#blockbustersgang

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Behind the scenes of BBG AD Bootcamp: Why was the program created?

AD Bootcamp kicked off on 3rd May with a live start meeting and first lecture by the program leader Iiris.

Excitement was in the air as the group met for the first time and got the first glimpse of what the coming months would be like. We were quite overwhelmed our selves too - we had planned the program for 10 participants but after interviewing dozens of applicants, decided to take in as many as 19 potential future AD’s. And we’re glad we did!

The reason why we created AD Bootcamp was the lack of professional Assistant Directors in Finland (and in Scandinavia). The Bootcamp wouldn’t magically make everyone professional, but would futher everyone’s knowledge and skills of the department and make it easier for them to go towards professional AD positions. And now the program being finished, we’ve already been able to offer some level of AD jobs for almost every Bootcamp participant. We think this alone tells enough of how desperately this kind of program was needed. Can’t wait to see what kind of results we’ll see in the long run!

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Summers almost over - and so is our first ever BBG AD Bootcamp! During the last few months we've had 19 participants under Iiris' wings diving deeper into assistant directing. Besides Iiris we've had an incredible crew of consulting professionals on board. Of our ADs this includes Aino, Paula, Olli, Essi and Aija and of other industry professionals so many we admire - more of that soon! (Also our youngest intern pictured here was involved in many of the Zoom meetings...) We'll be posting more of the Bootcamp in the following weeks and revealing more of 1st editions content, participants and sponsors. For now let's start by saying: we truly think we've been able to grow the amount of potential future ADs in Finland and are happy to help your production finding suitable candidates to any open positions in this department. 📢 #bbgadbootcamp2022 #blockbustersgang #bbgcoaching #assistantdirectors (at Blockbusters Gang) https://www.instagram.com/p/ChKDygFt7ql/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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BBG office is closed for the rest of July - the office team wishes everyone a wonderful and relaxing summer time! 🍉🌞 In urgent matters please contact: ☎️ Emma between 4th - 24th July ☎️ Anni from 25th July onwards Contact details can be found on our website. See you again in August! #summerholidays #blockbustersgang (at Blockbusters Gang) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfltLLDNOWS/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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What a great start for a full week of premieres! Here's our iron ladies Production Manager Ilona, 2nd AD Aino and 1st AD Paula of Sorjonen - Muraalimurhat / Mural Murders feature by Fisher King Production. Besides them we had some other gang members giving a hand on busiest days of production: Viola as an additional PA, Eme as an additional Art Dept. PA and Emma Y. as an additional AD Assistant. Congratulations for all of cast & crew for finishing this nordic noir piece for public to see! 🔦⚖️🗡 #sorjonen #maailmastaparempipaikka #blockbustersgang (at Bio Rex Tripla) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVhr-ehtQYH/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Mask on, mask off

This post was written by our Costume Designer Sofia Kouvo.

We can all probably agree that the past year was somewhat challenging. 

While working on the creative field is always pretty unpredictable, the roaming pandemic took things and the whole industry to a whole new level.

In the spring of 2020 the industry stopped. Almost all the productions got either paused or completely post-poned and it felt like the only productions still running were the news and the Finnish soap opera Secret Lives. 

Luckily both the goverment and the industry were quick to react and after a brief lockdown (which felt like forever) productions began starting up slowly again. The pandemic made everyone create new working methods to secure safety while filming and I think the make-up and costume departments were the ones really going through a change. 

We learned how to guide the actors through walkie talkies to fix their costumes on set, distanced ourselves in the dressing room, created very specific instructions for the extras to avoid the whole dressing up process on set and last but not least learned how to put the mics on the actors (hats off to the sound team, you’re amazing!).

Learning to work with a mask on at the shooting of Aikuiset 2 on summer 2020.

That being said, I feel myself lucky to have been able to work in such great productions despite the challenging year. In the summer I got together with the brilliant genious and another gang member Kaisa to film the second season of Aikuiset. I designed a sequel to the Swedish highschool comedy Virala Genier and after the summer I hopped straight to the third season of the crime series Deadwind. 

