2022 has been a bumper release year for TV and film productions filmed in Wales, from Havoc and The Light / Y Golau to The Almond and Seahorse. We’re not done yet, though. This December sparks the return of a familiar character to Wales: Willow.
Fans of the classic 1980s film will remember the tale of Willow Ufgood – the story of how a young farmer (played by Warwick Davis) embarks on a dangerous journey to save a baby from an evil queen. Now, a reimagined TV series of the original movie has hit Disney+. Just like the 80s classic, the remake – which we supported here at Creative Wales – was filmed predominantly in Cymru.
From script supervision to props, sound department to the production office – trainees were able to gain valuable experience working in a variety of departments on the 2022 remake.
As Lynwen Brennan, EVP/General Manager at Lucasfilm says, “Whatever you’re interested in, there’s probably a place for you in the film industry. Keep knocking on that door, because it’s available to you and it’s available to you right here in Wales”.
So, if you’re interested in the different types of roles on offer in the film and TV industry in Wales, here’s a selection of trainee and crew positions involved in the re-making of Willow.
Script supervisor
A script supervisor works very closely with the director and script editor, as well as the actors themselves. A big part of their role is to ensure continuity since many scenes are filmed out of sequence and often weeks apart. This means checking dialogue, timing scenes and keeping a record of each take during the day’s filming.
Camera trainee
Camera trainees are integral to the camera crew and work closely with the second assistant camera. One of their main jobs is to help prepare the kit, as well as lending a hand with lens tests. This might mean marking the actors’ position during test runs, for example. Depending on the type of production you’re working on, you may also help with paperwork and with making the odd cuppa, so you need to be prepared to get stuck in.
Prop dresser/maker
Props are an integral part of any production, so the role of prop dresser/maker is invaluable. As a prop dresser/maker, you’ll be involved with making changes to any prop requirements so being skilled in DIY, carpentry or painting is useful. You may help to organise the transport of hired goods or keep track of props used on set.
Production trainee
A production trainee, or a production runner, supports the smooth running of a production. They help with paperwork such as call sheets, take food orders, and do general jobs like logging data. Being a runner is a great way to gain experience on a production so if you’re new to the industry, this is a good place to start.
Boom operator
This specialist role controls the long boom arm which has a microphone mounted at the end. Their main responsibility is to record all sound from a scene, this means getting as close to the action as possible without being seen on camera. For this role, you’ll need a good understanding of microphone and sound equipment, as well as an understanding of sound editing. It’s a physical role too, involving lots of balance, agility and coordination.
Camera operator
The camera operator does it exactly that; they operate the camera and capture the action on set. A big part of their role is knowing which cameras to use for different shots – this means understanding composition, framing and movement. This is a diverse role and can change dramatically depending on the type of production you’re working on – one day you could be operating a Steadicam in the mountains and the next a “U-Crane” mounted on a car roof on a beach in Wales.
Assistant director trainee
An assistant director trainee is exactly that – someone who aspires to be an assistant director or AD for short. The AD works closely with the director and acts as their right hand. They do everything from breaking down the script in pre-production to helping to manage the set when filming. They’re also involved with heading out on location to help with recces – the term used when someone travels to a location to assess its suitability.
For more information on working in the screen sector in Wales, visit our dedicated page, filming in Wales. You can also head to ScreenSkills Wales or Screen Alliance Wales for information on each of these roles, as well as how to get into the industry.
