Hi has anyone had any experience of working on student films ?
My dd just been offered a part in a short 10 min student film as the main character and the filming schedule seems to me a little gruelling for a student production. She is required throughout the half term break plus 3 dates in November for which she would need to miss school.
As she is already working in a Theatre production and needs the odd afternoon off for matinees, plus got a day off school coming up for television filming just wondering if all going to be a bit much and if will be pushing luck a bit if request any more time off school.
My dd's and ds have all done student films, and they have been excellent from a gaining experience point of view. The most gruelling we had was a 3 day shoot - but it was all licensed and they absolutely stuck to the allowed hours - plus it was in the school holidays. I wouldn't have done it otherwise - even though it was paid. Maybe have a word with them and check it is licensed, check the hours match up to the allowed hours and ask if they can only film out of school time. I would not let my dc's film on a student short during school time, even though the schools are great, would rather only take time off for something important.
Thanks miss moneypenny.
Yes it is going to be licenced but they are insistant they can only shoot on dates provided including the school dates so really in 2 minds about the whole thing. Going to have chat with dd's head at school who is fantastic and see how she feels about the whole thing.
My DD has done several short student films and we have found eveyone to be very professional. On some of them a tutor has been there too. The final film is equivalent to a dissertation so they take it very seriously. My only concern sometimes was the food they provided - much coke and crisps! So I would suggest taking some 'proper' food for you and your DD.
They were very keen to pass on their knowledge and DD and I learnt a lot on these shoots which I'm saure has helped DD in the more professional jobs she has gone for. I did have to explain the licensing process to one and working hours to another but they are so grateful that you are involved that they take any info you can pass on with thanks.
Even though my DD is now getting 'paid' work we will still be applying for student films next season (ie between Christmas and Easter is the prolific time) as it is great experience and short films make really good showreels, and it is the acting my daughter enjoys not the renumeration (which will probably change when she becomes a teenager!)
