In December of 2023 I had the opportunity to work as a transportation coordinator for the independent horror-suspense feature film Hate Thyself, directed by Shivvan Makker. Set in the quiet yet eerie backdrop of Port Allen, LA, this project marked my first experience in this crucial role for a feature film.
Stepping into the Role
Being hired as the transportation coordinator for Hate Thyself was both exciting and challenging. As someone who has worked in various production roles through out my near 30 year career in film and television, this was my first time taking on the specific responsibility of coordinating transportation. My role involved organizing and managing the movement of cast, crew, and equipment between different locations—ensuring everyone and everything was where it needed to be, on time, and in sync with the production schedule.
The Importance of Transportation in Film Production
The role of a transportation coordinator is vital, especially in film production. On Hate Thyself, the location in Port Allen played a significant part in setting the tone for the movie, but the rural setting also presented logistical challenges. From navigating unfamiliar roads to ensuring the safe and timely transportation of essential equipment, my job required close attention to detail and problem-solving.
On any given day, I was tasked with coordinating multiple vehicles, managing schedules, and troubleshooting last-minute changes due to weather or production delays. Ensuring that actors arrived on set in time for their scenes while also overseeing the movement of large equipment was no small feat. It required strong communication and collaboration with other departments, especially the production team, location scouts, and assistant directors.
Finding the Right Picture Cars
In addition to coordinating transportation, the producers also assigned me the task of sourcing picture cars for the film. This included securing vehicles like the hero car, detective and SWAT team vehicles, and an ambulance, all of which played significant roles in various scenes. Finding the right picture cars was crucial to ensuring the film’s authenticity, especially in a suspense-driven horror like Hate Thyself, where every detail counts. I worked closely with local suppliers and private owners to find vehicles that fit the director’s vision, adding another layer of responsibility to my role.
Learning on the Job
Working on an independent feature like Hate Thyself offered a unique learning experience. The independent film scene often requires creative solutions to problems due to budget constraints, tight schedules, and unpredictable elements. I had to quickly adapt to these circumstances, learning to think on my feet and find efficient ways to keep everything moving smoothly. At times it was downright stressful I must admit, but at the end of the day it was all well worth it.
One of the key takeaways from my experience was the importance of staying calm under pressure. On a few occasions, road closures, traffic accidents or unexpected delays meant adjusting the entire transportation schedule on the fly. However, with a focus on clear communication and flexibility, I was able to navigate these challenges and ensure that the transportation schedule remained on track.
Working with an Incredible Team
Although Hate Thyself was my first feature film as a transportation coordinator, I was fortunate to work alongside a talented and supportive team. Shivvan Makker, the director, had a clear vision for the film, which made coordinating the logistics easier because everyone was aligned with the production’s goals. The cast and crew were professional, and it was inspiring to see how passionate they were about the film’s story.
The camaraderie on set was another highlight. Even during the most stressful moments, everyone was focused on working together to make sure the production ran smoothly. Being part of that environment gave me the confidence to grow in this role and apply my skills in ways I hadn’t before.
Looking Ahead
Working on Hate Thyself as a transportation coordinator was an eye-opening experience and a career milestone. It not only broadened my understanding of film production logistics but also allowed me to develop new skills in managing time-sensitive tasks and handling high-pressure situations.
As I continue my journey in the film industry, I look forward to the possibility of taking on more roles like this and building on the lessons I learned while working on Hate Thyself. I’m proud to have been part of a project that brought a unique horror-suspense story to life, and I can’t wait to see the final product.