What does Alan say a best boy is?

W: I suppose the first question I have to ask you, Alan, is what you get fed up answering, but here it goes. What is a best boy?
M: Well, I am not sure why I am called a best boy exactly. But I like to think it is because I am the best at what I do. The title is an American term, used to describe the assistant to the man who works with the cameraman and electricians on a film to make sure that the film is properly lit.
W: So how do you spend your time?
M: Basically what I do is work between the electrical department and production. I deal with the companies where the lights come from. And I am also there on the film site, making sure that everything runs smoothly, that the lighting is set up when the camera crew arrives to shoot the film. And then I also help with the budget. We have to do time sheets and things like that. It is mostly paper work really.
W: When did you start working in the industry?
M: About 15 years ago. I had been an electrician and my first few film jobs were basically electrical ones. Then I moved over to this.
W: It sounds a rather complicated job to me.
M: No, not really. I’ve never had to do anything out of the ordinary. But I enjoy it. It is a challenge.
W: Is working on location a plus for you?
M: You see some great places, but long working days and problems with production are far more common. There is a lot of responsibility with the job, because there is so much money involved. The long hours are very unsociable which is OK if you are single. But there is quite a lot of work abroad, which puts a lot of pressure on the family.
W: What advise would you give to someone wanting to give it a try?
M: You need a good head for mathematics, plus knowing how to mind the fields? So training as an electrician is the first step. Then you need some experience on a production floor.
W: Where do you see yourself in the future?
M: I like it where I am. I like working behind the scenes, and seeing how the production works. There are enough challenges in my present job for me.