Holy long day, Batman!

Now I know full well that days are typically long in the film industry. Which is one of the reasons that I want control over my own projects so that I can set hours that won't be detrimental to my health. (The other reason, and most important one, simply being that I want artistic control over my own projects.) But I am exhausted, not because we actually did that much (the hands on portion was pretty limited) but just the length of the day. Although my muscles are furiously arguing with that last statement... but that has more to do with how out of shape I am rather than the amount of physical work we did.

Anyway, the course was helpful with the technical side of things (which is all I really expected for this entry level union course). The first half of the morning reminded me of all of the parts of high school physics that I found too boring because it was too applied. I'd much rather talk about quantum theory than electricity, but I guess quantum theory isn't so much relevant to film lighting.

The second half of the morning was a demonstration of different types of lights and controlling light quality. This was much more interesting for me, especially because they have equipment that I wasn't familiar with because all of my previous exposure has been through the CSIF which, as an artist run centre, naturally doesn't have the budget for some of the newer, more expensive types of lights (such as Kino Flo and LED Lite Panels).

The instructor also gave us some photocopies from "Basic Lighting Worktext for Film & Video" which looks like a handy workbook to have.

In the afternoon, we got a tour of Whites Motion Picture, Television and Theatrical Equipment Supply (which is where the workshop was held). I have to say, the amount of equipment was a little intimidating. The idea of having to remember it all even more so.

Then we did a little hands on with one of the larger HMI lights (colloquially called a BFL... and if you're not familiar with that term, I recommend checking out the "A to Z Guide to Film Terms"). And I'm beginning to understand why everyone was so surprised to see a girl in the Lamp Op workshop. Methinks some daily push-ups might be in order.

But I did well on the test at the end of the day. So I guess we'll see if I ever actually get a call (will the novelty of being a girl help or hinder me? I'm not sure) and then go from there.