Scott Fowler interview - Dustin Cassels - Gaffer

1. I freelance between as many clients as possible, so as to keep myself busy. I never say no when ask to perform any needed role on set. Such as Gaffer, Grip, AC, PA, etc. The trick is learning as many roles as possible so you can say, "yes I can do that". A lot of times you can become some what of a hero to your client if you can pull through for them, especially if its crunch time. With all of this takes a good bit of experience.

2. I took an apprenticeship with a local film maker in Asheville, NC. We produced marketing videos for high-end private golfing communities. I began my experience through him by simply moving gear and watching his every move. It was a small team. Usually no more than three, so it gave me a chance to learn all aspects of film making but on a smaller scale of course. Through him I met more filmmakers and the networking began. I started on the bottom with no schooling, just a eagerness to learn.

3. You have to be careful when agreeing to work on a set. Basically, don’t sign up for more than you can handle. Be honest with your client and often they will be willing to teach you. That way you can avoid the awkwardness of telling your client that you can’t. On the other hand there have been a lot of times when I found my self in that situation. I have been asked to get certain things that I really didn’t know what it was. So I said yes, knowing that I could probably figure it out or someone on the crew that’s not the boss, could show me. There is a sense of comradely on a film crew.

4. I feel like a major part of the answer for this question lies in the answers before hand. I wish I have had the chance to go to film school. It’s a great place to start your networking and experience. Tell more people you’re in school and show them you’re eager learn. Work for free or a low rate or even just food. I’ve worked for everything and anything just to gain experience. Then you can begin saying, “yes I can do that”. Ill sum it up. Make it to where the people you are working for cant live without you.