My glassblowing studio recently had the privilege of hosting a film production team seeking to capture the delicate craft of glassblowing in action. The generous natural light streaming through the windows made it the perfect setting. Here's a glimpse behind the scenes of a day that blended the traditional with the cinematic.
The studio, with its large windows inviting the outdoors in, was ideal for a film crew wanting the charm of natural light. To supplement the British weather's unpredictable nature, the crew brought their own version of sunlight—imposing lights on huge stands placed in the park behind the studio that recreated the warmth of a sunny day. The combination of natural and artificial light set the stage perfectly.
With the arrival of a seven-person filming team, my familiar workspace became a hub of action. The crew included a camera man, director, sound engineer, lighting crew, and a dedicated runner. The studio, accustomed to the simplicity of glassblowing tools, embraced a temporary influx of new equipment. Cameras and monitors added an unexpected layer to my work space.
As the cameras rolled, I embarked on making a speckled yellow vase, a piece that would take center stage in the final advert. The crew honed in on the detailed shots, capturing the mesmerizing transformation of color as it melded and fused with the molten glass from the furnace. Negotiating the new equipment while maintaining the delicate rhythm of glassblowing added an element of challenge and excitement to the familiar process.
Collaborating with professionals from a different field injected a fresh perspective into our craft, making the day not only productive but also remarkably enjoyable. I learnt about modern and vintage camera lenses and why sometimes a clearer image isn't always best. The sound engineer explained that heat can alter sound waves just as it does light waves, now I'm listening to my furnace more carefully.
There were many similarities between the equipment and techniques used by us all, a lovely mix of the old and the new. I'm really looking forward to seeing their interpretation of the day caught on screen.
