Being Commissioned Through Lockdown Is Fucking Weird
Good Boy Wolf is a photographer and director, and like the majority of my peers during lockdown, work stopped and we sat on our arse for a few weeks, then the creative itch took over and we shot some personal work. It kept us busy but it didn't pay those bills, or the monthly payments on my £50k camera. It pisses me off cameras cost so much, simply because they will be used professionally they add a zero onto their true value. But hey, that's another article.
A few more weeks passed, and eventually the phone rang and a shoot came in. I was commissioned by Forte Sports. Halle Fucking Lujah, I was chuffed. It was paid which I never expected it to come so soon and I got to shoot something creative, exciting and possibly very impactful. It also helped the mrs as well, it meant my continuous pacing, moaning and incessant creative itch to be kept busy was eased. (must get some cream for that)
The brief was straight forward and was an easy tackle compared to some briefs I get, but the challenging side was the research of Covid and working out how to shoot the thing without crossing the path of someone, talking too loud, breathing too close or even a simple high five. It sounds pathetic moaning about this stuff, especially in current climates, but for the 15 years I have worked shooting, it as been ingrained into me to work as a team, be quick on your feet, interact with the talent and work closely with your crew to get the work done well.
It was a learning curve that had to be done over Mr Google. I watched countless videos on YouTube to see what other production companies had been doing, in particular in Asia as they are ahead of our curve.
It looked a bit daunting and in some cases, unnecessary but as soon as you plan, action it and shoot, you can see why it is necessary, and you can actually see it isn't that bad. I do think the new normal will be a shit new normal but I am going to tolerate it, without a single moan because there will be an end point to it, whenever that may be.
The hardest part to swallow when planning this shoot was not being able to employ my usual crew. My friends and people I rely on. The stripped back crew is a hard pill to swallow but a must but it meant I couldn't hire my friends, who I trust and rely on when shooting. I had my 1st as normal and a producer but aside from that, it made it easier and quicker and safer to do the lights myself with my 1st and manage the hair and wardrobe between ourselves. This is what makes the new normal a shit new normal.
I can work with everything else, masks, two metre distances etc. It was not hiring my crew and in a time when they need the dosh the most.
The shoot was spread across two days, and it went well. I got the exact same results as if it was a 50 man crew but it was just harder to get to that point, but needs must. I am very grateful for the commission and long may it continue.
I haven't even ventured into London yet, simply because I can work from home and shoot else where to avoid public transport and masses of people. I am craving to walk around Soho. Craving for catch up for drinks with creatives and just to pop into the Algerian Coffee House and grab my espresso. These things I took for granted and never really appreciated until now. I sound so whet.
The images throughout the article are from the advertising commission so you can see the results from the two day shoot. The client, the creatives and myself were chuffed to bits with the results and it shows just what you can do stripped back to the bare bones.
You can see similar work at the website.
I hope everyone is keeping safe and well and the doors are starting to knock for work. I am always here to shoot so please give me a shout, if not, the itch comes back.
Howl, Mr Wolf.
