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Sep 29 2011

Tech Talk – Tips for actors working along side a stills photographer

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I’ve got to say, that one of the most rewarding aspects about shooting production stills is the opportunity to create amazing images in collaboration with Actors. As a photographer on set, it is my utmost goal to create strong and marketable images that give the best portrayal of the film and the actors who audiences will be wanting to follow on their journey – I’ve previously written tips for photographers (See TT08). The simple truth of what every one of my best production stills is that it is the synthesis of the skills and contribution of a whole crew but most importantly between myself and the actor.

The purpose of this article is to provide some useful advice how make the best out of working with a photographer on a film set. It has been inspired by some excellent experiences working with actors, in particular from working with Craig Fairbrass on my brief stint on Frank Harper’s feature film St George’s Day. Before I’d even had the opportunity to introduce myself to Craig I’d noticed he was aware of my presence and was actively working with me to make great shots. Once I did get the opportunity to introduce myself to Craig (who, incidentally is an absolute gem to work with), he explained to me how he always makes a point of working with the stills photographer. Craig’s relationship with stills photographers is evident in the striking nature of the publicity images posted on his website (www.craigfairbrass.co.uk)

Here’s some suggestions about how to get the most out of working on a set with a stills photographer:

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  • Seek us out with your ideas – Any good on set photographer will be conscious of not crowding you or making a nuisance of ourself. If you’re of a mind to make some images and you’ve got some ideas to explore track us down and let us know. Often, like most crew on a film set we find ourselves waiting around between set-ups. Any passionate stills photographer will jump at the chance of using that down time with a willing cast member on images that will make us both and therefor the show look great.
  • Don’t smile – we’ve all been preconditioned to play up for the stills camera whether it to smile sweetly and and say cheese or put “rabbit ears” over our friends. Those photos can be lots of fun, but hold limited marketing and publicity value which is the lion’s share of why a stills photographer is on a film shoot. If you detect the production stills photographer’s lens being pointed at you by all means play to the camera in character bearing in mind some of the tips in this article, but consider toning the use of gang hand signals, metal appreciation and general messing around just in case you miss out on creating great marketing images with the photographer.
  • Experiment with us – as with in acting for the motion camera you’ll often be asked to do things in ways that might feel weird when you do them for the camera, but will ultimately look better in the end result. By all means express your reservations about an approach or an idea (or even feel free to suggest how to make it better. If something really doesn’t work then it will be merely wasted pixels or film negative, but then it might just turn into a particularly special or useful image.
  • Tell us what you don’t like – in the major leagues Actors and their representatives are given the opportunity to “kill” images they don’t like – it’s in their contract. On smaller productions, or if you’re up and coming you probably don’t and won’t get such a power. But, us unit stills photographers often have leeway in terms of the images we turn over, we’ll cull stills that aren’t a good representation of our work, the show and the artists making it. If we know what you’re a bit sensitive about, we can aim to address that both when we shoot, and when we cull and or retouch our images for delivery delivery to the Producers.

    • Andrew Hawley on Strays - Shares a moment to make a great character image

    I know there will be more tips down the line, but if you’ve got any of your own to share, drop me a line.

    The bottom line is that the quality of publicity still images aren’t just good for the show, or for my portfolio but they’ll also bring attention to you as an actor. Your help and active contribution will absolutely make a difference to the images we can create together.

    If you love it, show it!
    Film publicity and marketing resources
    Production Stills TECH TALK

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    Sep 22 2011

    Tech Talk: A mini review of Movie Photos by Alex Bailey

    Tags: Tech Talk
    Movie Photos

    Movie Photos by Alex Bailey. Grab a copy and get comfy.

    Every photographer has a unique story, a journey they followed in pursuing their craft. Movie Photos is a record of the work of Alex Bailey (via IMDB) as well as a worthwhile insight into the life of a movie stills photographer. Even if you’ve not heard of Alex, his images have probably inspired you to watch a film or two whether it be Atonement, Sunshine, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Sherlock Holmes or Brighton Rock. You’ll get plenty of opportunity to enjoy his work further as you make your own journey through his pages.

    What’s really great about Movie Photos is the insight into the craft, the working relationships and the career of a working unit stills photographer (a term Alex himself dislikes the term in favour of the more to the point: Photographer). Alex is generous with his explanation of many of the aspects of the job that you don’t otherwise learn without experience. There’s a clear passion in his words, which any photographer with an interest in succeeding in this business needs to have.

    Movie Photos discusses frankly the purpose of the role as well a talks about the different kinds of photography required of a photographer on a film set as well as running a “Specials Shoot” (dedicated publicity shoots).

