So, you’ve managed to survive your film shoot as stills photographer and you’ve delivered a bunch of amazing still images to a very happy Producer or Unit Publicist…You’re done, right?
For those photographers in the big league that’s probably enough, but not for an ambitious stills photographer hungry to forge their career working on film sets. Here’s some great ways to keep yourself relevant to the production and the crew long after the wrap party hangover has worn off!
Promote the show
There is a voracious appetite for information about the proceedings of the film and also in seeing the fruits of their work immortalised in great still images. Even if you’ve been contractually prevented from sharing your stills publicly you can make sure that when the production releases your images you’re able to share that information with your network of colleagues. If the show has reached an important production milestone or has been accepted in a film festival there will be press. Rebroadcasting that PR keeps your newsfeed churning over and demonstrates to the powers that be that you’re a publicity asset so they’ll be more likely to hire you again in the future.
Share your work
Facilitating access to your stills to crew. I’ve previously written TT 02 and TT 16 about relationships with crew and about making the crew look good TT 11. These people will often want or need access to your stills to promote themselves professionally in their portfolios or on their web sites. By assisting them to get the images they need (within the limitations of your contractual commitments) you’re proving your value as a colleague and building a network of people who will help you keep busy doing what you love.
Credit your colleagues
You’re going to work with great people all the time. You’ll build up an excellent network of people who are both enjoyable to work with and good at their work. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been able to recommend to productions scrounging for a Makeup Artist, Focus Puller, even First AD not to mention many other crew members. Every time you refer a friend you know that a production is getting a great crew member and you’re gaining value as a contact. What goes around comes around and I can honestly say that some of my best opportunities have arisen through personal recommendation of someone I’ve worked with previously.
How do you keep relevant to your productions?