Don't Fear The Reaper BTS Photography

I was invited to be the behind the scenes photographer at a film student’s FMP for their Morecambe shoot, perhaps doubling my role up to be a runner as well. I love the premise for the film Don’t Fear the Reaper it is a love story with a fantasy element which really appeals to me. I also like that it stars a gay couple but isn’t focused solely on them being gay – its approach as any other romance.

FILM SYNOPSIS:

Ellis is a grim reaper, who wanders the world unseen by people until they die and he has to move their soul to the afterlife. In his spare time, he watches a human man named Will who is full of life, whereas Ellis has no emotions. When Ellis has to reap Will’s soul, he decides to take him on a date rather than take his soul. However, the new emotions Ellis starts to feel breaks down his body.

https://www.facebook.com/DFTRFilm/

I’ve worked with the director Izzy Pye before and assisted her on some of her shoots, which has always been a positive experience and I’ve come away learning new skills. I love all the films she has made, whether directed or written or both – she has a unique creative writing style that is relatable for young people today and the her films are executed well visually too.

I am mostly anxious about working with a full film crew because I am first and foremost a creative photographer. My technical knowledge is quite basic in that I know how to use camera settings and light to my advantage, but I will be working with camera ops and cinematographers in their final year of university and I don’t want my skills to be doubted or for there to be miscommunication or hold-ups because I don’t understand all the camera/filming jargon. I will have to research this, and I plan on talking to the Photography and Filmmaking Resource Team at the university for advice and insight on BTS photography and camera equipment.

I will be based in the Unit DIT station for SD cards. This aspect of keeping all the footage and photographs is what is making me most apprehensive because I’ve never worked in a crew this large, and I don’t want to slow down or distract anyone because I am unsure what to do. I guess the best approach is to research and prepare as much before hand then be open and communicate well during the shoot. No doubt I will make many mistakes but I have to remind myself it is a great learning experience.

• Monday 30th March: Night shoot 7:30pm-5am
• Tuesday 31st March: Day shoot 12pm-6pm
• Wednesday 1st April: Day shoot 7:30am-5:30pm

I do have the advantage of being very familiar with the locations we will be shooting at and may be helpful in that aspect, as most of the crew will never have been to Morecambe before. It is in lovely locations on Morecambe seafront and I am excited to shoot the uniquely beautiful but run-down places: arcade, bookshop, beach, stone jetty, Winter Gardens and the old Lido