Reel Works Productions - A Day on Set

Reel Works Productions had a recent shoot for a toy company. While we can’t share exclusive details (products are not released yet), we are going to fill you in on what it’s like to spend a day on set, with a slew of pre-teens eager to do their best for one of the biggest companies in the toy industry.  Isa Gueye, our returning Youth Producer, shared that “ ...being on set with Reel Works Productions offers a challenge that most young filmmakers don’t get to experience. Working with child actors is a different game. It also offers you an opportunity to be on a different type of set - you have to learn how to improvise with actors which means developing your people skills.  And then   there’s the toys themselves who are the main characters.  It is different sort of filmmaking to be working with a prop as your main character.  Bringing that toy alive through shots and direction, is tricky, but fun!”We also had a Toy Tech, who was there to jump in when the going got tough. “The toys can be uncooperative,” said Stephanie Walter the Artistic Director for Reel Works, “and we were working with prototypes - product produced in casts that were used to create a one time strike off.  The client created these one offs so that we could capture footage for sizzle reels to be used at the Javits Center Toy Fair. Needless to say - there were glitches - but the Toy Tech was there to get over those hurdles!” Sam Graham - our Reel Works Productions youth producer says that he liked how every kid on set were energetic and happy, enthusiastic to be there.  “I was impressed on how they paid attention to details - we got every set up right - no time was wasted - even when a toy misfired - they were patient, and the parents were in awe of how everything was set up, and how the kids were treated.   I had a great time setting up helping the cameraman, assisting the producer, the director. I also love the fact that I was a little bit more engaged today. I felt like during my first month here, they sort of pushed me more to be on my feet longer and be more alert. I’m pretty happy about that because I keep growing everyday.  As far as working as PA, it has been a tremendous experience for me, I have been wanting to work on sets for a very long time - Reel Works - has offered me that opportunity.”Despite being coughed on, laughed at, and having to wipe some tears away - the days events were fun, and Reel Works was able to deliver product for three toys that will be released in the fall of 2018.