Welcome to the first of a new series of newsletter articles called First Time. Does what it says on the tin, and first up is Jenn Knox who hosted the crew who filmed the short film Compliance in her photo studio. Her first time providing a location
Who are you?
Hello! I’m Jenn and I have a photography studio in Cowdenbeath ~ PhotoJenniK.
How did you end up providing the location for Compliance?
I received a phone call from Anna out of the blue saying that she had seen the studio on Peerspace and that she thought it looked perfect for a short film she was directing.
What did you think it would be like before?
I was crazy excited by the prospect of my little studio being the location for a film! I really love my studio and was so proud when Anna and Erik came to see it. There were lots of positive words in the air and Anna’s enthusiasm was infectious… I was praying they would go for it, and they did!
It wasn’t difficult for me to picture how the place could become someone’s flat, I guess that’s the main reason it was chosen as the location, but nothing prepared me for the amount of equipment that got brought in!
Photo: Jenn Knox ©
What was it like? What did you learn? Did you enjoy it?
It was dark! All windows were covered up and there was no way of telling if it was night or day outside. This really contributed to the total immersion of what was happening in the room. I was honoured to be asked to capture some behind the scenes shots – something I hadn’t really done before, however, I do wedding photography and my style is a very natural, documentary approach, so this wasn’t a million miles away from that.
I had absolutely no comprehension of how long a scene takes to film. There are so many elements – light, sound, makeup, set design, continuity, wardrobe, camera angle, close-ups – boom shadows!! I couldn’t get Cat Stephens out of my head every time someone shouted Boom Shadow (I’m being followed by a boom shadow, boom shadow, boom shadow…)
The photography was really tricky as most scenes were lit predominately with red light but I experimented and adapted and was really pleased with what I produced at the end of the 4 day shoot.
I thoroughly enjoyed being involved. I really wasn’t expecting to become part of the family when I agreed to lease out the studio. The people that I met that weekend really inspired me and pushed me out of my comfort zone – I even had a wee go at being lighting technician for a couple of scenes – I had the huge responsibility of turning the light off at just the right time (over and over again)… high pressure stuff!!
Photo: Mickey McManus ©
Would you do it again?
Shortly after Compliance I was invited to help with another short film which involved a lot of the cast and crew from Compliance. I couldn’t have been more honoured to be asked.
Would I allow the studio to be used as a location again… absolutely!! Everything was returned to how it was found. Everyone was super respectful of my space and I came away with nothing but a fantastic feeling of being part of something really special – that doesn’t happen every day! I have seen a trailer for Compliance and it left me wanting more – I cannot wait to see the final result.
I’m extremely thankful for the door to this world being opened to me… who knows where it might lead.
Photo: Mickey McManus ©
Edinburgh Cine & Video Society is a club dedicated to amateur film making in Edinburgh. We have a club room with a cinema in Fettes Row and we are always looking for (wannabe) script writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, costume designers, SFXers, VFXers, props managers, location scouts, TikTokers, world-builders, Vloggers, YouTubers, animators, green screeners, soundtrack composers, production accountants & caterers, poster & artwork designers, GoProers, lighting & sound engineers, actors & extras.
No experience necessary - our members range from absolute beginners to industry professionals.