Make up -bus at the shooting of Karppi 3 on fall 2020.

Even though the new ways of working challenged everyone and forced people to break their old habits, I feel like some of the new methods were a very welcomed changes in our industry (wearing a mask NOT being one of them…). 

Having some challenges with the visibility... Gotta love the combo of a mask & eye glasses!

The way how the whole industry stood up together to take actions to fight the pandemic and defend our creative work showed how passionate and most of all innovative people I’m lucky to call my colleagues are. 

For me the new year starts with a little breather and time to figure out what challenges to tackle next.

I hope things will get back to normal soon and we can all get together and celebrate the amazing creativity of the art of film making and most of all the powerful and loving community! (a girl can always dream, right?).

So here’s to the new year and the new exciting productions and adventures to come! 🥂

Love, 

Sofia 

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Blockbusters Blog has turned 6 years old! Sharing our favourite posts through the years!

Our blog has turned already 6 years old! This blog has always been more like a diary for us - a channel to dig a bit deeper or to share stories on a more personal tone. Now looking back at what this blog has turned out in 6 years, we can say that we've pretty much succeeded on the mission (though sometimes we feel bad for not writing often enough).

To celebrate this big day, we wanted to share some of our favourite memories - starting with some Cannes Film Festival stories as that's where the blog originally got started!

Take a look at the linked posts below to find out our favourite ones or let us know which one is yours! Enjoy!

CANNES THROUGH THE YEARS

13 BEST YEARLY CANNES MOMENTS 

FAVOURITE CANNES MOMENTS 2016

ANOTHER YEAR ANOTHER CANNES IN 2017

EXPLORING AND MAKING MEMORIES IN 2018

BERLINALE - HIGHLIGHTING YEAR 2017

AINO'S EXPERIENCE

IIRIS' EXPERIENCE

EMMA'S EXPERIENCE

THOUGHTS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP 

2016 EDITION

2021 EDITION

EMMA’S ADVENTURE IN AFM IN 2016

PART 1: GETTING THERE

PART 2: THE MARKET

PART 3: THE PARTIES

IIRIS’ DJIBOUTI DIARIES FROM 2019

PART 1: THE PREP

PART 2: THE SHOOT

PART 3: THE WRAP

RANDOM FAVOURITES

SHORT FILM UNKNOWN REDUX

ANNI’S FIRST YEAR AT BBG

YEAR 2020 FOR A PA

NEEA’S SUMMER AT LUOKKAKOKOUS 3 SHOOT 

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR MORE ECO-FRIENDLY SET WORK

ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICE IN THE MAKING 

KAUPPALEHTI AWARDS RECEIVED!

THOUGHTS OF WORKING ABROAD

And last but not least - THE FIRST EVER BLOG POST, VOILÀ!

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Non-scheduled Motherhood Story

Happy Mothers Day!

As a celebration to all mothers working in film we're sharing Iiris' experience of becoming a mom last year 2021 - spending 6 months of her pregnancy filming abroad...

1ST TRIMESTER

I’ve just started filming in Sweden. We’re working on a post-apocalyptic feature - largest I’ve had on my plate so far - and there’s a lot of moving elements. Though most of the projects are hectic and stressful at some point I’m surprised of how nauseous I’m feeling in the first weeks as I’ve never reacted to stress like that. We’re suspecting catering isn’t offering me gluten free food (I’ve got a celiac disease) and Aino is investigating this to keep me standing. 

Our On-set Nurse Niki gets me a pregnancy test I take in the office bathroom in the middle of out stunt rehearsals before leaving to shooting location. After that she books me a visit to the doctors for the coming week and I start moving the crew for lunch completely ignoring the fact it looks like I’ve got some company in my body. 

After around a week of getting things in order I’ve somehow accepted the fact of being abroad in the middle of a pandemic, surprisingly pregnant, without my boyfriend or basically anyone except my colleagues at work. Luckily they’re like a family - Aino handles everything with maternity clinic while I’m on set and books me a visit to sometime in April when we’re back in Finland. 

Aino reading facts of having a baby.

