About How I Started: Conversations with Below-the-Line Screen Industry Professionals
Have you ever wondered how people got their start in the screen industry? Join host Kate Separovich in HOW I STARTED as she interviews below-the-line crew members to discover how they built their careers in the screen industry. In each episode, join Kate on a journey of discovery as her guests share their unique stories, from their humble beginnings to their current roles. Whether you're a film student or just curious about the inner workings of the film industry, this podcast will give you an inside look at what it takes to make it in the screen industry and get your first job. Major thanks to Tom Moore for his assistance with the post sound!
In this episode, Kate chats with Lorry Plummer who works mostly as a Unit Assistant and Lighting Assistant.
WE CHAT ABOUT
What the Unit Department is responsible for
The average day of a unit assistant
Catering
Working in regional locations
Study vs. Work
Routines
How they decide what jobs to do
The benefits of working in unit when you are starting out.
Moving into other departments
SHOW NOTES
Link to transcript coming soon
WHERE TO WATCH
Kill Me Three Times (https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/kill-me-three-times)
Glee (https://www.justwatch.com/au/tv-show/glee)
Under the Lighthouse Dancing (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118030/)
EQUIPMENT/SOFTWARE/SKILLS
Barista Training (https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/courses/espresso-machine-operation)
Truck Licence (https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/courses/heavy-vehicle-driving-operations-skill-set)
CREW WE TALK ABOUT
Emma Fletcher (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2706923)
Chris Veerhuis (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3572802)
Jess Tran (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3866296)
Mike Montague (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8945831)
COURSES
North Metropolitan Tafe (https://www.northmetrotafe.wa.edu.au/film-tv-and-radio#:~:text=Start%20your%20film%20school%20journey,specialised%20vision%20and%20sound%20editing.)
GUEST CONTACT DETAIL
Lorry Plummer (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10273173)
lorry_plummer ”at” hotmail.com
CREW CON TICKETS Are available at
https://hopin.com/events/crewcon/registration
Use the code HOWISTARTED for discounted tickets!
7 Jul 2023
005 - Post Production Co-ordinator - Steven Kenny
In this episode, Kate chats with Steven Kenny who started his career as a post production co-ordinator and now works as a Post Producer and Story Producer.
WE CHAT ABOUT
How the Post Co-ordinator fits into post production
The tasks and expectations of a post co-ordinator
The surprising skill that study taught
Networking
Link to transcript coming soon
WHERE TO WATCH
Outback Truckers
Outback Opal Hunters
EQUIPMENT/SOFTWARE
Scriptation
Sync on Set
Procreate
CREW WE TALK ABOUT
Ross Tinney
Jules Fortune
Freya Brueschke
COURSES
ECU Bachelor of Media and Communication
GUEST CONTACT DETAIL
Steven Kenny – Linked In
Stevenkenny50 “at” gmail.com
2 Jun 2023
004 - Make Up Artist - Paula Jane Hamilton
In this episode, Kate chats with Paula Jane Hamilton who works mostly as a Make Up Artist whos part of the HMU or Hair And Make Up Department.
WE CHAT ABOUT
What the make-up artist is responsible for
The average day of a make-up artist
Working with talent
The benefits of study and what wasn’t taught
Getting the first job when you don’t know anyone
Moving to Hollywood
Difference between US and Australian Guilds
Routines
Online Classes
Setting up portfolios
SHOW NOTES
Link to transcript coming soon
WHERE TO WATCH
Kill Me Three Times (https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/kill-me-three-times)
Glee (https://www.justwatch.com/au/tv-show/glee)
Under the Lighthouse Dancing (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118030/)
EQUIPMENT/SOFTWARE
Scriptation (https://scriptation.com/)
Sync on Set (https://www.synconset.com/home/)
Procreate (https://procreate.com/)
CREW WE TALK ABOUT
Marietta Carter-Narcisse (https://www.mariettacarter-narcisse.com/about)
José Luis Pérez (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0702222)
Kevin Aucoin (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevyn_Aucoin)
COURSES
Vidal Sassoon Hair Academy
Swinburne University
GUEST CONTACT DETAIL
Paula Jane Hamilton (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1350551)
https://www.paulajanehamilton.com/
4 May 2023
BONUS: Read a drama callsheet
In this episode, Kate goes through a drama call sheet because she hasn't had a chance to edit another episode!
In this episode we cover;
- The essential elements of the callsheet
- What important information to look for
- What some of the acronyms stand for
LINK TO FOLLOW ALONG CALLSHEET (https://circle-parsnip-2j6m.squarespace.com/s/GOODNIGHT_CALLSHEET_D01_26092020.xlsx)
6 Apr 2023
003 - Standby Props - Kit Sparrow
In this episode, Kate chats with Kit Sparrow who works mostly as a Standby Props Master (Art Department).
In this episode we chat about;
- What the Art Department is responsible for and what Standby props looks after
- How study didn’t teach all the skills needed
- The first job, and then transitioning to current role
- Flexibility and why the standby job is important
- Why the arts is important
SHOW NOTES
Link to transcript coming as soon as website is up and running!
