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Award-winning independent American filmmaker Steve Balderson is looking for an assistant in the Greater London area to work along side him during pre-production and production of the new film “Culture Shock” filming in London in September.
The job is part “Personal Assistant” and part “Assistant Director” -- a combination of duties spanning several job categories in a typical film production. Such as: script/continuity, planning, daily schedule manager, personal assistant to the director, coffee/water go-er, manager of the cast/crew, and camera/lighting/sound assistance as needed. Basically, since Mr. Balderson likes to be hands on in almost every aspect of his films – from operating his own camera, being his own DP, lighting designer, costumes person, props manager, and production manager – you’ll be doing exactly the same things, as needed, by being an extension of Mr. Balderson himself – another brain, two feet and two hands.
You will work directly with Mr. Balderson on finalizing the shooting schedule (which he has pretty much already completed), and then be a help to him on the ground in the UK, as he won’t arrive in the UK until two days prior to filming.
There is no upfront pay, although a deferred fee is negotiable. Unless there is a sponsored meal, you will be required to pay your own way (meals, train, underground, etc). If you do not reside in the Greater London area, you will be responsible for all of your own travel and housing. Think of it as an educational experience far less expensive than film school. It is guaranteed you will learn more while working with Mr. Balderson on this single project than you would in years of film school.
No camera operating experience is necessary, as Mr. Balderson has a detailed check-list to follow each day; but, if you DO have experience operating a Panasonic HVX200 or Canon DSLR, please let us know. Same goes for sound/mixing experience. Experience isn’t necessary, but if you have some, please let us know.
Mr. Balderson likes to work in a fast, guerilla style fashion, with little to now crew, and without permits, etc. Days are incredibly easy, never tiring, and are incredibly fun. His movie sets are the antithesis of traditional, typical sets.
If you are interested in this position, please email the answers to the following questions directly to Mr. Balderson at films (at) dikenga (dot) com.
Ella Spencer
Exec Asst/PR for Steve Balderson
1. Do you have a car, or access to a car, if Mr. Balderson needs to be driven somewhere during the shoot?
2. Are you allergic to cigarette smoke?
3. Are you prompt and on time?
4. Are you familiar with the London Underground?
5. Do you understand there is no upfront pay, but there is deferred pay?
6. Do you understand you need to pay for your own meals, trains, etc?
7. What is your astrological sign?
8. Favorite food:
9. Website link (blog, facebook, etc):
10. Skype ID:
11. Telephone numbers:
STEVE BALDERSON – BIO 2011
Critic MJ Simpson in England writes: “Steve Balderson is the best-kept secret in American independent cinema.”
His newest film, THE CASSEROLE CLUB stars Susan Traylor (A River Runs Through It), Kevin Richardson (The Backstreet Boys), Daniela Sea (The L Word), Starina Johnson (Stuck!) and Jane Wiedlin (The Go-Gos).
His fourth film, STUCK! stars Karen Black, Susan Traylor, Jane Wiedlin, and John Waters’ icon Mink Stole.
Balderson’s third feature film, WATCH OUT, was highly praised by critics as “One of the great cult films of all time.” WATCH OUT premiered at the Raindance Film Festival in London to sold-out crowds, where it was nominated for Best International Feature.
Jeremy Knox of Film Threat writes, Balderson “makes movies that are so gorgeous that it's not unreasonable to say that, cinematographically at least; he's the equal of an Argento or Kubrick in their prime. Some people have perfect vocal pitch, Steve has perfect visual composition.”
Roger Ebert gave Balderson's second film, the surrealist crime drama FIRECRACKER (starring Karen Black and Mike Patton) a special jury award on his list of 2005's Best Films. The breathtaking imagery in FIRECRACKER pushed through the limits of cinema, establishing Balderson as one of today’s finest visual storytellers.
Balderson’s other work includes the critically-acclaimed PHONE SEX (featuring Margaret Cho, Ron Jeremy, Penn Jillette and Lloyd Kaufman), PEP SQUAD (the satire that predicted American school violence), UNDERBELLY (a year in the life of dancer Princess Farhana) and the award-winning WAMEGO documentary series about DIY Filmmaking. If you are unfamiliar with Balderson's movies, you can rent or purchase them almost anywhere in the world.
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