Stage 3: Performing...

...though not in the sense that many of you may be thinking.

Back in 2003 while enduring the torturous initiation training at Mt Hotham, we were introduced to the theory of “the 4 stages of seasonal jobs”. I know that it’s not DIRECTLY relatable to film making, but I think it’s close enough – especially when you throw travel; and crew you’ve never worked with, into the mix...

Stage 1 – FORMING; you’re meeting new people, starting a job for the first time (or with new people) - and trying to come to grips with its intricacies. (This is usually the quickest stage – sometimes only lasting a few days)

Stage 2 – STORMING; where you’ve made your group of new friends and are LOVING the time spent with them; you’re getting to grips with your job requirements - things are on the up-and-up, and you’re having heaps of fun.

Stage 3 – PERFORMING; the partying has quietened down a little, and your life is more of a routine. You are more-than-competent at your job, and can do it quickly, and skilfully (needless to say that THIS is the stage that management wants you to get to as fast as possible). This is also the longest phase, lasting MOST of the season.

Stage 4 – MOURNING; the season (remembering that the training was for working on a ski-hill) is drawing to a close, and the realization that you may never see your extremely close friends ever again, rears its ugly head; You’re still really good at your job, but get quite complacent, and things may slip through the cracks...


We’ve been in stage 3 since our first week in BOWEN. If I were a betting man (which I’m not – but that’s a story for another day...) I’d say the reasoning for the Sydney leg; was to get us all up to speed before hitting the road.
Depression can settle in during stage 3; As the slip from Storming, into the routine of Performing occurs; and we were warned to be on the look-out for fellow workers who were a little down.

So I guess it’s natural to be a little forlorn, and home-sick. Doesn’t make it any easier when the job is fairly physical, and the hours long.

It’s important to not fall into the throws of passion at this stage, (ironically it’s by this stage that most everyone is on the prowl...) it’s very tempting, but trust me – it hurts like you wouldn’t believe at the end of stage 4, so be on the look-out for those who are prone to flirting, and avoid them like the inevitable colds and flus that hit around this time of year... or you can buckle-in and just enjoy the ride...

In honour of my homesickness – please enjoy the most recent...

BONUS PHOTO FROM THE ARCHIVES...

Some photos of my hometown, Brisbane.

From the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, South Brisbane.


And a view from the Goodwill Bridge.


Cheers, and hoping that your lives are all moving along at a comfortable pace. (Whatever pace suits you best)
Ian
P.S. we’re on Nights shoots all this week, so apologies in advance if I’m not responsive during the day... I’ll be sleeping as much as possible