I said, “Sure, why not.”

And afterwards, the first shoot I produced went something like this.

I’m rubbish. I’m crap. 

I can’t do this. I can do this. 

I’m rubbish. I’m crap. 

I can’t do this. I can do this. 

I’m rubbish. I’m crap. 

I can’t do this. I can do this.

What do I need?

I’m rubbish. I’m crap. 

I can’t do this. I can do this.

Let’s make a list. Do the budget. Crew, cast, food, camera, lights, sound, location, transport. Do I need a grip? What does a grip do? 

I’m rubbish. I’m crap. 

I can’t do this. I can do this.

Camera and lighting company: “Hello, I am Sherry Collins. I’m a new producer. I have the equipment lists. I have a small budget. I can only afford to pay you for transport and consumables, but I promise to come back to you again and again.”

Deal agreed. I did it!

I’m rubbish. I’m crap. 

I can’t do this. I can do this.

Call FAB for walkie talkies. No deal there.

I’m rubbish. I’m crap. 

I can’t do this. I can do this.

Gaffer, sparks. No deal there either.

I’m rubbish. I’m crap. 

I can’t do this. I can do this.

Rest of crew: “Small budget. I’ve budgeted the fees so that everyone will be paid equally, from the top to the bottom, with the promise of working together in future and paying proper rates when I have bigger budgets.”

All crew booked. Hurrah! Shoot’s coming together. 

I’m rubbish. I’m crap. 

I can’t do this. I can do this.

Night before shoot, double checked everything. I’m sure I’ve forgotten something. Can’t sleep. 

I’m rubbish. I’m crap. 

I can’t do this. I can do this.

Day of shoot. 

I’m rubbish. I’m crap. 

I can’t do this. I can do this.

Shoot goes well.

I’m rubbish. I’m crap. 

I can’t do this. I can do this.

Post goes well. 

I’m rubbish. I’m crap. 

I can’t do this. I can do this.

Delivery goes well. 

“Well done, Sherry. Ready for another?”

“Sure, why not.”

I can’t do this. I can do this. 

Best wishes,

Sherry Collins


Sherry Collins