Covid-19 makes the weird situation even harder as my nausea looks a lot like virus symptoms and visits to Sweden with quarantines etc. make travelling difficult. I end up telling of the pregnancy very early to the Director, DP and my own crew. Aino, 3rd AD Richard and Key Set PA’s Alex and Dessi keep me alive by sneaking in snacks and carrying my apple box around so I can sit down as much as possible. 

I’m more tired than ever in my life. After getting back from set I’m laying on the hall floor of our apartment with all my clothes on for ages as it’s too much to even take my shoes off. I’m only getting by with pure mind force of not giving up on this project and my career - and a lot of good thoughts and help from my crew. 

In the end of 1st trimester we’re filming on location up north and 12 hour night shoots on ice with freezing temperatures take a toll on me. Niki sends me home on our last filming day on crew call as I’m having difficulty on even standing up. I’m hitting a low point - can I finish this film? Can my body really be so unfair it takes this project from me? 

2ND TRIMESTER

Still in Sweden - after getting back to Stockholm we only have a week of night shoots left. My boyfriend comes over with our dogs after finishing his film shoot in Estonia. It’s like having a 5-star hotel service at home. He cooks, cleans, washes our clothes (Aino shares my flat) and I get to lay on the floor again with my clothes on but getting a smoothie on my hand the minute I step in and having the dogs cuddling with me. Yes I can do this. 

Last night shoot day we’re filming a long dialogue scene on a cliff by the sea with all actors sitting and talking for minutes. I’m falling asleep within every take, sinking in my huge jacket. It’s raining freezing slush and we’re all exhausted. I’m so very very happy we’re soon inside a dry studio.  

However the worst day hits me in the studio - mask makes me even more nauseous in interior locations. I feel and hear the disappointment of my supervisors on me. They’re laying the cold facts on me: we just need to make it well. I agree saying if I’m not capable of doing it I see no other choice than getting someone else in. Luckily it’s just another low point and we get around it. My body is still allowing me some flex for the next weeks. 

I’ve been revealing the pregnancy news to people in production when needed - luckily Niki takes care of lot of arrangements, talks through the new food limitations with catering and hides puke bags on my jacket pockets. I’m surprised how positive and encouraging especially the “big bosses” are. Only one person is suggesting me to instantly stop and step out. One out of dozens isn’t much. 

After entering the 2nd trimester I announce to the whole crew that I’m pregnant and that’s the reason I look rather bad every now and then. I’m getting a lot more encouragement and support on learning how to be less impulsive - soon I’m not let to carry anything and have help on all possible things I could need. Though it feels weird and even unnecessary at times, I’m touched. It’s not once or twice that I’m the first one to jump in to help moving set pieces etc. by a habit and our grip yells me to get out of there. 

I’m wrapping the project and returning to Helsinki on the 4th month of my pregnancy - and catch covid from the airport upon my arrival. What a treat! Suddenly me and my boyfriend are n a full-on quarantine for weeks. Nausea is slowly getting better fortunately so something’s easing up. I’m also seeing my family for the first time - in the mid-point of the whole process.

3RD TRIMESTER

Though I managed everything until now me and Emma agree I should not take any longer projects for the rest of the year. I’ve been working on a couple of short films and commercials and plan on “taking it easy” over the summer. Well - plans tent to change.

I’ve successfully declined a bunch of projects I really wanted to participate realising it wouldn’t just be schedule wise possible. I’ve had very deep discussions with myself on what’s important in life and why do I love film so much and how do I somehow work on all this together soon. I’m getting a call from - again! - Sweden late May and am asked to run a feel-good film over July and August in Stockholm and Gothenburg. I reply “I’d love to, but I’m due 16.9. so it’s difficult” and the PM answers “oh, 16.9, we can work with that”. Somehow I’m forgetting most of difficulties I had earlier when shooting a film daily and promise to join for prep and first three weeks of filming. Emma rolls her eyes as again I’ll suddenly be travelling to Sweden for 1,5 months, now 7-8 months pregnant, alone, to work. 

