video and post-production service providers within 30 days of getting your invoice so your work & your life aren’t interrupted. Need live assistance or want to add great jobs to your pipeline? Our Crew Connection film crew coordinators are on call around the clock. Sign in today at Crew Connection, call 303-526-4900, or email info@crewconnection.com.

girl with MTV Tshirt | Crew Connection

The death and resurrection of music videos

The death and resurrection of music videos 1500 2246 Dani Lyman

Despite the fact that MTV and VH1 have devolved from boundary-pushing, career-launching creative networks into conveyer belts of reality shows, music videos are not extinct. Directors are still breaking barriers and making history. And millennials ARE watching: just not on TV anymore.

As a producer or director interested in building your portfolio, creating music videos is usually a less expensive alternative to indie films and a more creative endeavor than corporate videos. However, with the video landscape constantly changing, you have to consider a few questions. Are music videos still worth producing? Are they worth the financial investment? Where will they live and, most importantly, will millennials watch them?

First, a look back

  • MTV killed the video star: When I first started film school in 2006 my ultimate goal was to become a sick music video director who used technology to push musicians’ visions to the limit and to reach my potential as a brilliant creative genius. Unfortunately, during that era, MTV was revamping their brand and social media hadn’t quite hit its stride. Music videos, for several years, became lost in the shuffle and industry insiders were on the verge of naming it a lost art. And then, something dramatic happened.
  • Apps took over the world! Musicians began reaching new audiences through social media platforms and direct online marketing. Creative videos presented an excellent opportunity to recruit new fans and increase loyalty from old ones. Music videos resurged as an attention-grabbing avenue for experimentation while allowing bands to reach more people across more platforms than ever.

While extinction once seemed likely, the evolution continued instead

To stay up on the trends, the content of videos changed as well. Gone are the days of sexy female singers dancing in a leather one-piece to keep the viewer hooked. Millennials are so inundated with risqué and controversial content that hair-ography doesn’t provide the entertainment value it used to. Instead, we’ve watched the content evolve into abstract artistic performances that are unusual and out of the box (think anything Lady Gaga did before “A Star is Born”). And yes, music videos are still relevant.

With social media, tabloids, and numerous entertainment gossip shows constantly overexposing artists, the music video has become an art form musicians can hide behind. It is an outlet where they can express themselves and connect with their fans and share their story without even showing their face. Consider Rihanna’s decision to barely appear in Lemon. Instead of making another expected video that emphasizes her sex appeal, she showcased an amazing dancer. The vibe, intensity, and tone were perfect for the song and caught people’s attention. To the tune of over 100 million views on YouTube to date.

Up & comers

The music video not only allows viewers to connect to their favorite musicians, it also helps the up-and-comers get the attention they deserve. Through social media, music apps like Spotify and Pandora, and, of course, YouTube—the god of the video world itself—new artists are getting more exposure than ever.

For fans, the experience of falling in love with a new artist is incomplete if their new single isn’t accompanied by a music video that supports their brand. It doesn’t even have to be fancy, eccentric or expensive. Just check out this smooth and simple video from hip hop artist Jidenna. One easy location, one great visual effect to tie the tone together and one great performer—that’s all you need to create a music video that tells a story and hooks new fans.

The case for making a music video

  • People aren’t watching like they used to, they’re watching more! Aside from satisfying artistic expression and finding a new home through social media and apps, a big question still remains: Are people really watching music videos like they did before? The answer is a resounding NO! According to this article, Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” has 6.41 billion views. BILLION. People are not watching music videos like they used to. They are watching them MORE. They are also sharing with their friends and posting on social media more. And in more countries than ever.
  • The risk is low and opportunity for creative expression is high. The biggest question to any business-minded individual is whether the financial investment is worth the risk. In the case of producing music videos, the answer is a resounding YES! The potential to reach a widespread audience and the current acceptance of abstract creativity makes right now the perfect time to invest your time and talent in music videos.

Now all you need is to find a talented unknown band with the financial backing and commitment to a project. While we can’t help you with that, we can help with a lot of other things—like getting you in front of high-quality clients via our online database of searchable, vetted crews.

