A major new WWII feature film, due to be shot in Guernsey, is looking for local crew.
‘Under the Watchful Gaze‘ will be filmed on the island, with interior scenes shot at Pinewood Studios, near London.
Director Gene Fallaize grew up in Guernsey and said he was “really keen to build a strong local crew”.
“Guernsey is at the heart of the story and it’s important to us that the island is reflected not just on screen, but behind the camera as well,” he said.
The movie already has some A-list crew attached, including Cinematographer Steven Hall, whose credits include ‘Fury’, starring Brad Pitt, and ‘The Imitation Game’, with Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley.
But do you know what people on a film set do? And do you think you could join them?
The main job of a 2nd AC (as they’re known for short) is often using the clapperboard, so the editor knows which shot they’re looking at and can sync up sound and picture.
They also help the Cinematographer and 1st AC with things like moving camera kit, marking focus points… and anything else that’s needed.
The 3rd Assistant Director (or just 3rd AD) is there to oversee the ‘supporting artists’, more commonly known as ‘extras’.
They’ll often help the Director by placing extras in the shot, so it looks nice.
It’s their job to send extras to get into costume, have their makeup done, and tell them when they need to be on set.
The Art Director helps make sure the set looks right on screen, ensuring the visual design is consistent and matches the vision of the Director and Production Designer.
They oversee the art department day-to-day and troubleshoot issues on set.
On smaller productions, they may also take on hands‑on tasks such as buying props and setting or adjusting furniture to get the shot looking right.
Despite the name, Best Boys don’t have to be male – they’re the senior assistant in the lighting department.
They work for the head of lighting – known as a Gaffer – to make sure the lighting crew knows what they’re doing.
The Best Boy organises things like hiring lighting kit, paperwork and schedules – so the lights are in the right place at the right time.
A boom is a long stick with a microphone on the end. It allows the microphone to get as close as possible to the actors without being in the shot.
The Boom Operator makes sure the microphone is pointing in the right place, not in shot, and not casting a shadow or reflection that can be seen on screen.
They’ll often listen to the sound too, to check dialogue is clear and there are no background noises. Boom Ops need good upper body strength, as you’ll often spend half the day with your hands above your head!
The Costume Assistant helps the Costume Designer. They’ll often help with fittings, organise costumes for each character, and organise cleaning them.
They might also help actors and extras get into costume.
On smaller sets, they may help with small alterations and repairs, as well as buying or hiring costumes.
The Gaffer is the head of the lighting department. Their job is to turn the Cinematographer’s vision into a practical lighting plan.
They decide which lights to hire, where to put them, and whether to use gels or diffusers to change the colour or quality of the lights.
They oversee the entire lighting team and are responsible for making sure things run efficiently and safely.
Grips make sure the camera can be moved – but they don’t operate the camera themselves.
They’ll help set up tripods, cranes and tracks – so the camera can be moved on a trolley (known as a dolly).
They help the filmmakers create beautiful moving shots, often following characters or subtly shifting the camera’s perspective.
Casting Directors help find actors. They’ll write and send job adverts – known as ‘casting calls’ – to actors’ agents, telling them what parts are on offer.
They then look over actors’ headshots and CVs to create a shortlist and organise ‘self tapes’ and auditions – as well as advising the Director.
On smaller films, a Local Casting Director will often help find extras from the local area too.
Location Managers help find beautiful places to film.
They’ll then sort out permissions, negotiate fees and get permits if needed (especially for outdoor locations).
They’ll make sure there’s minimal disruption for the public and are often in charge of making sure the location is left as the film crew found it.
Production Assistants, also known as Runners, are there to help do things for other people on the set.
It’s an entry-level position and is many people’s first job in film or TV, as it’s a great way to learn by watching how a set works.
You’ll be doing everything from lifting boxes to making cups of tea – as well as lots of random tasks there’s nobody else to do.
Mr Fallaize said he’s looking to fill all of the roles above with Guernsey residents, who will “work directly alongside experienced heads of department from the film industry”.
So it’s a “unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience on a professional feature film production”, he said.
How to apply
Anyone who wants to apply for the crew roles should email crewapplications@cupsoguepictures.com, with:
- Any relevant experience (professional or amateur)
- The department you are interested in
- A short note explaining why you would like to be involved
The production will advertise for actors and local businesses to support the production at a later stage.