As I’m now already very pregnant when entering the project experience is different than the earlier one. We’ve been very straight to everyone that it’s in universes hands on how capable I’m of things. Again I’m having the sweetest crew possible, gaffer keeps making sure I have a place to sit during each take and even Niki has returned to my life - she really is the fairy godmother if this child (and me)! I’m only missing the first 45 minutes of one day by visiting the local ER quickly to check if everything’s alright (it is). When coming back to the shoot I find our Director telling all actors I’m soon going into labour. He’s slightly disappointed I came back in one piece and no baby joined the crew yet. We all laugh at it.

On set with amazing Niki!

Once we wrap on my last day the Producer and her team have bought a lovely gift for both me and the coming baby. I’m filled with gratitude of having a chance to work on a team like this at this stage of my life. I’m truly feeling my career won’t be over soon. 

After arriving back to Finland I’m working on a week long shoot of a Bulgarian film in Helsinki and then starting up a short film for 2 days before giving it on to another 1AD. My last day on set is 2,5 weeks before my due date by filling in for a sick 1st AD on a TV series shoot. Week before I’m teaching at Aalto University for 5 days - what a fantastic way to pass time waiting for something to happen!

BABY’S HERE! Our child came to this world 3 days late (time management genes obviously gotten from their DP daddy) and I’ve been at “home” for the last 8 months learning filmmaking isn’t as difficult as keeping energetic and sane with a newborn. To be honest I haven’t been missing work too much - everything’s been so incredibly intense I haven’t had the time to. 

I’ve been lucky to make a slow and steady start - I’ve been lecturing at Aalto University, Academy of Moving People & Images and YLE (Finnish National Broadcaster) of my work for some hours, jumping to set for couple of days here and there besides completing few breakdowns and schedules. I’ve noticed being tired has new dimensions after becoming a parent and filmmaking in the side is quite a combination. I truly am the most tired I've ever been NOW.

The child has visited shoots, tech recces, premiere, lectures and HOD meetings with me - loves walkies and attention, but prefers less people and hassle. Balancing with them, 2 dogs, filmmaker-father, little productions and this company on the side --- well, let's say I understand why people call these "the rush years" in Finnish. Sometimes it feels great, sometimes I'm questioning all my choices in life leading to this moment. But I fully agree on the fact someone said to me last year on a low moment: "Having kids is the one and only thing in life you'll never regret."

Ending in this thought, raising a glass to all kids and parents on this lovely spring day: hurray for family first and moms who save our asses time and time again (my mom is the best, just to point that out)!

Lots of love,

Iiris

1st Assistant Director Co-Founder of BBG Lecturer & Film Teacher New, overwhelmed and confused mom

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SPONSORIKSI BBG AD BOOTCAMPIIN? TULE MUKAAN!

Lue lisää ohjelmasta sivultamme tämän linkin takaa.

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Commercial films have once again had their yearly celebration at Voitto Gala though in a slightly different form than in the so called "good old years". Extremely happy to see everyone live and raise a glass together - and after seeing awarded pieces we have to agree quality has not been compromised even in these strange times. Congratulations to all fantastic winning films! 🍾 #blockbustersgang #voittogaala2022 (at Helsinki) https://www.instagram.com/p/CcFRPkptCNM/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Which photo pictures your Friday mood better? 🥳/😴 Sometimes we don’t capture the most glamorous behind-the-scenes moments but it doesn’t make the work experience any less meaningful. Here are two random and happy memories from Sanni Mättö’s Production Assistant job in Next of Kin / Jälkeläiset production - a tv series available on Elisa Viihde right now! Sanni works now as a Script Supervisor and has already finished her first tv productions in this new role. Sanni’s calendar for 2022 is not all booked yet so remember who to call if you’re looking for a Script Supervisor in you upcoming production…! ☎️ #crewingservices #productionassistant #scriptsupervisor #tvseries #whoyougonnacall #blockbustersgang https://www.instagram.com/p/CZjfn33tf8I/?utm_medium=tumblr

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After a long break of any events, last November we were lucky to be able to invite our members to a little office Christmas party! It was incredible to finally meet each other live and chat all night long about everything from work and films to giving best tips on how to correct your personal tax return. What a unique Gang we have!✨ 📗At the party we followed our green guidelines; our snacks were vegeterian (and mostly vegan), the Green Choice wine (and mulled wine) was sipped from our BBG cups (non-disposable), all decorations were old and reusable and we managed to prepare just the right amount of food and drinks so that nothing had to be thrown away. ✅ Hopefully we’re soon able to enjoy events like this again! #focusontheenvironment #environmentalawareness #officechristmasparty #blockbustersgang (at Blockbusters Gang) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZeYk-it71M/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Warm memories from the 1st AD Aino's work days at Zone B series!