About Crew Connection

Crew Connection puts a suite of marketing tools at your fingertips. Get your demo reels, stills, gear, awards, and more in front of the biggest clients all over the world—for free. At Crew Connection we pay video and post production providers within 30 days of receiving your invoice so your work and your life are never interrupted. Need live assistance or want to add quality jobs to your pipeline? Our crew coordinators are on call around the clock. Sign in to Crew Connection, call 303-526-4900, or email info@crewconnection.com.

How to crush your reality TV gig

How to crush your reality TV gig 150 150 Dani Lyman

I recently picked up a job as an editor in a world completely new to me, the land of unscripted television, otherwise known as, “reality TV.” Every entertainment medium comes with its own pitfalls and challenges, but reality is a game all its own. Tensions run high with tight deadlines, unpredictable shoot days and a complicated editing process. However, it’s a great opportunity to grow in your field while working on recognizable shows with big networks. The reward can be worth the work.

In order to get all the material you need to tell a cohesive story there’s a little behind the scenes maneuvering that needs to take place. Believe me, not everything is unveiling right before the camera lens.

Here are a few tips to make your carefully-planned TV show feel like reality:

Pre-production is still king

Whether your reality show is a DIY tiny house theme or a dramatic ladies-throwing-wine-on-other-ladies brand of TV, you still need to bury yourself in pre-pro. You still need permits to shoot at a restaurant or on public property. You still need a storyline created by skilled writers and a shot list to ensure your camera team gets every angle of that inevitable fight, arrest, or beauty shot. You need to know in advance where and when the main action is going to take place and have your team ready to go when everything erupts. Plan, plan, plan. That way, you earn the opportunity to be spontaneous.

Be ready for everything

As much as you can (and absolutely should) plan, the universe has a way of being unpredictable. Often, that’s when the best moments happen. Whether you’re a camera operator suddenly needing to chase a bad guy down over a fence, a writer switching storylines when a construction worker falls off the roof of a house, or a showrunner nurturing a scene that could take a different emotional direction, you always want to be ready to shift gears. Be flexible. Allow the story to unfold before you. Let it breathe and become what it’s meant to be. Don’t force it to be something you’ve designed. After all, the reality aspect is what is most intriguing to the viewer, isn’t it?

The edit is harder than you think

If you’re looking to sharpen your editing skills on a reality show, be prepared for long days (and nights) more footage than you know what to do with and tight, tight, tight turnarounds.

The process of logging, ingesting, and organizing footage from countless cameras is a days’-long process in itself. Then the process of grouping footage, reviewing with writers, making changes, and incorporating producers’ notes all takes place before the rough cut process even begins.  If you’re working with a professional company that has streamlined the process, numerous technical issues and mishaps will be sure to arise and wreak havoc on your perfectly-streamlined system.

Making a schedule with hard deadlines, keeping to it, and holding your team accountable is key. Even in the post-stage of a small show, it takes a large team of people working together in a timely manner.

Final notes

If you want to make your editor happy: SLATE EVERY SCENE!

If you want to make your producer happy: Take initiative and finish projects before they even ask.

And if you want to make your writers happy: Well… you let me know when you figure that one out.

video camera | Crew Connection

3 tips to slay your first EPK shoot

3 tips to slay your first EPK shoot 6371 4247 Dani Lyman

Over the years Crew Connection has provided talented crews for countless EPK shoots for movies and TV shows produced by major names. When done correctly, these gigs provide ongoing jobs, a very nice payday and great opportunity to shine. When done incorrectly… well, it can lead to a scarlet letter in the EPK game.

Here are a few tips to make your Electronic Press Kit shoot a massive success!

Professional Behavior is Everything

I know it should go without saying, but it really does need to be said: be professional. We work in an odd industry where off-color jokes and throwing temper tantrums after long hard days are the norm. However, if you want to take your business to the next level you need to walk and talk the part.

Have your crew dress in their best attire, say some “yes, sirs” and “yes, ma’ams,” leave the bickering and complaining behind the scenes and most importantly, I cannot stress this enough, it is so important, do not let anyone on your crew post pictures to social media of the talent, the set or anything revealing about the project!

Again, this really should go without saying, but, unfortunately, it really does need to be said.

Don’t act like star-struck fans, even though you are geeking out inside.

