vancityfilmer

It's really understanding the steps to take, and having someone point you in the right direction that matters to get a job in our department.

The main union across North America for major film production is IATSE. You can check out their website, look at the department you want in, and start following the steps. Some departments are more complicated, but I was really brought in by some greensmen noticing my work ethic when I was a PA. When the union hall is empty, they can start getting anyone their days to membership.

Bit more info how I got my foot in the door: https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/3yra1v/iama_greensman_redneck_movie_set_decorator_i_work/cyfz3zo

-I was a Production Assistant on The Last Mimzy and the Greensmen were behind and needed a hand. They liked my work ethic, so they got me 2 days as a greensman. The 2 day paycheque as a greensman was more than my five 15 hour days as a PA. I said, so I just need a truck, then bought one for $500? And then I started working on SHOOTER with Markie Mark, until the union hall got me in trouble and I had to get all my shit in order.

The most complicated part is usually sourcing out materials like plants, a certain color of dirt, etc. that might not be available locally.

Photos on set is always a huge concern for productions. Some people (like myself) can get away with it because I need reference photos for how the set is dressed, in case we have to move something and put it back. But larger shows now they often need to have permission to take photos on your crew pass now. Crews are always taking photos, but people don't spread or post them, because they know their job is on the line. I've seen misunderstandings about photos get people let go.

Well Arrow Season 1 was pretty cool, the airplane crashed in the jungle build was pretty badass, but for the most part it was stand-by greens. Hiding things here and there, lights in the background, a tent, etc. Actually, the coolest part was I had to source out a 50 foot tall tree, then come in on the weekend with a logging truck, a crane, and an arborist to chop it down and transport it. It was quite a unique piece for a TV show but they really wanted to sell their studio build with the tree in it, with what they actually shot on location (that had a similiar tree).

I think they "hyper realism" given by 48 frames is jarring myself, and it pulls me out of the film, much like watching TV with Smooth Motion (Soap Opera Effect) on. It's great for sports, but otherwise it doesn't match what my brain expects for movies and the normal motion blur you get at 24fps.

If I had to work on a movie where the sets were that distracting, I'd make sure to dirty the shit out of them with paint, some spray glue and dirt thrown at it. Grime and discoloration add a lot to believing a world. When your using pristine, clean fake plants everywhere and the camera is looking straight at them, it's a little too fake IMHO.