Summer Reflection - Hannah Roth

It seems like just yesterday that my parents had dropped me off at the airport and I was on my way to Los Angeles and now the return packing process has begun. This blog post officially marks the end of an incredible summer but the beginning of the rest of my life. I would be lying if I said this summer was easy and that I didn’t make mistakes through the entire process; but I wouldn’t change a thing. Coming into this summer I was never one hundred percent sure what it was I wanted to do in the industry but I knew I wanted to be apart of it. Now I can say with confidence that I will be a 1st Assistant Director.

I was extremely lucky to be placed at Caviar Content for my internship. I had gotten the opportunity to intern on their second Indie feature film that was produced in the United States. While on set, my first job was to do a lockup, which is not an easy task especially when people do not seem to care when a person my size tries to be like Gandalf standing before the Balrog telling them that they "shall not pass”. But one of the highlights was that since I was the same height as the main actress I got to be her personal stand-in, which in my opinion was pretty awesome.

I learned so many great lessons while working on this production that I feel would benefit the next person who is in my shoes and so here you go:

1. If you ever find that you have to wear a walkie, DO NOT wear leggings. Your pants will fall down multiple times.
2. Show up 30 minutes early, even if you don’t think they notice, they do, trust me.
3. 

   Sunscreen is your best friend, it’s hard to do some of the tasks you are asked to do if you can’t move around without being in pain.
4. If asked a question never say “I don’t know” and end it there. Figure out the answer to the question ASAP.
5. Bring snacks  because you never know if and when food will be provided and you never know how long your work day might be.
6. Meet as many people as you can on day one because they will be your biggest allies on and off set that might  potentially give you your next job.
7. Don’t wait a week to ask where the bathroom is located. I know that seems like common sense but when you are constantly being asked to be on a lockup there is not much time for you to look around and get your bearings. Also it’s hard to stay on your game if all you think about is having to go to the bathroom.

One of the biggest things I learned this summer that everyone in this industry has made note about is that you are never stop learning. So even though we might be done with school, unless you go to grad school, there is always something new and different that is important to know. This summer might be over but my journey is just beginning. TCF in LA 2k15!