Student Blog: Nicole Quindere Duarté
Nicole Quindere Duarté and a select group of classmates were picked by faculty member Dejan Georgevich to attend an ASC Masterclass last weekend. Here, Nicole writes a student blog about the experience being on set with award winning cinematographers, gaffers, grips, electricians and educators.
Working at the ASC Masterclass alongside a professional crew was an incredible learning experience.
At the end of my first year, I discovered my passion for Directing, Assistant Directing, and Producing. However, I am always eager to learn more about all aspects of filmmaking, such as lighting. In my sophomore year I took Cinema I and II with Frank Prinzi. Frank guided me through the lighting world and encouraged me to continue learning the craft. Now, in my junior year, I am taking a production class with Dejan Georgevich to learn more about gaffing and gripping.
Last week, Dejan selected group of his students to help out and attend an ASC Masterclass. The experience allowed us to work with a professional crew. I arrived at Bronx Community College Friday morning at 9 am. The Gould Memorial Library Rotunda has been the location of various films such as Sophie’s Choice, The Thomas Crown Affair, and A Beautiful Mind.
Right away, I saw crewmembers unloading equipment from a truck.
Initially, I was scared of grabbing something the wrong way. My fear dissipated when I realized that the crew were open to teaching us and answering any questions. I took the opportunity, shadowed as much as possible, and asked as many questions as possible.
Fast forward to the actual setup, we hung a big diffusion close to the ceiling. That was undoubtedly the setup that took longest, but also the one I had more fun setting up and breaking down. The patience of the Key Grip Kurt Rimmel and Gaffer John Raugalis was essential for me to learn how to correctly assemble each piece to safely rig the diffusion and the technical name of each piece of equipment. One thing that stuck out to me is the division of jobs between grips and electricians. Initially, I wasn’t sure what responsibilities fell to each one on set. On student film sets we all wear multiple hats. I learned how grips prepare for the electricians to set up the lights, and the electricians set up the lights.
The Masterclass began Saturday morning.
Being surrounded by film legends was a one-of-a-kind experience. I had the opportunity to talk to so many cinematographers who have shot films and series. Declan Quinn (Hamilton) and Julio Macat (Home Alone) were so receptive and open to giving me tips and advice on the film industry. Watching Declan’s process of creating the scene and how they utilized each angle, lens, and movement to convey the story was an extraordinary learning experience.
When the masterclass ended, we began to break down everything and wrap all the equipment. We watched everyone work together as a team quickly, safely, and efficiently. Learning and understanding the set dynamics is a something I will bring to every set I’m part of.
Gripping is something that I thought I would never do again in my life, but I’m happy I did.
This experience will help me become a better Assistant Director. I now have a better idea of how long it takes for each setup. One piece of advice that I give to everyone is to go for it. Learn every aspect of filmmaking! Ask as many questions as you can. Be curious, and don’t be afraid of trying something because you’re not confident. After all, we’re all at SVA to learn.
