Produced By - #SPECIAL - Shakeelah Archibald: University Dropout Successfully Progressing in The Film Industry

Starting point is 00:00:03 Shaquila Archibald is a screen skills film art training with experience working in the TV and film industry. With her firm interest in the art, props, SEDEC and CFX department, she came from the amazing grassroots filmmakers through the focused productions. Shortly after that, she joined Film London and did some preliminary vocational training on set ready. She is also a Bacta Bursary recipient and a member of their new talent alumni. After completing her apprenticeship in the Props Department on EastEnders, she was recruited by training inclusion manager to join Cool Pritz, a Disney Plus 8-part TV series, as an art department training. Soon after, Shechtil was accepted into the Screen Skills Training Finder scheme for 2020-23,

Starting point is 00:00:50 where she worked successfully on four major high-end television and feature film productions. In her second year at the university, she made a big decision and decided to drop Since then, she's been successfully progressing in the Fem industry and honing new skips. Listen to this episode to hear Shakila's oldest confession about dropping out from the university. Learn more about working in props, special effects and the art department, and be motivated by her inspiring story and the importance of giving back. Enjoy it. Hello, Shakila.

Starting point is 00:01:26 Thank you for joining us today and welcome to the show. Hello, thanks for having me. Can you please introduce yourself? So for those who don't know me, my name is Shakila Archibald, and I have a large range of experience. My experience is mainly within the art, props, and now special effects department. I'm a trainee. However, I also do in the TV and film industry. I also do short films and commercials as an art director.

Starting point is 00:01:59 I'm in my third year of being in the industry. So I'm really at the early stages of my career. And it's an exciting time for myself. And for anyone that wants to get into the creative industry, kind of follow your gut and say yes and kind of go for it, really. And I wonder, is there one specific area that you focus on or you want to focus on? So before the art department, I was really interested in sound. It's nice that this is a podcast because audio was my first love when it came to...

Starting point is 00:02:40 At university? Yeah, so at university and at college, I went to Middlesex University. You know, I find it a bit surprising because when I was at Middlesex, I feel like that there was a lack of people who did sound. I don't know why, but it seemed like that. that people were not really interested in it. There was a lot of directors. Yeah.

Starting point is 00:03:03 I think coming right in. Lots of DOP. Was it the same in your year? That's not that many. Lots of directors. Yeah. I think that's quite common though when you go to university. But did you already go to uni wanting to focus on sound?

Starting point is 00:03:23 Yes and no. So I recently done. a talk at the BFI film and TV conference and this question was asked me in a similar way. I didn't get a lot of career advice. I initially wanted to do it an apprenticeship. But I think because of the lack of information between education and the creative industry, I felt like my only option was going to university and the fact that I didn't have any connections in the industry.

Starting point is 00:03:55 So I guess answering your question. question were, it felt like that was the only option at the time. And I wish, I wish I used my friend the internet, Google, to kind of help with that decision making, you know, and I think if I maybe waited a year, I would have been able to figure it out. You know, my time at university was mainly to network and make friends. And I would learn in a very practical way. So, you know, being on set, being in the creative environment, learn better that way. Yeah. So as you said, if you may be waited a year, what would you do differently?

Starting point is 00:04:37 Would you like try to find a different way into the industry or maybe do something completely different? Yeah, because my actual way into the industry was I joined an organisation called Fully Focus and they used to lead and they help young people get opportunities into the industry. and I actually worked for them doing social media. So my way in was doing social media for a production company and then landing of run a job and kind of making my connections that way. A lot of it is through the people I met and the organisations.

Starting point is 00:05:13 But I don't really know how I'd do it any other way. I think a lot of it was the timing. I was at the right time meeting the right people. and, you know, the person that introduced me to fully focus, I don't speak to them now, but if I hadn't have met that person, you know, I wouldn't be having this conversation with you right now. So I'm kind of happy that I was open to kind of...

Starting point is 00:05:40 Yeah, it can happen from a complete coincidence and you end up somewhere you wouldn't even know that you could have ended up. Yeah, yeah. And does that company still exist or does it exist? still help people to get into the industry? Yeah, so now they're working with Netflix, BBC, screen skills, you know, they've been in the industry. Oh no, if I get this wrong, Teddy's one of the co-founders, he's going to scream at me, but it's more than 10 years.

Starting point is 00:06:13 And he, one of the CEOs, he actually was inspiring actor. So he started being an actor and then he transitioned being an actor. So I think that thing of, you know, when you start out, it's kind of like just try something. You don't think it. Try something else. So for me, it was very much, I was very set on sound. But then I realized, oh, actually, there's something else that I enjoy. And now I'm doing what I enjoy that journey. Because I honestly never heard of it.

