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Name: Marie
Username: biene
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Occupation: 2nd Assistant Director
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What attracted you to the Entertainment Industry, and what was your first job or big break in the business?
I always loved movies, so I went to film school and started working on smaller productions, which eventually lead to bigger productions. This movie is the biggest project I have worked on.
What is the biggest challenge you faced trying to break into the industry, and how did you overcome it?
I am still trying to advance in this business. I guess the biggest challenge is to convince people you can do the job and then to be able to do the job successfully, because it is the only way to move on. All this includes little sleep and many, many hours.
What advice can you give those trying to break into the "industry?"
Don't shy away from intern positions. If people realize you are willing to do any job you're asked to do, they will respect you and ask you to work for them again. This is the best way to break in and make contacts. It's all about who you know and how serious you are about your job.
Please describe your job for those who might not know what a 2nd A.D. is.
As a 2nd A.D., I make sure things are running smoothly behind the scenes. I see that the actors are really with hair and make-up and in wardrobe at the right time, make sure they're happy, inform everybody of what is going on on set, do the paperwork required on set (actor's contracts, production reports, call sheets, injury and accident reports, etc.) and make sure everyone gets their call time, cast and crew.
Can you share any tricks of the trade that help you work faster/cheaper/better?
Pick two of the above; you can't have all three.
Please illustrate the way the performance of your position can help or hurt a movie. Name a movie that you've seen (or worked on) that we could view and understand the difference between a good job and a bad job.
Unfortunately, you can't see the results of my job in a finished film.
Are you a writer, and if so, how many screenplays have you written?
Yes, it is my ultimate goal to write and direct. I have written about 5 short scripts, and I am currently working on 2 feature-length.
What's the best lesson you've learned in regards to working in Hollywood?
I have not worked in Hollywood. In regards to independent filmmaking, I have learned that you should never say no if you are asked to do something.
What advice would you give to writers on how to craft a script that addresses practical production issues?
Present time and story with fewer characters and a moderate number of locations. A small number of nighttime exteriors, not too many extras, no animals, few kids, no babies or young children.
What advice would you give a director on how to make production easier?
It is all in pre-production. Plan your film ahead, sit down with your D.P. and storyboard artist and decide how to shoot the movie in advance. Have a shot list ready before production starts to give everybody enough time to prepare for how the scene will be shot.
List your top 5 favorite films
- The Double Life of Veronique
- Cinema Paradiso
- Underground
- Breakfast at Tiffany's
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