From zero to paid mini-doc director in 18 months

Occasionally I think back over my life and like to plot significant moments, like a path, leading to where I am at present. With a pinch of sceptical fatalism, I find it enjoyable reversing through choices and events however small that had an effect on where I’m at now. Recently I have been thinking about a coffee I had with Benjamin (duckrabbit founder) who for the last 18 months has been my boss and my mentor.

Trudging out on a snowy day in March from Coventry to a small café just south of Birmingham I made the meet, set up by my University Tutor (thanks JW!), to show Benjamin some work I had been doing up on the Isle of Mull. What followed was brutal!

The work I had put so much time and effort into was, over the top of a cappuccino, being picked apart before me, as Benjamin found flaw and error and sometimes plain rubbish within it. I sat there not disheartened (well maybe a little) but encouraged. I took in everything, the good (it wasn’t all terrible), the bad, the ugly.  Surprisingly, at the end Benjamin offered me a couple of months work.

Fast forward almost 2 years and I have now been a full time duckrabbit for 18 months and very recently just finished my directing début for the company (see film above). To say that the learning curve has been steep would be an understatement! The sheer level of detail and pride in quality, paired with the transition from photography to film production had me at times in the foetal position. There have been really hard and trying times and getting up to speed on editing skills, production needs and the general day in day out of things not being good enough was hard to bear sometimes.

I once forgot a vital bit of equipment on a shoot rendering our camera near useless, I remember thinking ‘this is the end!’ But through determination, a lot of hard work, hand holding, and encouragement I did get better. And it’s not all been a struggle…waking up early to film the sun rise in Nothern Ethiopia was pretty amazing!

I feel like an integral part of the team now and I am still learning. I play a big part in all our productions but to be able to direct and produce my first duckrabbit film was for me a culmination of all the hard work I have put in and all the help and faith my colleagues have given me along the way. I am proud to share with you where I have got to since that coffee a relatively short time ago.

There is a very high standard at duckrabbit, it is because we care about what we do. I can honestly say I love my job, and yes sometimes it’s stressful but the moments of satisfaction are just as numerous. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Thanks to Alice and her family for making the film with us.

Here are some tips for anyone leaving Uni and looking for a job in production (they benefited me anyway):

1. Work hard

If you seem lazy why would someone hire you! Making an effort to visit someone (don’t expect that because they are hiring they should come see you) and working hard when given a chance shows that you are worth hiring. My commute was over two hours each way 5 days a week while I was still studying… the effort was noted!

2. Make stuff

Always be making something. It makes you look passionate about film making (which you should be if you want a job in it) and also keeps you developing as a maker. If you have a bunch of recent films to show someone it’s a good look. What helped my case was that the work I was producing was always short – 5min films shot over 2 or 3 days. This fit with the way duckrabbit work. If you want to work for a company that makes short documentaries… get out and make some short documentaries! Also, and this is a preference thing with dr, but showreels aren’t always a good choice… a well produced film on its own can speak louder (something to think about).

3. Planning

A lot of work that goes into a film should be done before you pick up the camera. Planning is key to production and means you use your time more efficiently. Don’t just go and shoot a bunch of stuff and try to throw something together in the edit. It doesn’t have to be shot for shot but have a good plan and try to stick to it. If you can show evidence of these production skills you’ll stand out and seem competent.

4. Be nice to people

The reason I got that first coffee with Benjamin was because of a shared acquaintance. If I was unpleasant to work with or to others he would not have recommended that Benjamin meet me. Simple! This goes for online as well… If your being rude on twitter you are not helping yourself. You don’t have to kiss ass, just don’t be a dick!

5. Take criticism

If someone is critical of your work don’t immediately go on the defensive. Try and take it on board as constructive and where possible take peoples advice (some people are just being mean). Be confident to argue your point but be open to suggestion on all things and if someone doesn’t like something try and get them to tell you why, get details. Also it’s better to have someone look before you publish something, better to hear it before it goes public. Don’t get disheartened by harsh criticism, try and take something from it.

We are now running fast paced one day training workshops for anyone interested: an introduction to mini-docs click here to find out more