Starting point is 00:06:44 But when I hear something like this, I always think, why do I find out now? Why did I know about it before when I was planning my way into? the industry. So yeah, I was going to ask you, how did you find out? By you said, someone just mentioned it. At the time, I was doing like an independent feature film and the friend at the time said, oh, why don't you try this masterclass? Because at the time, the organisation were running masterclasses. So I think it was four weeks or you're paired up in a group of strangers and you've got to write a script, shoot it, edit it, and then it goes on their channel, MIM channel, it's called. And then I was kind of like, at that time, I was doing

Starting point is 00:07:26 audio still. And there was not a lot of people who were with boom mic, understanding, Lavia mic, audio levels. So I was like always doing these shoots because they needed someone that record audio. And then I think it must have been maybe in my second year of being in the organization. I kind of was like, I want to try something else. And then I, I, I worked on a commercial. It was, I remember the name, but it was something to do with driving, driving safe.

Starting point is 00:08:00 And I was like pouring fake beer in a pub. And I was different. Were you like acting in the commercial? So I was like an art department assistant. I was like helping out the art director. And I was just like so clueless. Yeah, but still sounds like a good experience. And I guess something we can put on your CV.

Starting point is 00:08:21 So definitely helpful. Yeah. It might be on my CV now. I don't know if it's still on there, but yeah. And did you say was it in the second year of your uni? Or when did you find out about this? So I found out about fully focused in 2017. I mean it was October or November of that year.

Starting point is 00:08:47 I actually didn't finish uni, so I only done two years. How come because of things? Because I'll be honest with you. University for me was really hard. The theory side. And then I was like, oh my God, this company have given me a job. What do I do? Do I finish one more year?

Starting point is 00:09:10 Because they needed someone full time, you know? So it was kind of like, what if this opportunity doesn't come up? I remember at the time my mom was really angry over me. She was like, you might as well finish. you've got one more year and I kind of just said, fuck it, and I'm going to take a gamble myself, and I chose the job over education. Do you regret it or you don't regret it?

Starting point is 00:09:34 I don't. At the time, I was so upset with myself. I think I was probably at my lowest. Yeah, I was at my lowest. Was it because uni was too much or some other influences? I think it was a combination of both. It was feeling like I was a failure for not completing,

Starting point is 00:09:59 taking this job, not knowing where I may lead me. Yeah, and it could have been like, oh, I could change my mind again. And then what? And leaving behind all my friends. But majority of the friends that I made at the university, I still stay in touch with now. So, and a lot of my lectures I stay in touch with them, they keep congratulating me.

Starting point is 00:10:18 Well done. you know you you stay true to yourself essentially i think if i had more confidence back then it would have made a huge difference to how i'm feeling now but confidence and self-belief that takes time if you don't have it 100% yeah it must have been big decision i mean it'll be still big decision if it was in the first year but second tier it's even bigger yeah because financial sure there's yeah oh my god yeah exactly other things as well so and weren't you thinking afterwards that you would try to finish uni like the last year if it was possible so i did have these thoughts you know when i do sometimes think about it now but i kind of think my education is life

Starting point is 00:11:10 and i've learned more through other people than attending a lecturer sitting in a classroom I've learned more on internet and through people. So I think for me it's more if someone's 17, 18 and then considering university, I think you've got to think about the economic situation that we're in right now. We're in inflation at the minute. And you've got to think about the industry we're in. You know, the minute there's strikes going on in the US, we don't only know and that's going to subside.

Starting point is 00:11:46 I think our industry has had a lot of hiccups, COVID and, you know, but there are some departments in the industry that are thriving. And yeah, I think a lot of it is you've got to be positive. And I think if you want to get into it, have some sort of savings. So if there are some low moments, you've got some sort of safety. And I think there needs to be more conversations like this, just to tell people what it's actually like being a freelancer. I don't know if anyone's mentioned that to you.

Starting point is 00:12:22 When I was to go to uni, there are some people who dropped out. But I cannot think of anyone who would continue in the industry or would continue on a successful career as you do, still in the industries, you know, not being negative about it, but actually driving. So you are the first one I've met and I actually didn't know that you dropped out. And, you know, when I looked at your LinkedIn, what you worked on, your experience, I wouldn't expect that you dropped out because it looks like someone, you know, I would say successful because you still continue.

Starting point is 00:12:57 So I think you are a great example and I agree that it's great to talk about because I'm sure there are plenty of people who think, you know, the tune is too much. Maybe don't enjoy, I don't know, the theoretical side or they expected something different and it just may be overwhelming. win. So yeah, it's great to share such a story. It's a pleasure. I think it's more. I hope I resonate with someone who's listening, you know, whatever they take from there. And you can share some good advice as someone who did this. So is there some message you can share from this? I think the one thing I'd like to share is, and this is probably the hardest thing, it's easy.

