The Spirit of Camaraderie is Alive at BDFI
I honestly can’t believe it’s been 5 weeks at BDFI already! It’s almost as if time speeds up exponentially every week. I have learned a great deal in class, but I’ve learned even more on set. We had our first shoot of the class today. Laura shot her piece at a bar in the Financial District today, and I performed as Script Supervisor for the first time. I also acted as gaffer along with our DP and Cameraman.
You learn a lot in class with Mike, in terms of how to set up lights, etc., but I learned even more on set when it became critical to create good lighting. There is nothing like being handed a C-stand and a flag and expected to mimic 5 o’clock at night, when it is actually 11 o’clock in the morning, to get you motivated.
My favorite class so far is my editing class, not only because that is where my main interest lies, but because our editing teacher is amazing. He is brilliant in both the technical and the design side of editing. I enjoy his class immensely. Sharif is a great teacher.
My favorite part of every class is discussing our projects in depth. That is where what we are taught in class can be applied to each and every situation. I feel that is the time that we learn the most. I am a visual learner, so reading a script in class and having Fred critique it is much more helpful to me than discussing concepts which can, at times, be abstract. All of our classes have been so helpful in getting us prepared for our shoot. I also really appreciate that all of our teachers have volunteered their time outside of class to provide us with more assistance.
I am having a great time so far. I am getting along very well with all of my classmates, and I realize the value of having people on your set that are not only reliable, but trustworthy and that will work hard for you to create a great project which can only be achieved through exceptional teamwork. I am excited for my shoot, to see what can be produced with the great team I feel I have assembled.
Although I feel overwhelmed with the amount of work I have to complete in the next week, I am optimistic, due to my incredible classmates. I have relied heavily on the experience and knowledge of several of my classmates, which has helped me immensely.
Raul, in my class, has been amazingly generous with his equipment, without asking for anything in return. So many of my classmates have volunteered their time without demanding reciprocation.
This is the spirit of camaraderie which I sought in other schools and could not find. BDFI has created an amazing environment which breeds excellent teamwork and bonding. I feel I will be friends with these people for a long time.
Alisa Simonds