WHERE TO WATCH
Drift (https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/drift)
Paper Planes (https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/paper-planes)
The Turning (https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/tim-wintons-the-turning)
Looking for Grace (https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/looking-for-grace)
A Few Less Men (https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/a-few-less-men)
Wentworth (https://www.justwatch.com/au/tv-show/wentworth)
The Heights (https://www.justwatch.com/au/tv-show/the-heights)
EQUIPMENT/SOFTWARE
Something to clean with
Something to taking things apart
Something to put things back together
Something to organise
Air Bladder (https://www.bunnings.com.au/winbag-inflatable-multi-use-wedge_p1142252)
Adhesive Tapes (https://secure.johnbarry.com.au/adhesive-tapes)
Makita Power Tools (https://www.bunnings.com.au/products/tools/power-tools?gclid=Cj0KCQjww4-hBhCtARIsAC9gR3bY9T7nuPzjMagGpZyccGznYnI3MTQm-L9r_EUS5Z0_xu-M73HDEmAaAisFEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&sort=BoostOrder&brandname=Makita&page=1)
CREW WE TALK ABOUT
Matt Hodgkinson (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3880055)
Clayton Jauncey (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0419436)
Adrian Dalton (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3577857)
Emma Fletcher (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2706923)
Sam Boffa (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4161677)
COURSES
Murdoch University (Course no longer exists)
GUEST CONTACT DETAILS
sparrowkit AT gmail.com
2 Mar 2023
002 - 1st Assistant Camera - Dan Stone
In this episode, Kate chats with Dan Stone who worked mostly as a 1st AC (or Assistant Camera).
In this episode we chat about;
- What the 1st AC is and what they do
- How working in an isolated town helped career progression
- The ‘average’ day in the camera department
- The adventure of working in the screen industry
- Problem-solving
- Working in challenging locations
TRIGGER WARNING
We also discuss mental health If you are working in the industry and need help please seek help.
The Wellbeing Helpline (https://supportact.org.au/get-help/wellbeing-helpline/) is available to anyone working in the arts.
You can find additional professional assistance through MEAA (https://www.meaa.org/campaigns/entertainment-wellness/)
Most importantly please watch The Show Must Go On (https://www.theshowmustgoon.com.au/)
SHOW NOTES
Link to transcript coming as soon as website is up and running!
WHERE TO WATCH
Koko: A Red Dog Story (https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/koko-a-red-dog-story)
The Furnace (https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/the-furnace-2020)
EQUIPMENT/SOFTWARE
Teradek Wireless Lens Controller (https://www.lemac.com.au/Products/TeradekCTRL3Three-AxisWirelessLensController.aspx)
Small HD Monitor (https://www.videoguys.com.au/Shop/p/43173/smallhd-cine-7-touchscreen-on-camera-monitor-33-1-mon-cine-7.html?qid=66daefcdf4705d590920bdf4522eac23&pos=11)
Magliner Junior Trolley (https://www.lemac.com.au/Products/BackstageMaglinerJuniorwith24inchShelves.aspx)
Setwear Chest Pouch (https://secure.johnbarry.com.au/setwear-pouches/setwear-ipad-hands-free-radio-chest-pack-set-05-539)
Setwear Belt Pouch (https://secure.johnbarry.com.au/setwear-pouches/setwear-combo-tool-pouch-set-05-514)
PEOPLE WE TALK ABOUT
Arthur Bienkowski (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4223255)
Charmaine Murray (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9896224)
Michael McDermott ACS (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2925759)
COURSES
WA Screen Academy (https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/arts-and-humanities/courses/wa-screen-academy)
Curtin University (https://www.curtin.edu.au/study/offering/course-ug-screen-arts-major-bca--mjru-scrar/)
OTHER LINKS
Professional Film Crew of WA (https://profilmcrewwa.com.au/)
Shitty Rigs (https://www.instagram.com/shittyrigs)
Movie Set Memes (https://www.instagram.com/moviesetmemes/)
Dan’s High on Life Spotify Playlist (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1x4ZuEcjweHlN2iRJE7PhY?si=1ff1d36d57bd4258)
Dan’s Chill Spotify Playlist (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/11oZsE4GLg2YMhbM9Bz9u1?si=b882a9b8a7a441b2&nd=1)
Dan’s Masters Choc Milk Adaptor (https://www.printables.com/model/187286-choccy-milk-cup-holder)
GUEST CONTACT DETAILS
Website (https://www.cameramandan.net/)
Instagram (https://instagram.com/cameramandan_)
2 Feb 2023
001 - Production Coordinator - Gabrielle Cole
In this episode, Kate chats with Gabrielle Cole who worked mostly as a production co-ordinator and now works for Screenwest as the Production Attraction and Services Manager.
In this episode you'll learn about;
- Managing change in a high-pressure job
- Reflections on one possible career path
- Building professional relationships
- How job values help you decide what job to say yes to
- Career growth and speed.
-The best way to reach out to Gabby
SHOW NOTES
-Link to transcript coming as soon as website is up and running!
WHERE TO WATCH
Red Dog True Blue (https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/red-dog-true-blue)
Bad Girl (https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/bad-girl)
Looking for Grace (https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/looking-for-grace)
1% (aka Outlaws) (https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/1-2017)
The Heights (https://www.justwatch.com/au/tv-show/the-heights)
EQUIPMENT/SOFTWARE
Microsoft Office - Home edition (https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/microsoft-office-2021-home-student-software-download-moff21hses)
Laptop
INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE
Hayden Fortescue
Anna Steel
Georgina Isles
Natalie Bell
COURSES
WA Screen Academy (https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/arts-and-humanities/courses/wa-screen-academy)
Curtin University (https://www.curtin.edu.au/study/offering/course-ug-screen-arts-major-bca--mjru-scrar/)
OTHER LINKS
Screenwest Crew Directory (https://www.screenwest.com.au/filming-in-wa/crew-services/)
Professional Film Crew of WA (https://profilmcrewwa.com.au/)
GUEST CONTACT DETAILS
Gabrielle Cole (https://www.screenwest.com.au/about-us/staff/gabrielle-cole/)
6 Jan 2023
PRE LAUNCH
In this Pre-launch piece, Host Kate Separovich talks about why she started the podcast and what she hopes it will achieve.
Contact How I Started: Conversations with Below-the-Line Screen Industry Professionals
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