Starting point is 00:13:42 of saying it than doing it is believing in yourself and listening to your own voice before others a lot of the time we know the answers to our own questions what do i need to do in my life i feel stuck write these thoughts down write things that you feel like you're lacking in your life you know there's this circle with the things that that we need to have a happy life and it's a lot of the things, it's kind of like having a water bottle and you're filling up your cup and it's making sure that each cup is filled up so it could be your health or your mind, your physical, your financial, your Korean, your friends and family. So it's kind of like it's not always thinking about what do I want to do for the rest of my life because that always changes. You may

Starting point is 00:14:36 want to do something for a year or five years and think actually my life. purpose is something else. I think there's something I didn't mention to you. I'm also a speaker, educational speaker, and a mentor. So I share the knowledge and experiences of how I got into the industry. And I try and encourage others as well. I was about to ask, because you mentioned you did a speech somewhere before. So I was about to ask about it later.

Starting point is 00:15:09 Yeah, cool. interesting. But I was wondering, before you made this a big decision to drop out out of your name, did you discuss it with someone? There was like an educational... Some kind of support? Support at university. And I'll be honest, for about a week, I was oom and gnawing about it. And then I just made the decision.

Starting point is 00:15:31 Okay, this is a thing that not a lot of people know. I haven't really shared, but I didn't... The only person that knew that I was dropping out was my... mom at the time so none of my friends knew so was it just you didn't show up the next day and no one knew i didn't show up in september and i had messages phone we're like where are it like is everything okay and i just said i'm joining you guys like good luck do you know what their reactions were like a big shocked i think they were a bit shocked but they were like oh shakila you'll be find because I think at the time they always knew I was hungry for getting the opportunities

Starting point is 00:16:16 and being in the right spaces. But I would say when I made that decision for about two years, even though I was still trying to make those connections, I was very lost still. I was very lost. To have any proper connections, it was just the organisation. And then I met this other organization called Film London. And that literally changed my whole world around. Yeah, it's a big one, isn't it? London. I've heard of it.

Starting point is 00:16:48 Yeah, they're really big and they, oh my God, they do a whole bunch of things. How did you get there or how did you connect to them? It was really, I didn't even know if I remember specifically, but I remember seeing a WhatsApp message and it was like someone's testimony of them. It was like, you know, when someone writes a. bio their achievements and at the bottom it said film London something told me just google it i googled the company i signed up to their news letter i think it was within a week they had it it's called a one-on-one cv clinic you jump on a zoom a bit like this and you get someone from their

Starting point is 00:17:31 organization who actually helps you with your cv so it's like group one-on-one session yeah I attended that and I stayed in touch with the lady who actually is the head of the company now. Yeah, once I joined the newsletter, they sent opportunity, like as in job opportunities. And I just kept applying. I was applying on other websites as well. And then I got an email and it was for me standards saying, we want to arrange a interview with you. And I was like, okay.

Starting point is 00:18:06 And do it right. very scared. I attended the interview and I think it was, I was like, I think I've got it. I think I've got it. And I remember when I left the interview, the lady said, she's no longer at the company now, at BBC now, but she said, if we offer you the job, we will call you. So instantly I said, do you know what, I'm going to save her number in my phone? Or I know it's her if she calls.

Starting point is 00:18:34 So I had the interview, I think it was on the Thursday or Friday, It was the following Monday. I receive a phone call and it was around, I don't know, I think 10 a.m. at the time. So my phone's ringing and I had her names on the screen and I'm like, oh my God, I think this might be it. And then I said, hello, said her name. And then he said, yeah, we're offering you the placement. You want to accept it. These are terms blah blah, blah, blah.

Starting point is 00:19:01 We'll send you all the paperwork. You know, the only reason that happened is because I pushed through and I kept getting those. I've got loads of nose. Oh, well, that, yes. And it's hard hearing a no, if you're not used to it. If you're not used to rejection. Oh, my God. And I still get ridges now.

Starting point is 00:19:19 So. I can only say that it happens to me as well. And I know what it's like. It can be very discouraging. And you just need to keep applying and keep hoping that the next one will work out. But it was also interesting way how we got there to the job, to the newsletter. So it may be a good idea. I actually didn't think about this.

Starting point is 00:19:41 When I was looking for a job, I didn't sign up for anything, but could have worked as well? I didn't have to pay anything as well. Yeah, exactly. And if someone from the industry helps you with the CV for free right now. A win-win, really. Yeah. And what was the position that you received? I was a junior prop hand.

Starting point is 00:20:03 So I was someone who was learning. And I actually was the person who was in charge of all the props that were being used when filming was happening. So I was giving the props to the actors. So you got to contact with actors? Yeah, I have. Well, first jump and already like this. Yeah, it was kind of getting pushed right in there. And I remember, I think it was on my third month, I was still training.