Available TODAY at Yle - fantastic Zone B series we loved to be part of last Summer 2021! Here's a bunch of warm memories of the 1st AD Aino Niemi's work days during the shooting period. Just looking at these BTS pictures makes us want to watch the whole season!

Hoping more projects like this one will be in production in Finland soon..!

Check out the trailer below and watch all the episodes here!

Production Company: Elokuvayhtiö Aamu Directors: Juho Kuosmanen, Khadar Ayderus Ahmed, Siiri Halko 1st Assistant Director: Aino Niemi / Blockbusters Gang

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BBG's environmental awareness month kicks off!

In February we focus on the environment!

Environmental awareness is one of our core values and this month we want to bring forth how it guides our decisions on our daily lives and when planning the future. We will reflect on how we’ve succeeded in our goals for 2021 and will set new ones for the coming year. We also want to make the environmental issues more visible by sharing good practices and raising issues to be resolved, especially concerning our industry.

Jump onboard on our environmental awareness month by sharing your good tips, joining the conversation and by keeping the environment on the top of your mind when making choices at work (and on the personal side too).

Let’s get inspired and help each other to make a more positive impact for the environment!

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Tekele's Transport TV series coming out in March!

Something interesting coming up soon - TRANSPORT TV-series will be available on Yle in March 2022 in Finland. We were lucky to be part of the project during the development and in production too. Congratulations to all cast and crew involved!

Production Company: Tekele Director: Auli Mantila 2nd Assistant Director: Olli Kasper / Blockbusters Gang Catering: Juha Ala-Korpula / Blockbusters Gang Catering (additional days): Neea Havu, Annina Juuso, Laura Väli-Torala / Blockbusters Gang Production Planner (script breakdown & shooting schedule) / Pre Production: Iiris Orasmaa (Juutilainen) / Blockbusters Gang

Ps. The trailer's already been released and you can find it on Variety's article here: https://variety.com/2022/tv/global/finland-tekele-transport-trailer-1235161410/?fbclid=IwAR3tVvFi4SQ5Dc1ks2xcdggBx-NMhlDeGAEeZRKlvPncaZTLbNKBjL60DkQ

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Next of Kin TV series is out!

Available on Elisa Viihde in Finland now: Jälkeläiset / Next of Kin TV series! We were happy to re-unite with Bufo for this one by having some of our Gang members jumping on board of this production. Highly recommend checking it out if you've got access to to this streaming service!

Production Company: Bufo Director: Akseli Tuomivaara Electrician: Rosa Mäkinen / Blockbusters Gang Production Assistant: Sanni Mättö / Blockbusters Gang Runner: Annina Juuso / Blockbusters Gang Catering: Milla Möltsi / Blockbusters Gang Catering Assistant (additional days): Tanja Lilja / Blockbusters Gang 1st Assistant Director (additional days): Aija Ronkainen / Blockbusters Gang

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Memory of Water / Veden Vartija trailer released

This project has been under works for years and luckily some of our staff had a privilege to join for most of 2019. Though the premiere has just been postponed to next fall - we're eagerly looking forward seeing Memory of Water (Veden vartija) in cinemas as soon as possible! In the meanwhile, we can enjoy this official trailer released earlier this month!

Production Company: Bufo, Allfilm, Mer Film, Pandora Director: Saara Saarela 1st Assistant Director: Iiris Orasmaa (Juutilainen) / Blockbusters Gang 2nd Assistant Director: Aino Niemi / Blockbusters Gang AD Trainee (Pre-Production): Emma Kurki (Heikkilä) / Blockbusters Gang