Em's caricature. Happy face by Debi, The rest by Emily. Last week I wrote about my Director of Photography, Jan Kohler. This week, Brown University student Emily Jones is on tap. Emily… what can I say about this young woman? What can't I say about her?
For the Nyaka project, I knew I would need a good boom operator and all around production assistant. It would require someone who has a great work ethic, good temperament and positive energy. Emily was perfect for this role. She is one of those people you need to have on set when things go south or an interview gets a bit emotional. I am sure she does not realize this, but Em has a way of of looking at you and you know all things in the world will be good. I had no doubt she would be the perfect crew mate.
I met Emily when she was around 14 or so on the Himalayan HealthCare (HHC) documentary, which I shot in Nepal. She was a shy but naturally curious HHC volunteer. She is one of those kids that always have their head buried in a book. When Em was not busy working with the HHC volunteers, she tagged along with me on my shoots eager to do whatever was needed. I don’t recall asking her to do anything. She quietly picked up the boom, Go Pro or tripod and came along on the shoots without fanfare or chest thumping of how she contributed. I took notice and decided then and there, I was going to have her join me on a future project. Although not a film student, Emily is a humanitarian with that low key and sensitive temperament necessary to handle any assignment I may need her on.
She went from being awkward and shy the first days of the shoot to becoming our most beloved crew member not just with us, but the locals too. Emily’s role was to assist us whether to operate boom, reflectors or setting up cameras. She did a fantastic job in every role, but when it came to diffuser/reflector duty, she rocked. This may not seem that important to many, but it is an absolutely critical role as we shoot everything using natural light. Her nickname “Super Silver Circle Girl” was fitting and she even began teaching locals and Nyaka volunteers how manage the reflector/diffuser.
She went from being awkward and shy the first days of the shoot to becoming our most beloved crew member not just with us, but the locals too. Emily’s role was to assist us whether to operate boom, reflectors or setting up cameras. She did a fantastic job in every role, but when it came to diffuser/reflector duty, she rocked. This may not seem that important to many, but it is an absolutely critical role as we shoot everything using natural light. Her nickname “Super Silver Circle Girl” was fitting and she even began teaching locals and Nyaka volunteers how manage the reflector/diffuser.
Nyaka student Anitia with Emily There is also something about Emily that always draws attention. Hmmm…what on earth could that be? Could it be her engaging smile? Her wit? Maybe, but I think the first thing you notice is her beautiful Afro. She cannot go anywhere without being approached, poked, pulled etc. People just can’t help themselves. It was no different in the villages we visited. Thank goodness Em, as she says, “is cool with that”. She was incredibly patient and generous to allow the locals to touch and play with her hair. During one shoot, my headphones were tugged and when I turned around, no less than a dozen girls had surrounded her braiding her hair. I don’t know how she was able to remain quiet and professional. It was a sight to see!
Emily also became our chief “mingler”. I insisted the crew take a pro-active role in introductions when we found ourselves in those types of situations. This can be quite intimidating, especially if you are shy and may not have well-practiced social skills. Everyone did fine, but Emily was the one who typically got the ball rolling.
Emily also became our chief “mingler”. I insisted the crew take a pro-active role in introductions when we found ourselves in those types of situations. This can be quite intimidating, especially if you are shy and may not have well-practiced social skills. Everyone did fine, but Emily was the one who typically got the ball rolling.
Nyaka students with Emily Not surprising, Emily was even popular with the young primary students. On our last day, three students, Nicholas, Oscar and Esea, who had assisted us throughout the summer, decided they wanted to shoot an interview. The first thing they requested was the "Silver Circle". When I returned to the set with the reflector, Nicholas spoke up and said, “No, we want Emily to help us!” Ouch! That hurt! They chose Em over me! Okay, my feelings were only hurt for a few seconds. I was so proud that Em had made such an impact on the kids.
Emily is off at college now for the next few years. Hopefully, I can convince her to join me on the next few projects. I'll bribe her with chocolate if i have to.
UPDATE: EDITOR'S NOTE: Sept. 8, 2015- After this piece was published, I was contacted by Jackson Kaguri regarding my use of the word "local". To my horror, he shared with me that the use of the word "local" in this context is considered negative and should not be used even though the people of the community use it in everyday conversation. In a future blog I will expand on our conversation. I regret the use of this word and sincerely apologize. I thank Jackson for educating me on this cultural nuance.
Next week: Dylan Beckerich
Emily is off at college now for the next few years. Hopefully, I can convince her to join me on the next few projects. I'll bribe her with chocolate if i have to.
UPDATE: EDITOR'S NOTE: Sept. 8, 2015- After this piece was published, I was contacted by Jackson Kaguri regarding my use of the word "local". To my horror, he shared with me that the use of the word "local" in this context is considered negative and should not be used even though the people of the community use it in everyday conversation. In a future blog I will expand on our conversation. I regret the use of this word and sincerely apologize. I thank Jackson for educating me on this cultural nuance.
Next week: Dylan Beckerich
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