Starting point is 00:20:32 And someone had to take leave, like medical leave. And they were like, Shaquilu, we need you to step up. And I'm like, I'm still training. But I was like, do you know what? Yes, I want to take on this responsibility. And they were like, you absolutely smashed it. Yeah, it just felt like they saw the potential in me. And I was kind of just proper eager as well.

Starting point is 00:20:54 And did you find it? Or how did you find the job? Was it easy for you, hard for you? The hours are long. My hours now aren't as crazy. But when I was training, it was about. 10 hours and then actual shoot when I stepped up on my job title, it was 12 hours, 12 hour days. Really?

Starting point is 00:21:16 Five days a week. But I'm guessing you know this. That's quite standard. Yeah, in the industry. But, you know, there's Bechtu. If anyone knows, it's a union that helps creative industry with bringing in new laws and supporting people. So I think, you know, a stage where things like.

Starting point is 00:21:36 like hours, work-life balance, it is coming or into play. I think productions are being a bit more stricter with it than before. But I think in my, in the years that I've been working, I definitely have seen an improvement. And I think it does depend on what department you work in as well. Yep. And you don't have to say specifics, but was it paid well? Yeah, I would say paid well for BBC.

Starting point is 00:22:03 A trainee level. Yeah, yeah, definitely. And was it working, I guess, on some series or feature, or what kind of project was it? So it was EastEnders, which is a continuous drama, like Emmerdale or Holyoaks. So you go to the studio and everything is within the studio. You've got all filming, in the studio filming. It's like all in one place. And sometimes we'd go to location, very rarely.

Starting point is 00:22:35 but yeah, sometimes we'd go to location depending on what the script has. And also when applying for the position, where you already interested in our department, because I know you mentioned before sound, so why did you switch or when did you decide for this one? Oh, yeah, so going back to that, when I done the commercial,

Starting point is 00:22:56 that's when I was like, oh, I liked the art department. So there was a switch before getting this job. I applied specifically. So I was definitely interested before applying. It wasn't kind of just like, oh, I just want to get a job. I was trying to be intentional. So it's even better that you got somewhere that you actually wanted to do? Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Starting point is 00:23:21 And can you say is there a big competition of people when it comes to this department because the industry is quite competitive in general? So I wonder if there are like a lot of people interested in being in, our department. It is competitive. I think that's why I'm at a stage where I'm kind of working in the props department and special effect because I'm trying to advise by my skill set. So, you know, I'm able to jump between these departments and not feel like I'm obligated to just one department. Because a lot of the time, I think people do stick to their one department. But it is competitive. You know, a lot of it is to do with the type of software that you level up on and contacts

Starting point is 00:24:12 and being available at the right time, knowing the right people. And I think definitely something that helps you to stand out if you know more than just one. If you focus on effects as well, you never know when it might be helpful so you can do both. Yeah, absolutely. And can you maybe give us a little introduction to these departments? If there is someone who doesn't know anything about either props on effects? Yeah, sure. So the props department is the department.

Starting point is 00:24:47 So if there's an on-screen prop, so a prop is an object that an actor uses or is seen on-camera. A great example could be if you're watching action film. and a spy has a gun. This would be called a weapon. And if it's the main actor, it would be called action prop because it's being used in action. Props are really important. If you're a Lord of the Rings fan,

Starting point is 00:25:19 the prop is even in the title of the film. So the is the main prop within that film. The ring actually has some evil powers to it Because whoever wears the ring, they change. So that's also cool. Harry Potter, the Wizard Wand, and other other films that you know. Now, I was just thinking,

Starting point is 00:25:43 can people imagine the department? You know, sometimes you see like these pictures or scenes when someone from a crew enters like a huge warehouse and their shelves like super tall and it's full of anything that you can think of, like from. I don't know. That's a prop house.

Starting point is 00:26:03 It's like going to Costa, but on steroid. Props on steroids. Yeah. But I feel like it's like its own world because there is literally everything. I remember at Middlesex there was like a small one, but still it was really cool because you found things that you wouldn't even think of. So it was really interesting. Yeah, it is.

Starting point is 00:26:24 It is interesting. Even vehicles. Animals are props as well. Yeah, the list goes on, it really does. What are some interesting or weird or unique props that you worked with or that you've seen? Oh, it's out now so I can talk about it. It's a Disney Plus production called Colbrids and it's a safe. We didn't make the safe, but we made the money that goes into the safe.

Starting point is 00:26:56 And it's really interesting because there's a lot. of legal talk when it comes to making fake money. It's like you can't make it to be the right size and it's got to have segment in the middle and you've got a, yeah, it gets quite technical and you think, wow, like it's just a prop. And also like the artwork, that's a prop. You know, if you're going to use an artist's painting, you need their permission, cultures. Oh my God, it's the copyright and branding.

