Career Day
Career day at High Tech High is a day that we have no school, and we go and shadow somebody in the profession that we want to be in. Its purpose is for us to see what the profession is like to see if it's something that we want to do. I shadowed Phil Lewis, who is a director at Warner Bros Studios. I got to see the set of Fuller House, and meet most of the cast, which was really cool. A typical day at Warner Bros Studios is different every day. Some Studios go on a Wednesday thursday schedule, where they to table rehearsals on Wednesday, and Blocking rehearsals on Thursday. Other Studios just see how much they can fit it on one day. Some of the Studios general work policies are: The dress code is business casual, some people wear suits, and others just wear a t-shirt and some jeans. It really varies on the Studio, the show, and what your job is. Directors usually dress nicer, where as the boom might dress very casually. Tardiness is usually not accepted because everybody's job is crucial for the making of the movie/episode. They get occasional lunch breaks, and always have access to craft services. In Humanities we are doing a project where we write our own play, and I think that could project specifically could help me if I ever wen't into this career. Although I want to be a director, I could always start as a writer and work my way up. My mentor didn't actually go to college, but he went to a performing arts high school, and had been performing ever sense he was 10. I learned a lot about the different fields of television from my mentor. I think that I would be most interested in writing/video editing to start, and eventually work my way up to director. I am definitely interested in pursuing this career because it sounds like something I wound enjoy. Getting to see it all play out was a really good experience. For career day 2018 If I shadow somebody in the TV Business again, I would like myself to remember to ask lots of questions and try to make connections while Im there. Those connections could help me a lot down the road.
Interview Notes:
Interviewer: Dylan Lewis
Interviewee: Phill Lewis
Career: Director
What is your average day of work like?
Most likely a day of rehearsal which consists of blocking (moving of actors) - rehearse with actors - rehearse each seen 2 or 3 times - Producers come and watch - have a run through - producers give notes - scene gets shot
What is your workspace like?
Sound stage - big warehouse - sets, equipment, and dressing room - He gets all around and helps whoever needs help
Why did you go into this career in the first place?
Started off as an actor - after he knew that director would be a challenge and it was something he wanted to try - Actor is a good transition to director - he wanted a chance to help out actors instead of being one
What is one of your proudest moments as a director?
He was helping Directing a show called odd couple (One of his favorite shows) - based on tv series from 70s - gary martin came to a run though of it - He gave an actor a suggestion and the Gary thought that it was a great way to make the scene better - His idol told him he was a good director so he knew he had to keep going
What degree did you get?
He never actually got a degree because it wasn’t necessary - starting working at 10 in theater - went to high school of performing arts, that’s where he got most of his credentials
What experience is needed to direct?
Biggest thing is to be creative - look at a script and visualize how it will play out - know the english language very well - be a student of theater - watching films and television to gain knowledge
What benefits come from working as a director?
Sense he works in comedy, he gets to go to work everyday and laugh, it truly is the most fun thing for him - meet so many interesting people (actors, producers, crew)
What skills are most needed to direct?
Communication is key - talk to people in gentle way - be willing to collaborate
Do you work with a team or by yourself?
Work with team - team changes - works with producers and assistant directors - works with writers - he really just works with who ever needs help - gets around the whole set
Interviewer: Dylan Lewis
Interviewee: Phill Lewis
Career: Director
What is your average day of work like?
Most likely a day of rehearsal which consists of blocking (moving of actors) - rehearse with actors - rehearse each seen 2 or 3 times - Producers come and watch - have a run through - producers give notes - scene gets shot
What is your workspace like?
Sound stage - big warehouse - sets, equipment, and dressing room - He gets all around and helps whoever needs help
Why did you go into this career in the first place?
Started off as an actor - after he knew that director would be a challenge and it was something he wanted to try - Actor is a good transition to director - he wanted a chance to help out actors instead of being one
What is one of your proudest moments as a director?
He was helping Directing a show called odd couple (One of his favorite shows) - based on tv series from 70s - gary martin came to a run though of it - He gave an actor a suggestion and the Gary thought that it was a great way to make the scene better - His idol told him he was a good director so he knew he had to keep going
What degree did you get?
He never actually got a degree because it wasn’t necessary - starting working at 10 in theater - went to high school of performing arts, that’s where he got most of his credentials
What experience is needed to direct?
Biggest thing is to be creative - look at a script and visualize how it will play out - know the english language very well - be a student of theater - watching films and television to gain knowledge
What benefits come from working as a director?
Sense he works in comedy, he gets to go to work everyday and laugh, it truly is the most fun thing for him - meet so many interesting people (actors, producers, crew)
What skills are most needed to direct?
Communication is key - talk to people in gentle way - be willing to collaborate
Do you work with a team or by yourself?
Work with team - team changes - works with producers and assistant directors - works with writers - he really just works with who ever needs help - gets around the whole set
Cold E-mailing Script
(keep in mind I already knew him)
I have a career day coming up for school, and we get to shadow a person for a day who has the same career as what we want to do. If your available on may 19, I would just follow you during your normal schedule at work and help you with anything if you need it. Thanks!
(keep in mind I already knew him)
I have a career day coming up for school, and we get to shadow a person for a day who has the same career as what we want to do. If your available on may 19, I would just follow you during your normal schedule at work and help you with anything if you need it. Thanks!