The Bruhven at Jesus High
Time Management
Communication
Talent and Crew Management
Proactive Planning
Adaptability
Problem Solving
Leadership and Delegation
Four teenage boys form a secret coven to cast a spell that helps their high school soccer team win a game—but when the gym burns down and they're shipped off to a strict Catholic boarding school, their witchy ways clash with holy rules, local bullies, and a mysterious girl who might change everything.
1st Assistant Director: Hayley Kirk
Due to complicated scheduling from last semesters back to back hurricanes, The Bruhven was unfortunately pushed to the last possible moment—only two weeks before the screening. To add to that, we needed to film a in a church, about witches burning their school to ground, on Easter Sunday. Our amazing, dedicated crew showed up for 3 straight days—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday on a national holiday to ensure the creation of this short film.
This was my first time running a set as a 1st AD, and to say the least it was a challenge, but well worth it with how much I learned, grew, and experienced. The quick, last minute schedule changes, tight crewing, and lack of resources didn’t bring us down, but if anything we overcame the obstacles and everything went smoothly in the end.
Pre-Production:
Creating a Shot Timed List
Creating a Shooting Schedule
Printing and Organization of On-Set Documents
Distribution of On-Set Documents
Identify Safety Concerns
Understands Permit Restrictions, Liabilities, etc
Risk Mitigation
Production:
Fill-in Director
Department Communication
Crew Coordination
Maintains Set Pace and Energy
Leads Safety Meetings and Oversees Safety Protocols
Troubleshooting and Problem Solving
Adaptability
The Google Sheet where all the shooting schedules are created. Day 1 - Day 3.
Day 3, a skeleton crew, Easter Sunday, and a number of unexpected challenges. Our lunch caterer canceled at the last minute, forcing us to quickly rearrange the schedule to ensure we could still capture everything we needed. All my fixes and notes look chaotic, but in my head, it was very organized. I’m proud to say we WERE NEVER BEHIND.
Myself, the DP, and the Director would spend every available moment adjusting, cutting, or combining shots to fit in everything in our time-crunch schedule.
In the first photo, I was with 2 producers and a camera assistant, who posed and blocked out a scene to assist the gaffer and DP.
Our Director was also an actor in the short film, so when he was acting, I would take the lead as the Director and would consistently communicate with every department what was happening and when.
As the 1st Assistant Director, it was my duty to announce crew deals, safety measures, and anything else that the crew and talent needed to hear. I would start every set and end it with an encouraging or positive announcement.
When an accidental mass email was released to the entire school, I jumped on the opportunity to respond and ask if anyone was interested in filling an open role in our film. We were still looking for a final actor, it was close to production, and everyone was responding with silly responses. I got over 5 responses.
As the 1st AD, I was also responsible for printing out all of the set paperwork for the crew and talent. It came out to over 2 lbs of paper. So sad for the environment, but crazy!