Starting point is 00:27:27 the amount of TV films and TV shows that have branding. So if you see like Apple products, that placement is called. So it's when a company says, yes, we've read the script or we've read the scene and we want our product to be featured in it. You've got to show our product in a good light. So that's why a lot of villains have Android phones, if you've ever noticed. And the good characters have Apple product. I haven't noticed, but I will focus on it, from now.

Starting point is 00:27:57 Just a quick one. If you enjoy our podcast, please give us a review on your favorite podcast app, subscribe or share it with your friends. For more information, visit the show notes. Thank you and back to the show. I just had a question if the money you made, was it coins or cash? Cash. I've actually, I'm not going to say what I'm going to say, but I'm just going to show you. Oh wow, that's cool. But if like a regular person, if you didn't tell me, and you gave me one, would I be able to notice that it's not real? I think up close, yes, because the money today is now plastic. Oh, okay, yeah, yeah. If you were to see a 20-pound note, it's plastic.

Starting point is 00:28:44 But in a lot of TV films, like I watched Apple Plus production called Hijack, and there was a man that had a 50-pound note, and that was a real 50-pound note. So sometimes, if it's a large quantity, of money, they'll use fake money. But if it, you know, someone going to a corner shop and they're paying for something, they'll use real money. So it really depends on what they're filming and how they're filming it. Try and avoid using real money, I think, a lot of the time.

Starting point is 00:29:13 And I guess maybe also depends if it's like a close-up of that cash, then it would make sense that they would use a real one as well so that it's not obvious that it's fake. Yeah, yeah. And also like, if you've got large quantity, of money that is real. That's the insurance thing. So if that money goes missing,

Starting point is 00:29:32 it's not great. That will be where it is. Yeah. Like there is this scene from breaking, but when they are lying on a huge pile of money, they just came to my mind. So I cannot imagine getting so many dollars.

Starting point is 00:29:45 I mean, I'm trying to get it. Cool. And can you tell us more about effect? Effects, special effect. I haven't got a lot of experience. Like, poor, months. But I'll tell you what I do know. So special effects isn't just explosions and atmus. There's so much to special effects that I didn't even know that I now know. I think the

Starting point is 00:30:10 cool thing about special effects is that they work so closely with the art department. And I had no idea. There's something to do with trying to word this in a way that people understand and that I understand when I listen back to it. Let's say if there's a scene where an actor's running into a window, so that glass would be, you know, fake glass, you'd have a stunt person, and that would be a special effects thing. If there's anything to do with cars, flipping over, doing a somersault and all this, that would be special effects. Or if there's snow, rain, anything to do with some sort of action.

Starting point is 00:30:54 and even special effects can work with props as well and sometimes that happens. Protetics, I don't know if you've heard of prosthetics, but it's when you've got, let's say, a creature if the person's face looks a bit different. Have you watched anything that's like secret invasion or Marvel? Yes, of course. Anything that's kind of alien or from a different world,

Starting point is 00:31:20 that would be prosthetics. So that's special effects. Like Guardians of Galaxy? Yeah, yeah, exactly that. And so things like that or if there's like dead bodies, body parts moving around, that would be special effects. That sounds really cool. It's cool.

Starting point is 00:31:39 It's different. Wow. And especially when you see before and after, for example, of some of those characters in the Guardians of Galaxy, it's unbelievable that it's not CGI, but it's actually effects and then you read how long these people spend in makeup literally several hours yeah yeah film maybe for two hours yeah because sometimes i read why some actors didn't like their roles that they have to wake up super early spent literally several hours getting the makeup then they act for a few hours and they spend several hours getting the makeup down

Starting point is 00:32:17 then cannot blame them that it's not really fun Yeah, so it might be if the actors a bit tedious, you know, if they've got all where that kind of making, I'm sure it can be quite a long process for them. And why did you actually transition to special effects? It was kind of handed to me because on this recent job, I was actually meant to work in the props department, but then that role got filled up,

Starting point is 00:32:48 and then they kind of offered me special effects. And a lot of the things that I was going to do was closely related to the props department. So I said, you know what? I just said, yes. Let's try it out. And I'm so happy I did say yes. I can't talk too much about what the production is. Yeah, of course.

Starting point is 00:33:08 Just because of the NDA and stuff. I don't want to get myself in trouble. No, no, no, it's understood. But I guess there are some projects that you worked on that are out. And can you name some? Maybe some of her credits. Yeah, of course. Corporates, which is on Disney Plus, or else. This is Christmas, which is on Sky. That's a Christmas film. Can you say what did you do there?

