A Private sector company was keen to produce a corporate film, to promote the use of baby milk powder. A friend of mine was involved as Producer cum Cinematographer.
I was hired as an Assistant Cameraman. My job was to ensure that all the shots were in sharp focus, and to place the lights as desired by the Cinematographer.
For reasons unknown to me, a scene in the script demanded filming of childbirth. The location was fixed in a hospital. On the day of the filming, a pregnant lady, in her advanced stage was identified. Ideally we should have taken her concurrence, but we knew, she would refuse. Not one word was exchanged. It was a government hospital, where she was treated free of cost. She was embarrassed, but had no option.
The camera was meticulously placed, frontal, almost head on, to have a clear view. The doctor as well as the nurse was informed not to block the camera. I took precise measurements with a measuring tape, seven feet to begin with. As the baby emerges, I needed to switch focus to five and a half feet, so that the baby is in sharp focus through out the shot. To ensure, nothing goes wrong during shoot I took several rehearsals. I wish I had an opportunity; for a dry run.
The set up took close to an hour. We then waited for two hours. I was looking almost everywhere, except where I was paid to look at.
At last, the baby decided to see the light of the day. I wasn’t used to such a sight. It was repulsive. I wanted to run away. But how could I? I am supposed to be a professional.
However I couldn’t concentrate. For a fraction of a second, I looked at the ceiling. The focus went haywire. The Producer cum Cinematographer was obviously annoyed. I pleaded for a second take, if possible. I offered my services to identify another poor lady with labor pain. My request was politely turned down.
Later, in the evening, I was called by the Cinematographer. He offered me the remuneration for the day. But I was ashamed of myself. Because of my lack of concentration, the entire length of the shot could not be used. On the contrary, I wanted to compensate him for the losses. Being a struggler, I knew, I couldn’t do that.
I, however, didn’t accept the remuneration, for my first professional assignment.
Sanjay Agrawal's Blog 