Making a feature film in the Shetlands with MA Film and TV student Georgia Ewington

My first week in Shetland has been hectic but rich with learning and experience. Straight after the 12-hour ferry, we drove onto set and started getting to know the crew and the production for a day of rehearsals. The main base of the production is within a disused pub. The fantastic design team have built the interior croft set, where most of the film takes place. This is also where the green room and production office are.

Sustainability on set

My main role here is to oversee the sustainability of the production, and it was great to see what measures had been put in place around the set already. I had done lots of prep for this beforehand, using the BAFTA albert calculator to support me. The interior croft set is decorated using second-hand objects from locals in Shetland. The team spent a total of £32 on the set decorating, £20 of this being a charity donation. The costumes are also 2nd hand and reused – apart from one pair of pyjamas. We also have been using mugs and plates from the old pub, instead of using single-use alternatives. The lighting is all energy-efficient and LED, and we reduce printing as much as possible by using electronic documents.

Roles on set

Chris, a lecturer on the FTV team at University of Birmingham and a producer of the film, let me try out various roles during my first week to give me a very broad introduction to different set roles. I first got to be second AC – meaning assistant camera. I was in charge of the clapper board (think scene 1, take 1) as well as offering lighting and camera support to the Director of Photography. This was trickier than expected, as it required lots of attention and knowledge that I was still getting to grips with. The crew were incredibly supportive, and I learned a great deal from this.

I then got to assist the first and third AD (assistant directors) with their duties. I was given a walkie-talkie, and we were in charge of looking after the cast, getting them ready and keeping the production moving smoothly. This was also trickier than I expected, involving a great deal of following the cast as they inevitably wandered off to look at the beautiful view of the harbour outside. I learnt so much about effective communication from this, and how important working relationships can be for good teamwork.

I thirdly got to assist the second AD and producers in the production office. I assisted with making the schedule, call sheets and risk assessments, as well as any other logistical elements that needed ironing out for the production. This was a role that I was most interested in when coming to Shetland, and I have loved being in the office. It is incredibly fast-paced and full of problem-solving. The production office team have been incredibly supportive, and I love the level of critical thinking and teamwork this has required.

With all the practical experience in mind, I think my favourite part about this experience so far has been getting to know the crew and learn all about their experiences. Everyone on this team plays an incredibly important role, and the production wouldn’t run as smoothly without the team that has been assembled. They have all been so incredibly patient with me as I am learning, as well as so encouraging and supportive. I feel very lucky to have been given this opportunity and to be a part of such a wonderful team.

I am looking forward to getting to experience more on set next week and also getting to explore the island more.