Starting point is 00:33:36 On that one, I actually worked between the art and props department, but I think my credit is art department on that one. Yeah, I was very much art department. I was dressing set, striking set, sourcing props. buying props, shopping, who can work? So I would just wonder what would be like your typical day as someone who works in art department? Or maybe there isn't a typical one. So like average one or? Yeah, of course. You know, if I'm working in the art department,

Starting point is 00:34:12 it's very different to what would be like if I was working in the props or special effects department. I would say a lot of the art departments are production based so working within an office you know I'd probably get in around 8am set my computer up have a coffee say hello to everyone to the team

Starting point is 00:34:33 see if anyone wants to tea or coffee packages see what we've got any props that have come in then I'd probably look at my list because it's forever growing and I try and prioritise what's important and a lot of it is just making sure my team are okay so

Starting point is 00:34:50 HOD's head of department so production designer, art director, production buyer, if there's an assistant that I'm working with, making sure they're okay if they need any help. And it's, yeah, getting through that list of what needs to be done and maybe doing a bit of shopping as well, online shopping or going into store. It sounds like a phone. Yeah, it's very, once you understand it, it's very easy. I pressure, stressful at times, but once you understand your team and you know what you're doing, it's very enjoyable. And, you know, there's opportunities to then be on set and dress as well.

Starting point is 00:35:33 And then with the props department, it is sorting through props, being on set a lot, striking locations. What does it mean? Striking? Oh, so striking is when filming has ended and all of the props need to leave that location and it would be, you know, our team would be responsible for safe handling of all those props. So it could be furniture, could be plants, all sorts of things, in kind of making sure that that location is left how we found it or even. Do this something I'm actually curious about?

Starting point is 00:36:11 If you do striking as you said, do you put all the stuff somewhere into the warehouse or what do you do with that? Because I can imagine that after some time the warehouse must be full. So what do you do with it? Yeah, so you put it in our warehouse which is what we call a prop store

Starting point is 00:36:33 and this is where we keep all of the props for every scene, for every being filmed that's all labelled up. And a lot of the time prop master, so the person who's in charge of everything, basically, will say, okay, we're not actually going to film this, but we may need it if they do a reshoot. So sometimes some of the props are rentals,

Starting point is 00:36:55 so they go back to the prop hire companies. And some are props that we purchased. So using the production money, it's bought. And that's the art department that buy the prox, by the way. It's not the prop department. And so let's say when filming is completely finished, There's assets, so things that they need to keep. So if there is a series or it's continuing, they need to keep it or they resell it.

Starting point is 00:37:23 And sometimes they resell it to prop houses again or they resell it to the crew. So a lot of the time crew can get discounted furniture. So yeah, it's kind of a win-win. The one thing I will say, there can be a lot of waste as well. productions do create a lot of waste and I think that's something in the carbon footprint on productions I think that's something

Starting point is 00:37:48 they're trying to tackle as well there can be a lot of waste but in the art department we try our best to kind of reduce that waste the best of our ability yeah I know there was this sustainability scheme when we studied at Middlesex it was called Albert

Starting point is 00:38:05 I did that yeah and like we did this test to see how much footprint our productions in a third year would create, which not going to lie, it would obviously be quite a lot because we were students and limited resources, limited budget and everything. But I think that scheme is a really great thing because it spreads awareness and I think even films,

Starting point is 00:38:31 then they can put into the credits that they follow to this scheme, so they try to be more environmentally friendly. So I think that is something that is definitely worth spreading word about and more people should focus on it so that waste is reduced, as you mentioned. Yeah, absolutely. There's even some productions that have like a, I think I'm getting the name wrong, but it's like an environmental team or they bring on someone that or specifically make sure that our carbon footprint is reduced throughout the reduction.

Starting point is 00:39:06 Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. And you can also introduce effects. What would they be like? Yeah, of course. So there's actually two different types of rest of effect jobs. So there's one being in the workshop. And when you're in the workshop, there's a lot of making that being done. So making props, figuring out how a special effect will go about.

Starting point is 00:39:34 So kind of like making, planning, in execution. And then there's the special effects that are on set. So when the filming is happening, you have a special effects team that will be on set, kind of initiating the special effect. Doing those explosions. Yeah, yeah, doing the explosions, doing all the set up, health and safety, risk assessment. Yeah, I was going to say that. I remember risk assessments from UNIS, so it must be fun doing that and looking after everything.

Starting point is 00:40:12 I also, because before you said that sometimes crew buys some props or something, I also read a few times about actors, like stealing some props from the set as memories. So I thought it may also be a good idea, because then you can say, this is not just a regular prop. That's a prop from this film, so. Yeah, yeah. it happens, it does happen and people do

Starting point is 00:40:37 still think it looks great and they want it or sometimes it's gifted to them, yeah, it really depends it really depends. And especially then you can say this is actually from the film so it has a different value. It's kind of understandable.