Lighting is Also Everything

There are a few key rules to lighting an EPK:

Don’t get too creative

Make the actors look good

Light for different platforms

EPK footage is intended for use by multiple media outlets. This isn’t a project you want to put your stylized stamp on. Instead, you want to deliver interview footage that can be used anywhere from website clips to E! News, without drawing attention to itself.  So, don’t bust your Tony Scott jagged camera motions out for this event. Instead, keep it fresh and consistent, make the actors look even more beautiful than their natural selves and turn over raw footage that will have the production company and future clients calling you back for more.

Make it Fun

Sometimes, this needs to be said as well. If you’re moving on to the EPK world for the first time, it can be overwhelming to be surrounded by the power players and celebrities. But, if you and your crew are laid back, relaxed, and professional, then the talent is more relaxed and that comes across on camera in a really noticeable way.

If it’s your place on set, give some advice for interesting questions that haven’t been asked yet, or tell a light joke to loosen up a tense actor. You and your crew can really help alleviate stress and create a better piece by controlling the atmosphere in the room.

Remember, you will be judged for the final project. Be professional, light to impress, and have fun! You’ll be sure to have clients knocking on your door.

 

About Crew Connection

Crew Connection logo

Crew Connection puts a suite of marketing tools at your fingertips. Get your demo reels, stills, gear, awards, and more in front of the biggest clients all over the world—for free. At Crew Connection we pay video and post production providers within 30 days of receiving your invoice so your work and your life are never interrupted. Need live assistance or want to add quality jobs to your pipeline? Our crew coordinators are on call around the clock. Sign in to Crew Connection, call 303-526-4900, or email info@crewconnection.com.

water and fruit | Crew Connection

Most Anticipated Shows of the Summer

Most Anticipated Shows of the Summer 4871 3026 Dani Lyman

Summer! It’s a time for slowing down long enough to sip lemonade on the front porch or get lost in a book oceanside. And of course, long, scorching days and short evenings filled with thunderstorms mean we have also officially entered the season of hunkering down indoors to binge-watch our favorite TV shows.

Here are four sizzling summer hits

 

Stranger Things 3

America’s freedom isn’t the only thing to celebrate this Independence Day. July 4th, Netflix releases the third season of the fan favorite show, Stranger Things. Rumor has it that season three brings even more special effects as well as twists and turns. Always staying on brand to remind us of all the magic and fear of childhood, this season will take place during the summer with the tagline promise that “One summer can change everything.” Eight episodes will be released at once so prepare to binge.

Big Little Lies

The Monterey Five are back and trying to cope with life after covering up a murder. Their lies, trauma, and conscience catch up to them in this sizzling summer hit. Hollywood legend Meryl Streep joins the cast as Nicole Kidman’s mother-in-law who will stop at nothing to uncover the truth behind her son’s death. There has never before been a show filled with such a strong female cast. The performances are riveting, often painful and always truthful. If you missed them, you can catch up on the first two episodes now on HBO GO and OnDemand.

Snowfall

The return of Snowfall has everyone talking this summer after co-creator John Singleton’s unexpected death in April. Singleton left his mark on Hollywood creating powerful films as both producer and director. His success led to the hit drama that tells the story of the crack cocaine epidemic that emerged in the 1980s. Singleton leaves behind a legacy of controversial films which force viewers to contemplate tough issues like racism, prejudice, and the culture and hardships of underprivileged black youths in America. Snowfall piggybacks off these themes while resonating with a modern America. The third season premiers on FX July 10th and will stay true to the voice and tone Singleton helped to define in this breakout series.

Surprise Sleeper Hit?

Danny McBride returns to HBO with a new comedy that is sure to strike a chord with American viewers. Always one to push the envelope, this one will likely incite some backlash, but the trailer alone is enough to conjure up some laughs. We don’t recommend this show for everyone, but if it sparks your curiosity you can catch the not-so-family-friendly trailer here.

 

two kids | Crew Connection

Why you should hire a child wrangler for your next shoot

Why you should hire a child wrangler for your next shoot 1440 1440 Dani Lyman

Kids are the best! They are adorable, sweet, funny and can really elevate a video project. But they are also unpredictable, illogical and unreliable. That’s where the Child Wrangler comes in! It is one of the most challenging yet important jobs in video production.

Here are 4 reasons you need to hire an expert Child Wrangler if your next shoot calls for a tiny human actor!

