Breakwater: Filming (Max Morgan)

LET'S CALL IT... A LEARNING EXPERIENCE

'BREAKWATER IS A PSYCHOLOGICAL DRAMA SET BETWEEN OXFORD AND THE SUFFOLK COAST, EXPLORING HOW WE CONNECT, FORGIVE AND GRIEVE FOR BOTH OTHERS AND OURSELVES. IT FOLLOWS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OTTO, A UNIVERSITY STUDENT, AND JOHN, A RETIRED ANGLER WHO LIVES ON THE COAST WHO BOND OVER SHARED TRAUMA OF LOSING A LVOED ONE. BREAKWATER IS OXFORD UNIVERSITY'S SECOND EVER FEATURE FILM, WITH 2022 MARKING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF PRIVILEGED, THE 1982 FILM BY OXFORD UNDERGRADUATES THAT LAUNCHED THE HOLLYWOOD CAREERS OF HUGH GRANT, ANDY PATERSON, MIKE HOFFMAN, MARK WILLIAMS, IMOGEN STUBBS AND OTHERS.'

You can read about the pre-production experience here.

On 12 March we left Oxford for Suffolk to begin filming Breakwater. Although I didn't realise it at the time, the journey was an indication of what was to come: fun and chaos. Max's Mini Cooper had to fit five crew, their luggage, and the costumes – I spent most of the journey not in a seat. During the drive we received a call that the camper van we had planned on using as accommodation and a green room for filming had fallen into a ditch and was no longer being delivered. Later, Max asked if I had prepared the hard drives for offloading footage, which was the first time I was informed I was responsible for any kit. It turned out the camera team had forgotten to do so and informed Max the night before; Max then decided to give me the responsibility. In the car I ordered £750 of hard drives on Amazon for next day delivery. Max then also informed me I would be the DIT for the duration of filming (in addition to being the Associate Producer and Production Manager); I had no experience in this role but had to 'take one for the team.'

The morning of the 13th, the first day of filming, the Sound Recordist was too ill and went home. My minimal experience in sound recording was more than other members of the crew, and I was forced to assume my fourth role on the production. I had never used the kit before and was overwhelmed. There was a wind storm and we were filming on the beach, which meant it was impossible to hear any of the  dialogue – this made it especially difficult to determine whether I had set up the kit correctly. 

I was exhausted being both the DIT and Sound Recordist (in addition to my main roles) and I far exceeded the legal working hours (10 filming hours and one hour for lunch). The Producer relieved me of many of the production tasks I was most keen to do to force me to concentrate on the other roles I had been handed. We also had numerous issues with offloading footage the first few days: my laptop took around 24 hours to offload the footage from each day (so it was constantly running), the transfer would consistently fail and have to be repeated, and my USB to USB-C adaptors both broke. Furthermore, Max and Jemima initially insisted that I label all footage and sound (i.e. renaming files 1A, 1B, etc.), which would have added many hours of work to my daily tasks. The Cinematographer, in a rather unprofessional manner, yelled at me for opening the footage to label it. The communication between the HoDs during the first few days was rough until they found their rhythm. 

When the new Sound Recordist arrived, I was frequently not allowed to join the crew on set (the locations were rarely walkable). The Producer's reasoning was that we did not have enough production vehicles. This issue could have been resolved by allowing me to complete a movement order for each shooting day (which she deemed unnecessary). I don't believe the problem originated with a lack of drivers – it was more so the drivers' lack of willingness to drive. The Producer sought to be compassionate and reduce the number of trips they had to complete, frequently allowing them to have hours (or a whole day) to socialise and explore Suffolk.  I understand her perspective; however, personally I think that if someone commits to a role, then they should fulfil the responsibilities as required. These drivers had no reasonable excuse for their attitude. Nevertheless, the transportation situation was a learning experience for me. It would have been great to have an additional or hired driver, and when in a position of more authority (I was undermined by the Producer), to ensure that crew are completing their responsibilities as expected. It also highlighted the importance of attending the recce  – on my next production I will insist that I do. 

There was a discernible varying standard for members of the crew: I was expected to do five roles without complaint while others were often excused from their one. It was frustrating not being able to attend set because I was meant to be filming Behind Breakwater (my fifth role), the behind the scenes documentary. Instead, I was expected to clean the unit base (wash dishes, vacuum, tidy people's belongings, etc.). The unit base was a daily dumping ground and few of the cast and crew tidied up after themselves. I attempted to raise my concerns on numerous occasions but received the response: 'I don't like people who aren't team players.' I am genuinely unsure of how I could have expressed my feelings in a more professional manner.  Tensions rose as shooting fell behind schedule and filming began on the more emotionally challenging scenes. The Producer said it was unlikely I would be able to visit set and capture footage for the documentary for the remaining days in Suffolk. I ultimately left several days before wrap. It was a difficult environment and I am proud I spoke up for myself. 

Certainly one learning point from filming was crewing. A large portion of the crew belonged to one clique, which established a social divide. I can empathise that perhaps the Producer was uncomfortable having discussions with her friends about their organisation or professionalism, but it made the experience more difficult for other members of the crew. 

I rejoined the production for the last two days of filming in Oxford to capture footage for the documentary. Not being able to join the crew on set meant that I did not have enough footage for the project (as I had anticipated and expressed several times to the Producer). The issues from the first leg of filming had not been resolved, and I heard the production was an isolating experience. 

The production was overall a lesson in advocating for myself and people management. The experience was invaluable: I have learned how to coordinate aspects of production and approach situations that will help me in all future productions.

I also look forward to seeing the final film. It is the product of any incredibly talented team and it will be amazing to see what our hard work has accomplished. The estimated completion date is the end of 2023 or beginning of 2024.