On Set

As a film student, I try to help out on as many sets as possible! It gives me experience, connections, and a chance to have a part in creating something amazing.

This past month, I was a Second Camera Assistant on a MassArt junior’s film set. I did a little bit of everything from gaffing to helping out with camera but mostly I was in charge of slate. It was a great opportunity because I was able to gain real on set experience.

This shoot was successful because there were a lot of talented and organized people involved. Everyone at the helm of the production (director, cinematographer, assistant director, producer) were extremely knowledgeable. I was able to ask questions and see how they handled challenges.

I enjoyed the production because the story was powerful and we filmed in such interesting locations. For one scene, we were in a basement that was dressed with dramatic lighting and a fog machine. I couldn't get over how awesome the shots looked (confession: I was peaking at the cinematographers monitor after I slated).

We also filmed a scene in a local bar. I took note of how they created the lighting because it looked great! Overall, it was an enriching experience. Every time I’m on a set I learn something new.

Reflections

I have been working on shooting some projects that finally have been edited and released in the world (yayy! see films tab). The first is my new music video, Reflections. This piece is really interesting because by default it has been years in the making.  Last spring, I was in a course called “Handmade Film”. In this class, we took analog film strips and painted/scratched them to create interesting patterns and mixes of color.

created using colored india ink and my fingerprint

I animated this clip of found footage by hand!

This past semester, I used that same handmade film to create an installation piece. I hung translucent curtains parallel to each other in order to make a hallway like structure. Then, I projected film onto the curtains. My hope was for the installation to resemble an immersive kaleidoscope. I wanted visitors to be surrounded with abstract colors and light. During critique, my classmates interacted with it and took pictures throughout the installation. That experience was so touching it inspired me to make this music video.

The handmade film installed

A classmate interacting with the installation

In Reflections, I wanted to capture the color and light of handmade film. I also wanted to show the beauty of movement in both dancing and playing an instrument. The piece had a subtle conceptual component but I really wanted to blur the lines between a narrative and experimental filmmaking approach.

My dancer and guitarist were a pleasure to work with. I found myself incorporating their ideas which added even more depth to the original concept. The musician and I created an original song for the video. It was incredible to have input on the score as it was being composed. We all shared a vision which made the process very collaborative and fun!

A silhouetted still of the dancer

A shadowy still of the guitarist

It’s exciting how layered the video turned out. It felt like a celebration of so many art forms: music, film, dance, installation, and video. In my work, I love to push the boundaries and experiment with different techniques. It was a pleasure to create and I hope you enjoy!

An Exciting Week

Hello! It’s been a very productive week. :) On Thursday, I had my music video class. This week, my teacher told us we would be shooting a one shot music video in class. In groups of 5, we would make a music video from concept to editing in the span of 5 hours! It was such an exciting challenge. My group, ended up transforming the lighting studio with the use of props and gels. Here is our finished product:

Also, I started shooting footage for a  multichannel installation project I need to create for my Video II class. It’s a very quirky and eclectic take on someone running late! We set up flats in the lighting studio and used fabric to act as wallpaper. I still have more work to do on this project but it’s great to see it starting to come together.

Stills:

Photos From Set:

A Friendly Update

Hello! Between school and work it has been pretty hard to update this site but I have decided it’s time! I’ve been creating a lot since founding By Byers Productions. With each piece I am involved in, I learn so much.

This past fall, I was a production assistant on MassArt senior, Josh Flannery’s set “Rest”. It was shot in a quaint town in upstate Vermont. Between the gorgeous fall leaves and period set pieces, there was so much to love and appreciate about this shoot. I saw first hand how a set really operates. I was even able to shadow Josh while directing which was a great experience!

In school, I produced and directed two of my own short films (they can be found in the films section) while having the opportunity to help out on some of my classmates projects. I also experimented and edited on 16mm film. All of these experiences really helped me grow this past semester!

Finally, my most recent endeavor was being a production assistant on MassArt senior, David Garcia’s production “INNSMOUTH”. It was a mystery/thriller set in Salem, MA and inspired by the author, H. P. Lovecraft. It was really a pleasure to work on!

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Welcome!

This space will be a home for mood boards, thoughts, questions and ideas. I will also be sharing exciting news and new developments in my creative journey.