Anna Ashford Assembling the crew earlier this year, I was prepared to do just about anything to get Emily Jones on my team. When I proposed the project to her she was in, but there was a condition. She wanted her cousin, university student Anna Ashford to join us. Heavy sigh. I have bad luck on past projects inviting others I have never met so this was not something I initially would agree to. What if she is high maintenance? What if she just doesn't get what we do? What if she is lazy? And heaven forbid.... what if she doesn't have good chemistry to work with the crew or the people of Nyaka? But wait! Emily and I were on the Nepal trip together. I remembered someone named Anna being discussed in conversations with the physicians I met while filming Hearts In The Himalayas. The doctors raved about her and what a great person she is. They said I absolutely had to meet her. Could she be the same Anna?
Anna Ashford on location in Uganda Fortunately, YES! Anna Ashford is the same young woman the HHC volunteers encouraged me to meet. She also happens to be the daughter and niece of volunteers I grew close to during filming of Hearts in the Himalayas.
Although Anna has no film production experience, it turns out, this aspiring law student moved to South Africa for a year to volunteer at an HIV/AIDS clinic. I knew she would be an asset as our profile organization’s purpose is to not only educate AIDS orphans, but also bring awareness to the community about the disease, prevention and treatment. I did not know initially what role she would have, so I assigned her to be my production coordinator. She quickly became invaluable. Apparently, the universe decided I needed a bit of order for this assignment. Oh okay, A LOT of order. You see, Anna is extremely organized which, is absolutely perfect for production coordination.
Anna interviews Nyaka student Michael By Anna taking on this role to manage the day to day production details, it would allow me to focus on the bigger picture of story development and working with my Director of Photography Jan Kohler.
Within the first hour of being introduced, she asked very thoughtful probing questions about the project and it was obvious she had done her research. During the shoot, we quickly discovered Anna's British accent was extremely helpful, as the people we interviewed understood her better than me with my Texas accent. She was able to dig deeper during the interviews because she intuitively knew how to navigate sensitive questions.
Anna's razor sharp organizational skills and attention to detail came in handy for developing my digital workflow to manage the footage and the transcribing of interviews. You cannot fathom what a mess this can be if not kept in order. She also did a great job keeping all of us well organized and on schedule and I have to admit at times I rebelled. (Sorry Anna)
Within the first hour of being introduced, she asked very thoughtful probing questions about the project and it was obvious she had done her research. During the shoot, we quickly discovered Anna's British accent was extremely helpful, as the people we interviewed understood her better than me with my Texas accent. She was able to dig deeper during the interviews because she intuitively knew how to navigate sensitive questions.
Anna's razor sharp organizational skills and attention to detail came in handy for developing my digital workflow to manage the footage and the transcribing of interviews. You cannot fathom what a mess this can be if not kept in order. She also did a great job keeping all of us well organized and on schedule and I have to admit at times I rebelled. (Sorry Anna)
Anna IDs Nyaka teacher Smith for interview Feeling very confident, she began treading into the other crew responsibilities. They joked that Anna had her eyes set on Jan’s job as Director of Photography.
I eventually promoted her to Field Producer since she pretty much was doing that job anyway. I'll have more on that in a future blog. Needless to say, I am so proud of her and impressed with her work ethic. Anna exceeded my expectations ten-fold as she worked tirelessly and effectively sun-up to sundown even when she was sick and exhausted. Note to Anna's parents, I did EVERYTHING I could to make her rest outside of tying her to her bed. I think next time I will hide her pen box and notebook..but that may not work since she..oh never mind.
I eventually promoted her to Field Producer since she pretty much was doing that job anyway. I'll have more on that in a future blog. Needless to say, I am so proud of her and impressed with her work ethic. Anna exceeded my expectations ten-fold as she worked tirelessly and effectively sun-up to sundown even when she was sick and exhausted. Note to Anna's parents, I did EVERYTHING I could to make her rest outside of tying her to her bed. I think next time I will hide her pen box and notebook..but that may not work since she..oh never mind.
Anna with Nyaka teacher Hellen Even more, I appreciate her authentic and genuinely caring nature with the people of the communities we visited. They fell in love with her, especially the teachers. They referred to her as their “sister” and still ask about her.
I have been fully producing CFTWF documentaries for over 8 years and after working with Anna, I can’t imagine doing another one without her. To be frank, I can't believe I have been able to pull it off all these years without her. I know her future is in the legal field, but my industry certainly could use someone like her, although it does not deserve her. Hopefully, I can recruit her with a large supply of chocolate for a few more projects before she graduates.
Without a doubt, Anna will be my first call for my next project. (Sorry Jan, surely you understand!)
Next week: Anna chimes in on her experience with CFTWF.
I have been fully producing CFTWF documentaries for over 8 years and after working with Anna, I can’t imagine doing another one without her. To be frank, I can't believe I have been able to pull it off all these years without her. I know her future is in the legal field, but my industry certainly could use someone like her, although it does not deserve her. Hopefully, I can recruit her with a large supply of chocolate for a few more projects before she graduates.
Without a doubt, Anna will be my first call for my next project. (Sorry Jan, surely you understand!)
Next week: Anna chimes in on her experience with CFTWF.
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