I had always been interested in the process of filmmaking as I would spend hours watching the behind the scenes of movies I liked. When I transferred to Texas State, I joined the film club so I could experience being on a set for the first time. After making friends in film club, I started shooting student short films and kept learning more about the process. I mainly have interest in the camera department, but it also requires the knowledge of Grip & Electric, which is like the blue-collar work in the film industry. Since 2024, I have been on about 10 film sets.
When shooting, days are about a minimum of 12 hours. It never feels so extensive in the moment, but once I get home I feel all of the exhaustion. Even though it is mentally and physically exhausting, I still have so much fun and I am always looking for another opportunity to be on a set. Whether it's just as a Production Assistant, or an Assistant Camera, I love it too much to stop. I am hoping this semester I will actually be paid on a set. My next one will be shooting in March.
Over the weekend, I was the Director of Photography for my friends film, where I learned a lot more since the first time I ever tried. We shot for 2 days, one part at a gas station and one part in an open field in Kyle. The last film I shot for a friend we also shot at a gas station, which took us from 8 pm - 4 am to finish. There were so many people coming in and out we had to lock the doors and not allow people in until we were done with the shots. It is currently undergoing professional sound mixing so it can be submitted to festivals!