In a 1930s American Carnival an acrobat named Rodney falls in love with the carnival nurse, Margie, as she tends to performers medical needs... however this later leads to unfortunate events.
"Carnival" is a short film set in a 1930s American carnival, directed by Joao De Andrade Tosta and Nzinga Poveda.
The story follows an acrobat named Rodney who falls in love with Margie, the carnival nurse, as she tends to the performers' medical needs. This romantic entanglement eventually leads to unfortunate events, blending drama and tragedy in a vivid historical setting. Released in July 2023, the film captures the essence of the era with a rich narrative and detailed production design.
The film was successfully shot with a large cast and crew of over 76 people, including actors, extras, costume, hair, and makeup teams. Despite the challenges of coordinating such a large production, "Carnival" was completed in one full day of filming. The collaborative efforts resulted in a visually stunning and emotionally compelling short film. The experience highlighted the importance of teamwork and adaptability, especially in managing technical aspects and ensuring smooth production flow.
In the "Carnival" project, I worked as a key grip. Due to the smaller scale of the production, I was responsible for handling movement shots during pre-production. I collaborated closely with the director and Director of Photography to establish various shot possibilities. My focus was mainly on the director, as I was still learning the dynamics of the different roles involved.
During the production, I set up dolly tracks for specific shots and performed various runner tasks when I had free time. I also operated the haze machine whenever needed. Working on this 76+ person shoot was quite challenging, as it required precise coordination and teamwork. The experience was invaluable in teaching me the intricacies of grip work and the importance of being adaptable and proactive on set.
Despite the complexities and challenges, the "Carnival" shoot was a success. The film turned out to be a visually captivating and narratively engaging piece, thanks to the combined efforts of the cast and crew. This project provided me with a deeper understanding of film production and the critical role grips play in ensuring smooth and effective filming processes.
Working with Matteo on 'Carnival' was a fantastic experience. His dedication and willingness to take on multiple tasks were crucial to the success of our shoot. Matteo's proactive approach and ability to handle movement shots and various other responsibilities demonstrated his versatility and commitment.
