DFI’s Waheed Khan (left) directed the shoot.

By Anealla Safdar

From getting people drinks and looking after actors, to helping out with camera cranes and assisting producers, working on a film-set requires energy, hard work, patience and enthusiasm.

DFI’s Gulf Development Unit (GDU) invited four interns to the Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF) trailer shoot last weekend to learn what the industry has to offer and what it takes to be a part of a film community.

“There is no better way to learn than actually being on-set, so we asked our interns to work as production assistants on the DTFF shoot,” said Ben Robinson, GDU Development Producer. “We organise vocational training so that people can see just how challenging and rewarding the film industry can be.”

If you’re interested in this and other training and education initiatives, get in touch. We have more opportunities coming up.

Here is what our interns had to say…

Youssef Al Naimi, 24, Aspiring filmmaker

Youssef Al Naimi

It was a wonderful feeling being on a professional film set. I worked as an assistant to the sound operator and cameraman. Controlling the camera crane was one of the most challenging things I had to deal with. The use of smoke and lighting gave a wonderful movie effect; I never expected it to be that extravagant.

Manar Magdi, 23, Mass Communications student, Qatar University

Manar Magdi

As a student, this was a great experience. I helped the art director out in organising participants and actors. I learnt about lighting techniques, cinematography and set-management. One day, I’d like to work as a director.

Nour Abou Assi, 23, Mass Communications student, Qatar University

Nour Abou Assi

I have learnt that this kind of work can’t be done by one or two people. When there’s a big group everyone can be assigned a job. This makes it easier and more fun; the day went very smoothly. I was inspired by the team. They were all young and some were students with us at university a couple of years ago. They knew what they wanted to achieve and were working professionally – all with smiles on their faces. With that in mind, I can see a bright future for myself after graduation.

Dalia Hassan Abo Alhassan, 24, Mass Communications student, Qatar University

Dalia Hassan Abo Alhassan

Excitement was my first reaction. The first job was to make sure that everyone working was comfortable on the stage, so one task, for example, was to provide them with drinks. After that, I moved to the reception area to distribute release forms to the actors. We were asked to organise the audience for the shooting and make sure everyone knew his or her role. I liked being in the middle of the shooting area, watching the small screen. I paid attention to the lights and how they were manipulated to get the scene the producers want.