What a to-do to die to day at a minute or two till two...

So as of right now, I don’t really have a specific title other than “production intern”, which is a title shared with basically everyone in my program. I’m aiming for DP (Director of Photography), and Lead Makeup Artist, but for now, I’m a bit more of a jack of all trades.

Last summer I was Producer/DP for several sets of ENG (Electronic News Gathering) we did for our Xtreme Camps and Global Expeditions events. This included camera work in the field, leading interviews, and doing a bit of snooping around for possible events to record, like the big GE lunch dance (was a lot cooler than it sounds). This also included labeling and storing tapes in our library, and logging most of the footage.

Another project I was an integral part of was the ATF TV Music Cue Sheet team. Basically, with every ATF TV episode we send in to God TV or some other broadcasting network, we must also send what is called a music cue sheet. This protects us from copyright infringement and also allows for the bands shown in each episode to receive their due royalties. Keeps everyone happy, but I must say, after the 3^rd or 4^th Unhindered Special, you begin to wonder if maybe they shouldn’t do their own promotions, while humming along to “We Are The Redeemed”.

I’m also currently working alongside a few of our official DPs here in the studio, learning camera techniques and lighting, including studio lighting, green screen lighting, and outdoor lighting, for scenes that are less than ideal. Being in my second year here, I can tell you what 3-point lighting is (not a 3-point turn tho), how many watts you can plug into each wall (this IS important if you don’t want to fry the circuits), and what not to do with tapes and cell phones, among other things. Needless to say, there’s a lot more to camera work than simply picking it up and pushing the big red button. I mean, who knew how handy C47’s would be? ;)

One of my favorite things so far to do though is makeup. Ashton and I have been doing a lot of experimenting in that department, from supermodel super dramatic makeup, to making old people out 16 year olds, and even zombies (LOVE zombies!). We’re currently setting our sights on making a mini-series of makeup tutorials for future interns, and maybe even youtube. This includes basics, like the different uses for each brush, the great debate of cream versus powder, and so much more, but also more complicated endeavors, like LIQUID LATEX!

For now, that’s what I do almost every day. More to follow as we go to our live events, or on the road with our Professional Encounters.

See you in the end credits

~Char