Take Two! Film Intern in Dublin, Ireland

Noted on September 23, 2009 by Julia in

I just started my new internship position at the Ardmore Studios in Bray, Ireland. It is 45 minutes south of Dublin via the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit). I will be working for “The Tudors” TV show for the next couple of weeks and my goal is to learn how a TV show is run and contributed to by the various departments within the production team. The head of production hired me for this “work experience” as they call it, and I will be working alongside the Production Assistant for the duration of the internship. All of the people at Ardmore are wonderful, but extremely busy. Genna, the Production assistant, works somewhat as my mentor. She showed me all around the facilities and used me a great deal in the office, helping her copy and meticulously organizing scripts.

The Ardmore Studios have multiple stages where filming takes place. We meandered around the costume department admiring the nicely organized racks of men’s and women’s medieval garb. There were loads of gorgeous, ornate jewelry and handbags lying peacefully on long tables for easy speculation. Joely Richardson from the TV show “Nip Tuck” arrived at the studios today for a costume fitting. I was surprised to see a face that I recognized from TV, but was quickly informed by Genna that it is crucial for anyone working in the film industry to remain professional and courteous to all of the cast and crew. Though, I have just been at Ardmore for a few days, I can see that I have already learned a great deal about the etiquette and extensive behind-the-scenes work that must get done. Every day is different and challenging, but with openness and an adherence to present needs, each day can be equally fulfilling.

I spent the past week running many errands from the Ardmore Studios to the set where they are filming. They’re working on several scenes being shot inside a nearby church. I’ve never been on a set this big! I got to meet the director and run a few errands to one of the executive producers. It has been an interesting past few days observing the crew and their equipment in a more intimate setting as opposed to the offices. I have come to realize that I am meant to be on set, working in person with people and equipment, as opposed to working behind the scenes in an office. I felt alive and energized on set. Each area was fascinating to watch (camera, lighting, props, directing, acting, etc) I kept wondering what position I would be most suited for, and realized that with my acting background and impulse to visualize a scene as a conglomerate of skills, I would be good at integrating the skills of various departments. Some people catch the editing, some are keen on lighting, some critique the acting, but I see each piece as not-so-separate, but entirely equal. I like the idea of planning each shot ahead of time and conveying my vision to each department, who then takes the initiative to build their part of the greater vision. Each department has their unique expertise, and being in a position to allow all of those different skills to come together would be remarkable. Someone once told me that my personality is not director material, but after observing the director on set today, I could read his actions and felt close to his ideas. It has been challenging, but inspiring nonetheless, and I look forward to the day that I am a part of an equally dynamic and caring community of professionals.