Starting point is 00:40:54 I know it's not a good take to steal it but it's understandable. Yeah, 100%. There's a lot of things it's a weird one. You have to, you know, know, you have to be proud of what you do, but you also have to attach yourself from what you do as well. Because sometimes, you know, you could spend two sleepless nights on something, can worry about something. But sometimes it actually doesn't even make the edit.

Starting point is 00:41:19 They don't use it. So you've got to have this balance of, I love what I do, do really well. Let's, you know, let's try our best at getting this for the director. But you've also got to understand. we're not saving mine. So I've had to understand this over the years I've got to come to understand that actually we do make mistakes and it's okay

Starting point is 00:41:42 I think as long as we try our best trying to get what the director wants. Not everything is also always achievable. We try our best to get the results that the director want. Not our thing is in your control. Yeah, things happen, yeah. I think said that early well.

Starting point is 00:42:00 So I'm curious, what would be your favorite film when it comes to set? I don't think like doing a uniform. Oh, no. I actually, yeah, I actually don't have a favorite film that has. But I think the film that made me go wow was the Harry Potter silly dream. Yeah, the Harry Potter films, all of those made me go, wow, okay.

Starting point is 00:42:27 This is what art department is about. Yeah, it was beautiful and especially watched it as a kid. The thing that made me go wow is the team that I've recently worked with. Some of, let's say the older folks, actually worked on the Harry Potter film. So talking about their experience. It's really surreal watching it as a kid and now being a part of the world that he makes these cool things. Yeah. Yeah, sounds great.

Starting point is 00:42:58 But let's talk about your coaching side or your talks. So can you expand on it? What is it that you do? Yeah, of course. So I call panels. I talk about the first job I got within the art and props department. Is it like about on YouTube or somewhere? No, it's like in person.

Starting point is 00:43:24 So when I got my first job for film London, I made some great connections and I expressed for them that I want to speak on panels and they actually offered me a speaker role this was like a year and a half ago and they keep inviting me back

Starting point is 00:43:44 and then I think the word got out to other organisations like BFI, green skills and yeah so whenever they have course that they're running if the art department's being covered, they will send me an email and they'll say, hey, Shakila, we've got this, are you available?

Starting point is 00:44:04 Do you want to speak? I think, you know, you've got great experience, your alumni with us, and then I'll have a look at the dates and I'll kind of gauge what the audience like. I'll see if it's something I want to do. And a lot of the time I say yes, because I'm really passionate about what I do,

Starting point is 00:44:22 and I'm giving back, essentially. great that I'm able to give back and the organization that literally helped me one of the organizations really helped me get to where I am now so positively influencing others by sharing your story or giving them advice. It's only great.

Starting point is 00:44:43 And just out of curiosity, weren't you afraid before to speak in front of people about your experience? You know, because people are often afraid or speaking in front of large audiences I always had the fear of public speaking That's why I wanted to do it It was kind of like one of the things I wanted to tick off my lift Beak in front of a crowd

Starting point is 00:45:04 And I think I'm getting better at it And that fear is slowly going away But it's still there They still get stressed when it comes to you They still get a bit nervous Yeah I still do get nervous And I think a lot of it is

Starting point is 00:45:23 making sure I say the right thing. A lot of the time I've been in panel talk or a discussion, I think, well, I wish I said no, you know, to wish I said more a lot of the time. And there's, you know, limited on time. And is it online or in person or both? In person, on Zoom, for certain person, just because you can kind of gauge the audience

Starting point is 00:45:48 and kind of have a feel of the ages as well. I think when it's online, there's a little bit of a disconnect, but when it's in person, I currently enjoy it. So it would be some advice when it comes to speaking in front of people or even large audiences. You mean when I speak? Yeah. I'm good with small groups of people. So if it's under 30 people, I'm fine.

Starting point is 00:46:13 But if it's more than 30 people, the anxiety, as we like to call it, increases. So now I've started writing notes, like on pieces of paper, the things I might forget to say or to get me back on track. Usually I hold something in my hand as well to distract myself. Yeah, I think those are my coping mechanisms at the minute. And is there some funny or even awkward or some kind of moment from your speeches that would be funny to share? maybe you forgot the words or you said something wrong

Starting point is 00:46:52 oh I don't know actually or maybe all of them were I think earlier on I was always just scared I remember one time they handed me a mic I hate okay that's one day I'm being on stage and talking into a mite that for me I don't enjoy that I just don't remember I got given the mic

Starting point is 00:47:14 and I think they were recording it I was just like oh no listen double whammy so I've got a large audience I've got a mic and recording mini and I've got to be smiley and I've got to remember what I've got to say so yeah there's a few time this is the worst to watch it afterwards yeah because you think oh god like but now I'm I don't know if I make mistakes I kind of laugh it off yeah it'll start again let's start again yeah everyone makes mistakes and have you got maybe favorite speaker or someone who inspires you or someone from whom you learned?