They are good with kids

This may sound like a no brainer, but some people have this gift with children that many of the rest of us (including myself) just do not have. They understand them and can talk to them in that special way that keeps them engaged without being condescending. I have looked on flabbergasted at the way one person can, almost magically, guide a child into an action or mood. A Child Wrangler is that gifted kind of human being. They’re the kind of person you would want working with your own child.

They understand video production

In addition to being great with children, a Child Wrangler also understands the ins and outs of video production. Kids may not have a concept of the monetary value of time on a set, but a Child Wrangler does. They’ll have their actors ready for their scene on time. They also respect the AD and the Director and help children to do the same. They help the production flow smoothly and efficiently. Someone who thinks like a producer and is also good with kids is a rare gem in the video world!

They know how to talk to parents

Have you ever tried to tell a parent what to do with their child? I wouldn’t recommend it. Directors, producers and ADs are often so focused on the outcome of the project that they may overlook the necessary empathetic small talk a video pro needs to engage in with parents. An expert Child Wrangler knows how to make parents feel like a valued part of the production while also making them feel confident that they can hand their child over to the process.

They advocate for children on set

An experienced Child Wrangler will be able to recognize and properly communicate with the production team if a child needs a break, is too sick to work, or isn’t on their game and needs more rehearsal time. They can be the voice for children who are incapable of speaking up for themselves. We’ve heard horror stories of child actors being taken advantage of and dealing with lifelong trauma from working in the production world. An expert Child Wrangler will fight for the child actor’s rights in a professional manner. By adding a Child Wrangler to your video production team, you are helping to ensure the safety of the child you’re working with. Isn’t that what’s most important?

Working with children is no doubt a difficult experience in any field! By adding the right expert to your team you can eliminate some of the hassle and make for a fun, safe and successful environment for child actors on your next shoot.

 

About Crew Connection

Crew Connection puts a suite of marketing tools at your fingertips. Get your demo reels, stills, gear, awards, and more in front of the biggest clients all over the world—for free. At Crew Connection we pay video and post-production providers within 30 days of receiving your invoice so your work and your life are never interrupted. Need live assistance or want to add quality jobs to your pipeline? Our crew coordinators are on call around the clock. Sign in to Crew Connection, call 303-526-4900, or email info@crewconnection.com.

building | Crew Connection

How to Tell a Story With Camera Angles

How to Tell a Story With Camera Angles 6000 4000 Dani Lyman

The camera is a powerful tool that can influence people’s emotions, desires and perspectives. Using subtle techniques, like camera angles, you can reveal power, weakness and character traits all without saying a word.

In this post we’ll explore 3 classic films that used simple camera angles to create a few of Hollywood’s most iconic scenes. 

Low Angle Shot

Shooting from a low angle where the camera is lower than the subject can give the character a greater sense of importance and power on screen. We often see this technique used to demonstrate a hero conquering a villain or displaying a villain’s power and oppression over a victim. For a more humorous example, the Coen Brothers used the low angle shot to give a rule-abiding parking lot attendant power in Fargo. In contrast, you can clearly see Carl as powerless and weak in comparison. Due to extreme foul language we are too classy to share the video, but you can check it out here.

High Angle Shot

When a high angle shot is used it makes the subjects smaller, more vulnerable and insignificant, emphasizing the character’s weakness in the scene. In a more subtle example of  power vs. weakness is the death of Jesse James in the Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. In the scene below, although the action would suggest the man who has the importance and power in this scene is the man with the gun, the camera angle instead reveals Robert Ford as a weak person. The high angle shot reflected in the painting implies to the viewer that he is weak, unimportant and, in fact, a coward.

Bird’s Eye View

The Bird’s Eye View shot is consistently used to convey the most action to the viewer, give him a broad scope of the scene and reveal the characters in their weakest form. In this iconic scene Ethan Hunt’s cover is nearly blown when he plummets to the ground and dangles inches above the floor sensors. While the eye level shots increase our feelings of anxiety as if we are dangling with him, the famous Bird’s Eye View shot reveals Hunt in his most vulnerable state, at the mercy of his partner and a rope. This shot reveals the danger and magnitude of the situation while looking incredibly badass.

Whether you are demonstrating an inferior character, emphasizing a moment of danger, or revealing the complexities of human nature, you can use very simple camera techniques to educate and persuade your article. These famous scenes are just the beginning when it comes to telling your unique story through camera angles.

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