As a film and multimedia student, practical exposure is an essential part of professional development. Recently, my course mates and I participated in the production of a short film as part of our academic training. The production took place in different locations within my university, beginning at the shuttle ground, moving to the Faculty of Engineering, and concluding at the Faculty of Communication. This experience provided me with firsthand insight into the realities of filmmaking beyond classroom theory.
Nature of the Production and My Role
The project was a short film produced strictly for training purposes. Although it was an academic exercise, the structure and coordination reflected the professional standards of a real film production. My assigned role on set was handling the clapper board. This responsibility required accuracy, attentiveness, and proper timing, as it ensured synchronization between sound and visuals during post-production.
Working with the clapper board helped me understand the technical importance of scene numbering, shot identification, and take documentation. I realized that even seemingly small roles on a film set contribute significantly to the overall production process.
The Atmosphere and Production Process
The atmosphere on set was both busy and stressful. The first day was dedicated to shooting cutaways, while the second day focused on the main scenes. I initially assumed filmmaking would be exciting and slightly relaxed, based on how films appear on screen. However, I quickly discovered that the process is intense and highly demanding.
Everything happened back-to-back with little or no break. There was constant movement — setting up equipment, adjusting camera positions, preparing actors, and correcting mistakes. The coordination required between different crew members was evident, and I observed how important communication and time management are in film production.
Challenges Encountered
Despite proper planning, we experienced several challenges during the production.
One major issue was sound. There were difficulties achieving clean audio, which delayed some scenes. Additionally, we did not have enough extras for certain shots, which affected the composition of scenes and required adjustments.
At one point, there was a shortage of electricity in the Faculty of Communication, making it impossible to power the film lights. As a result, we had to rely on natural lighting. This situation forced the crew to adapt quickly and adjust camera angles and positioning to maximize available light. This experience taught me the importance of flexibility and problem-solving in filmmaking.
A Memorable Encounter
During the cutaway shoot, we had the opportunity to meet Obi Emelonye, a renowned filmmaker. He shared his personal journey into the film industry and spoke about the struggles he faced before achieving success. One of the most impactful lessons he gave us was to never give up on our dreams, regardless of obstacles.
Hearing directly from an experienced filmmaker added depth to the entire experience. It reminded me that persistence, resilience, and self-belief are essential qualities in the creative industry.
Personal Reflection
This experience changed my perception of filmmaking. I did not expect the process to be so physically and mentally demanding. The stress, the coordination, and the speed at which decisions had to be made revealed the true complexity of film production.
I also realized that I still have a lot to learn, especially in areas such as leadership, organization, and technical knowledge. However, rather than discouraging me, the experience strengthened my determination. Seeing the effort required behind the scenes made me appreciate the art of filmmaking even more.
As someone who aspires to build a career in film production, this practical exposure has prepared me mentally for the realities of the industry. It has taught me that filmmaking is not just creativity — it is discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Conclusion
In conclusion, participating in the production of this short film was a valuable learning experience. From handling the clapper board to witnessing real-time problem-solving on set, I gained practical knowledge that cannot be fully taught in a classroom. Despite the stress and challenges, the experience has reinforced my passion for filmmaking and my commitment to growing professionally in the industry.