I received the chance to work as a sound recorder (boom operator) on a short film. Yesterday was the first day of shooting and for me it was simply amazing - exhausting (from noon to midnight), but amazing.

The project itself is a student film with volunteers as crew and actors ('payment' is catering and a copy of the movie) - but the director (a friend of the producer) already follows a professional career in America and most of the actors are at the beginning of theirs as well.
Although not every crew position imaginable is filled, it's already crowded on the sets. Depending on the scene, two to four actors, the producer, director, camera man, sound, two for makeup, one for lighting and three 'production assistants' (general dogsbody ;) roam about.
All in all the atmosphere is relaxed and joyful - Some actors still manage to have some fun on their own late at night.

Within this day I learned a lot - in sum it might not be much, but there were some essentials. For example, for each scene first will be done what is called 'Blocking' that covers a rough rundown of the scene primarily for the crew: Camera positions (and panning), possible spots for the boom and microphone, lighting, ...
After blocking comes the rehearsal (no recording done, but every equipment in place and the actors are instructed about minor details) and then the actual shoot happens.

It appears that some things which might be considered 'obvious' must be learnt the hard way. For example, the assumption "Oh, the batteries in my field recorder must still be at least half full..." will not be allowed anymore. At least I had a second set of batteries with me.

Although for today only three scenes are planned, they are going to be exhausting as well. They will cover war scenes with some action - so much running, falling, shouting, ...

I'm now going to buy a third set of batteries - if the two over night recharged sets wont make it ;)