Starting point is 00:47:55 A favorite speaker. Actually, motivational speaker, Mel Robin? This lady with glasses and blood hair? Yeah. I think I started. I read some books from her. Yeah, I think she's one of the many people who I went to for advice on this confident thing and speaking and he's one of the

Starting point is 00:48:21 first people that come to my mind when I think about it. I've seen a podcast with her as well. It's just trying to think about that book. It was something like five seconds, something or I cannot remember though. The five second rule, nothing.

Starting point is 00:48:36 Yes, that's the one. Yeah, I think that's the one. And I can't remember his name. There's another guy. He started off doing wine I mean a wine company and he still does Yeah, is it

Starting point is 00:48:50 Gary Arrneichag That's it Gary Raynerch This Jen Orrin here Let me in the face of his words I can only agree with you He's a Yeah, if you listen to him

Starting point is 00:49:02 Then you know he's quite powerful And doesn't really give her Yeah I'm not going to swear but yeah These are really good tips I guess I will listen to something tonight Because it makes me kind of Curious or motivated

Starting point is 00:49:16 But as we will be approaching the end of the podcast, can you share some general advice or some message that you would like to send out? Yeah, cool. I think the first thing I want to say is I want to repeat what I said before, but honestly, God, build that confident, believe in yourself. Apply to everything. Use LinkedIn. If you're watching shows that you enjoy, look at the name,

Starting point is 00:49:45 look at the credit and kind of thing. okay, this person works in the apartment and they're a really well-known art director. I really like this production that they're working on. You know the production they worked on. You know their name. And then there's Google. So use Google to your advantage.

Starting point is 00:50:04 And a lot of the time you can find people's detail online. A lot of creative people have websites as well. Send that call, email. If you've got their number, all them. Don't be creepy, but introduce yourself and say, sorry, Jim, at the moment of your time, my name is, say briefly what you do, what you want. Always go with asking for advice. Never ask for opportunity, as in a job opportunity, especially when you're starting out.

Starting point is 00:50:32 Always ask for advice. You need to start to build connection. So once you build connection, then the opportunity to follow through after. If you can create your own projects as well. There's a lot of Facebook groups where you can work on short film. Join organization. Screen Skills is an organization that I actually was a screen skills training finder, and they do that every year.

Starting point is 00:50:58 So apply for that if you've got no experience and you're wanting to really elevate yourself and see if you can get onto that. You think about, you know, if there's a department that you really want to work and think about looking into the skill that you may need, washing up your software, hand tools, if you need a driving license, if you need to speak a different language for instance, I think employees

Starting point is 00:51:22 really like that if you're bilingual, you know, means you can speak English, you can speak Polish, you can speak French, that means, okay, we're going to send this person to Turkey because of the production in Turkey and we need Turkish speakers or crew and you've got that, so okay,

Starting point is 00:51:40 wow, win-win. you know, could be making sure you're seedings up today. Looking at the skills that you have right now, are these skills transferable? Thinking about who you should put as your reference, you know, if you're in college, having your teacher write a cover letter for a letter to a letter to a recommendation.

Starting point is 00:52:01 Those things are always good. Think about those things. Who can vouch for you? Create a LinkedIn account. That really changed my life. Yeah, I agree. Build the connection. You know, use Facebook for opportunities.

Starting point is 00:52:15 Look at Back 2. Look at these organizations. Green skills. Use the internet. Be open-minded. And yeah. And don't give up. You know.

Starting point is 00:52:26 And if you do get a job, be on your phone. Being engaged. Be on time. Like you want to be there. Because they chose you instead of someone else. That goes a long way, I think. Make the most of that experience. Yeah.

Starting point is 00:52:41 Great tips. I can only agree. And can you tell us where people can follow you? So you can find me on LinkedIn at Shakila Archibald. S-H-K-E-E-L-H-H-R-T-H-H-I-B-A-L-G. And I think my messages are open. So if you want to message me forward by it's all to connect. We'll add it to the show notes. and thank you so much for your time

Starting point is 00:53:11 and for sharing your inspirational journey. Thank you for having me in Toronto and yeah, I hope to stay in contact with you. Likewise, thank you and we'll stay in touch. See soon. Thank you for listening to Produced Bye. Subscribe to our podcast and your favorite podcast at,

Starting point is 00:53:32 leave a review or send us your feedback. For more information about the host, links from the episode and ways to connect with us, visit the show notes. If you know someone who would be an ideal guest for our podcast, please get in touch. Thank you and see you soon.

Produced By - #SPECIAL - Shakeelah Archibald: University Dropout Successfully Progressing in The Film Industry

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