Spotlight
Angela Allen
What was your background before you got into the industry?
I had done a secretarial course at the Regent St. Polytechnic, now Westminster University. I worked in an Artistes agency. I was taken to Denham studios on a day out and thought then, this is where I would like to work not in an office.
How did you get into the industry?
I literally knocked on doors of production companies until one said you might get a job at Isleworth Studios if you get yourself there. I got there, met Guy Hamilton who was then a first assistant director. He introduced me to the continuity girl, Betty Forster, and she took me on as an assistant. I got 15 shillings a week.
What job did you enjoy most?
I am not sure what to say. Possibly Moulin Rouge (1952) as it was my first time in Paris and I enjoyed shooting the Can Can. It was John Huston’s version in the early 50’s.
What advice would you pass on?
Hopefully have a passion for cinema and the arts. Working with other people, and trying to be as helpful as you can. Firstly to the director and all other departments on the floor.. Learning about editing. Endeavour to have as good a relationship with the director as you can and when experienced give him good advice. Do not argue endlessly re eyelines when you know you are right and they refuse to listen. Make a clear note on your report to the editor. The production report for the Office is important but not the most important part of your job. Accurate screen time and showing over length to your original timing is important.
Do you think the job has changed?
Yes it has in the way notes are kept and reported. In my days the notes were very detailed, all the action and dialogue had to be recorded on a Continuity Sheet. Action in black dialogue in red. Every move, dialogue change,camera movement noted so anyone taking over could answer the director if he asked when the character rose or what hand he used, but today the notes are so brief it would be difficult for someone to take over if Video wasn’t accessible. I also hear that young inexperienced directors think you are there as a Print taker and not as a helpful aide. I do not think you can learn the job in 2 days as I am hearing some courses say you can. The hours haven’t really changed, just as long or even longer perhaps.
Angela Allen,
July, 2020.
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Check out Angela's IMDb page here.