‘Getting to know you’ PtJA film crew

SG: Simon Glass
OT: Olivia Thomas
SLF: Stefan Fairlamb

Tell us about your role in PtJA
All: We are the Film Team (aka Krewe de film). We shoot all the performances, edit them and put them online.

OT: I operate the vision mixer as part of the film crew editing together footage from the cameras to create videos of the various PTJA concerts

SLF: I am a member of the 'Film Crew', along with Simon and Olivia, for 'Performing The Jewish Archive'. We are filming the performances of theatre and music that are being brought 'out of the shadows' by the research project and our role is to document and preserve these performances of extremely rare martial.

SG: I look after the cables.

What were you doing before working on PtJA?
SG: I’d made a few films exploring religious identity and culture, including The Last Tribe (2011), Dogspotting (2012) and Yakov, My Boy (2009). See www.simonglass.co.uk or visit your local BFI Mediatheque.

OT: I work freelance on feature films, TV commercials and other film projects.  The last feature I did was the football hooligan film ID2: Shadwell Army so quite a change of content between that and PTJA

SLF: I worked with both Simon and Olivia on a documentary about the UK Jewish community 'The Last Tribe'. I was cinematographer and editor for Simon who was the director and producer. I believe that Stephen (Muir- Principal Investigator of Performing The Jewish Archive) saw the film and then got in touch with us about the film element of Performing the Jewish Archive- and now we are here....    Also you can check out The Last Tribe here: http://www.thelasttribe.co.uk/

What’s the best thing about working on a project like PtJA?
SG: Preserving these performances for posterity. Also, the air miles.

OT: It’s easy to say the travel but what I’ve enjoyed most has been the privilege of seeing some truly spectacular music

SLF: When we first started filming on this project I was shocked by the comedy plays that had been written at Terezin - I don't think you know how to respond to them. Being involved with the project has completely challenged my preconceptions from the ‘history books’.  I consider myself fortunate to be involved in this project- the materiel we are filming is constantly challenging.

What do you get the most satisfaction from professionally?
OT: You know instinctively after finishing filming if you have done a good job.  If you have then you can go enjoy a drink afterwards, if not then you drown your sorrows

SLF: From a filming perspective it is always the end result as that is what the audience will be experiencing. When the shots, sound, editing and performances come together and work in a way that 'pulls' the viewer in. Hopefully we manage to get this right!

SG: Completing my annual tax return. It’s either right or wrong.

What’s the biggest challenge for you on this project?
SG: Working with my colleagues (laughs).

OT: Not knowing what to expect when you get to a venue half way round the world.  You have to think on your feet to get the job done

SLF: Again form a pure filmmaking perspective I would say the logistics- shooting on an international scale with numerous venues- the set ups, the sound and getting the best shot is a constant challenge. The scale and ambition of the project is huge. Hopefully we are reflecting that in our work and doing it some kind of justice.

Outside of work, what are your interests and hobbies?
OT: I’m lucky that to a large extent my work IS my hobby. When I’m not working you’re likely to find me at the cinema

SLF: Watching films, reading about films, making films (well, trying to...)..... I am not sure I really understand this question.

SG: Single Malt and Radio Four. But not at the same time.

Outside of work, what are the top things on your ‘bucket list’?
OT: I’m not sure I’m grown up enough yet to have a bucket list

SG: Live long enough to have a midlife crisis, or witness the apocalypse. Whichever comes first.

SLF: Well, finishing this feature film I have been working on for the last 4 years would be a good start.... Hmmm... this is probably not the answer you are looking for.

If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you want with you?
OT: Simon, Stefan and a well stocked bar

SG: Pen, paper and a return ticket.

SLF: My camera, my favourite lens and plenty of film ..... Oh wait maybe I should have gone with food, or a phone to get off the island... Nevermind, I will get some good shots! Hey, if the rest of the crew are there we could even make a film- Simon is a pretty good actor you know?