5 Minutes with Gaffer Ewan Cassidy

 

Introduce yourself…

Ewan Cassidy ­ Film and Television Lighting Gaffer

Who or what has inspired you to be involved in making film/moving image?

My Dad  (a back projectionist). He didn’t exactly encourage me to go into the industry but I guess there was an inbuilt urge to follow in his footsteps.

How has Brighton and Hove influenced your work?

I am sure Brighton & Hove has influenced my work but in what way has not become apparent to me! I rarely get the opportunity to work in Brighton which is a shame because it has enormous potential.

What advice would you give to creative people seeking work or wanting to develop their careers in the industry?

Be the right person at the right time. It’s very important to have the knowledge, the right skills and a positive attitude but a bit of luck is very welcome.

What’s the most interesting part of your job?

The most interesting part of my job is the last few moments before we turn over. Watching all the aspects of the shot coming together as everyone does their job in perfect harmony!

What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?

The most challenging aspect of my job is boringly the heath & safety. It has to be done, risk assessments!

Dead or alive, who are the top three people you’d most like to collaborate with, and why?

My list of people I have huge respect for changes on a daily basis, today it looks like this…

Stanley Kubrick ­ My dad worked with him and I’ve heard stories about his character and would like to experience him myself.

Brit Marling ­ actor writer director. I have huge respect for anyone that can write star in and direct their own film on a very low budget.

Jon Favreau ­ a recent addition to my list but for the same reason as above.

If you could only take one film away with you on a desert island, what would it be and why?

2001 a Space Odyssey. I have a copy but I don’t watch it. On a desert island I could spare 3 hours and imagine my Dad working behind the scenes.