This summer I had the opportunity to bring in an apprentice to a three-week film shoot. It was an ultra-low-budget production and my sound team was only two people (myself and my boom operator.) The producer agreed to let us bring in my 16-year old son as a trainee. Production would cover his insurance and meals, but he wouldn't have a salary.
My son was in the process of assembling his own gaming computer so, as payment, I offered to buy him a video monitor. He has also been somewhat interested in what I do for a living, so besides his readiness to toil for three weeks in order to get a video monitor, he was at least marginally interested in learning about microphones, wireless gear, cable management, and so on.
We had a conversation before the shoot: I explained that I would treat him like a colleague, not like his father, and that he should listen and observe as intently as he could in order to learn as much as possible. He was already aware that he could make decent money in film production, even as a Utility. This was a chance to see what it was all about.
I happen to have a bit of an OCD streak in my personal life, which serves me quite well in my work: we deal with a large number of expensive and delicate devices and accessories, stored in drawers and cubbies under a specific order, so as to be easily found and worked on. Irrespective of personal traits, though, a good sound team –and, especially, a good Utility– has to learn to be extremely detail-oriented and develop a keen visual memory, if he or she expects to keep up with the rigors of production.
Firmly in the throes of adolescence, my son KNOWS EVERYTHING. Also, his dad is an OCD fiend… So, as expected, there was some friction between us because he couldn’t separate the training from the parenting. Who knows, maybe I couldn’t either…
I’m proud to say, though, that in the end he garnered a number of compliments from the producer and other crew members, for his work ethic and good disposition.
But you’re not here to hear me brag about my son. This is intended to be a reflection on the concept of apprenticeship, which I think is in danger as an institution.
There are countries (mostly in Europe) and crafts (such as woodworking or blacksmithing) where the apprenticeship system still thrives today. Crafts (and I believe that what we do in production sound is a craft, not an artistic undertaking) encompass knowledge, physical skills, experience, intuition and, yes, an artistic sensibility. While it is obviously possible to learn many things taking lesons, reading, watching videos and who knows how else, crafts are best learned in a different setting.
Young minds and bodies are not yet set in their ways, and are thirsty for new experiences and knowledge. They catch on quickly and, under the right master, will absorb a vast variety of quirks and tips without even noticing. They’re naturally rewarded upon mastering smaller tasks, which they’re eager to take over, to prove they know the job, starting a virtuous cycle.
The main point, though, is that there are –typically– no lectures, no heavy reading or memorizing - true “on-the-job” training.
But, as we in America move further away from this institution, fewer young people will remain with the curiosity or inclination to submit themselves to this process. And that's a shame, because the future looks to be increasingly brighter for craftspeople (whoever they are - mechanics, plumbers, carpenters, masons) than for college graduates. College tuition is far more expensive than an apprenticeship, and craftspeople typically start making decent money right away.
So I will continue to do my part, modestly, to form the next generation of filmmakers in the sound department. I wonder if there’s a similar path for Producers or Directors.
What has been your experience?