I spent 10 days working in the FUTURE - it is like movie making
In January 2022 I got a call from my friend Suspi if I would like to act in a web series based on his book Half Pants Full Pants. What do you think I said? I said a resounding YES and five hours later I found myself in the beautiful town called Sakleshpur. I spent 10 days on the set of this web series. It was 10 days spent getting a ring side view of movie making. I spoke to the crew, the director, the screenplay writer, the actors, the make-up artists and the people who take care of the logistics.
What I saw convinced me that it was a glimpse into the future - where we will all have work, but very few people will have jobs. Those who thrive will need skills and the relationships and the ability to adapt to extreme uncertainty.
What is changing?
A shift in the way work gets done
We are going to see more projects that bring together people with different skills. Short-term project-based work needs different set of skills from the long-term open-ended jobs. It is combination of multiple forces like the rise of the skills economy, hybrid work, and the changing view of careers that is driving the shifts.
Everyone is ready waiting for the cinematographer's go ahead
Change No 1: Everything can change anytime... and then again
I have woken up at an unearthly hour. I scramble to the set. Everyone is waiting for the sun to rise. The cinematographer wants a certain texture of the light. As soon as he gives the go ahead, there is a frenzy of activity. Before we begin, it starts drizzling. No shooting today, I am told. I am disappointed.
I go back to the hotel. Within minutes the phone rings. I am needed right away. I rush back. As if on cue someone does the makeup. I am playing the role of a doctor in the village.
There is one problem. In the opening shot, I have to drive a scooter (I don't know how to). Someone is brought in to teach me. The crew is amazed that I don't know something as elementary. I learn enough to do the scene. When I finish, I am whisked away to another spot.
I now have to drive an old Ambassador car with the crew holding the camera in my face and three children as passengers. There is a drone shooting footage about an inch from the windshield. The lines I am supposed to speak have been changed several times. I have a difficult time remembering which version of the dialog was finally agreed. I am getting a first-hand glimpse of the future.
What the future will demand
Use technology to learn, experiment and stay on the cutting edge: One of the most striking things I noticed was the integration of technology on the set. From pre-production to post-production, technology played a crucial role in every step of the process. For example, pre-visualization software was used to plan out shots and visualize how the final product would look. During filming, drones and other advanced camera equipment were used to capture high-quality footage from various angles. And in post-production, special effects and editing software were used to enhance and refine the final product.
Teamwork and collaboration: With such a large and complex project, it was clear that no one person could do everything on their own. It took a diverse team of individuals with different skills and expertise to bring the film to life. This included writers, directors, producers, actors, camera operators, lighting technicians, and many more. Communication and collaboration were key in ensuring that everyone was on the same page and working towards a common goal.
Staying adaptable and flexible: I also learned about the importance of adaptability and flexibility in the workplace. With so many moving parts and unexpected challenges that can arise on a film set, it was essential that everyone was able to adapt and pivot as needed. For example, if there was an issue with the weather or a piece of equipment, the team had to find a solution quickly in order to keep the production on schedule.
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Now playing on Amazon Prime. Do watch and encourage my amateurish efforts at learning this complex skill.
A behind the scenes look at movie making