    Don’t expect a textbook, Movie Photos is more like a gentle conversation with a warm hearted, and seasoned professional. It’s not going to teach you any new techniques on the technical aspects of photography or composition but studying the many beautiful images Alex has made will be informative for anyone looking to better understand the range of images a movie stills photographer needs to be able to create to be successful.

    Much of what Alex has written about the role of the movie stills photographer is directly applicable to working on smaller scale productions but also gives a good grounding for an advancing career.

    Four years into my career as a photographer dedicated to working on set, I can honestly say I wish I’d discovered Movie Photos sooner. I’ve read it twice now, it is an easy and very enjoyable read.

    Movie Photos www.moviephotos.info
    Independently Published with a donation of proceeds going to HALO, a charity dedicated to remove the debris of war.
    Available at amazon.co.uk £12.99*
    Paperback, 223 pages
    ISBN 978-0-9559337-0-7

    For more about Alex Bailey you can check out his blog or listen to an excellent 45 minute podcast interview via PLINK’s Red Curtain Creatives.

    *Note: My US friend Curtis Clegg informs me that Amazon.co.uk won’t ship the book to the US, but you can order directly through www.moviephotos.info

    If you love it, show it!
    Film publicity and marketing resources
    Production Stills TECH TALK

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    Sep 15 2011

    Film Publicity – A collection of links

    Tags: Tech Talk

    I’ve got a strong interest in learning about good film publicity practice. I’m of the opinion that understanding the principles of film publicity and what the best practitioners do, I can apply that knowledge to my work as unit stills photographer. Here’s a selection of great resources I’ve come across that inform my work on every show I work on:
    Poster - Equilibrium

  • The Independent answers the question What do film publicists actually do?
  • Skillset.org interviews unit publicist Susan d’Arcy
  • Alternative Magazine interviews Ethelmae, Sylvester Stallone’s unit publicist. For further reading: Ethelmae’s Blog.
  • Selling Your Film Without Selling Your Soul Independent film publicity and distribution by the Film Collective
  • Alphapanda demystify the services that great film publicists provide
  • Transmythology – The interest graph and implications for independent film
  • Magda Olchawska on creating a press kit for a film
  • BBC Film Network – Press and Publicity Requirements
  • Simon C Page writes some very wise words on movie poster design

    If you think I’m missing any good resources, please get in touch. via e-mail, twitter or use my contact form above! I’d love to hear from you.

    If you love it, show it!
    Film publicity and marketing resources
    Production Stills TECH TALK

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    Sep 13 2011

    Equilibrium: The Mercenaries – a sneak-peak

    Tags: News, Silver Koi, The Mercenaries

    Poke the bad guy in the eye to check out the galleries!

    This is a pretty exciting glimpse of what to expect from Silver Koi Production’s short film Equilibrium: The Mercenaries.

    Starring: James Gamble, Dan Richardson, Billie Vee and Felix Pring this show will be an exciting action short. Keep an eye out!

    Thanks to Director and Producer Chris Chung for suggesting this exclusive look at his show.

    If you love it, show it!
    Film publicity and marketing resources
    Production Stills TECH TALK

    Tags: News, Silver Koi, The Mercenaries

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    Sep 12 2011

    Making Ugly – Screened for Cast and Crew

    Tags: Making Ugly, Squarebox Yellow

    Jamie Gordon, Margaret Ann Bain and Paul Quinn, stars of Making Ugly

    Today Squarebox Yellow screened their debut feature film Making Ugly in Soho, London.

    I’m rather proud to have been involved in this micro budget feature film. Andy Niblo (Director) and Mara Adina, Dara Carroll (Co-Producers) together with a small pool of hardworking creatives have pulled together this dark tale that looks quite excellent (and dare I say rather at home) on the big screen.

    Congratulations to all the cast and crew on a great achievement.

    Links: www.makingugly.com | My Stills Gallery

    Executive Producer, Russell Dalgleish speaking to the cast after the credits have rolled.

    If you love it, show it!
    Film publicity and marketing resources
    Production Stills TECH TALK

    Tags: Making Ugly, Squarebox YellowKeywords: , , , , , , ,

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    Angus Young – Production Stills Photographer « Ambra Vernuccio - September 16, 2011 - 12:10 am

    [...] via Making Ugly – Screened for Cast and Crew » UK Production Stills Photographer. [...]

    Angus - September 17, 2011 - 3:48 pm

    I’m glad you like my work. Thanks for dropping me a line!
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