Big Break's 1st Assistant Director
An interview with Meron Taye
Yes, first, because there are two! I am that special. No, actually, films are just that hard. I met Meron a few months ago, when I was considering applying to the same program she had gone through for her first film. We were supposed to have a quick phone call about her experience and if she thought it was something I could/should go for, and we ended up chatting for an hour or so. A few weeks later, we met for coffee and walked around the park yapping about life and film, and eventually got to what we were really there for: would she like to join Big Break? Spoiler: she did.
I am a first-time director, and Meron is a first-time AD (assistant director), so we are going on this journey together, and I couldn’t be happier about having her on set with me. As you’ll find out later on in the interview, a 1st AD’s role is very critical to ensure that things keep moving and the film is actually…well filmed within the time we have on set. If any of you know me, you know I can run at quite a high speed and mayyyybbeee get a little stressed. Meron has been and will continue to be my calm throughout this whole process.
She also has another important role, script advisor. After I finish a version of the script, Meron is my second set of eyes. She holds me accountable for good writing and better storytelling. Though I have to be honest, we are not very efficient about the process. Last time we spent three hours giggling and chatting in a cafe, when the feedback and brainstorming session probably could have taken one hour.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present a short interview with Meron Taye.
Give us a short intro of who you are, what you do normally, and what your role is on Big Break.
Hii, my name is Meron Taye. I am an Aquarius, an introvert who loves deep connections, socially awkward at times, while most of my work requires me to be social and I love to read and write. I am 32 years old and live in the beautiful Amsterdam. I am currently working in film, actually I recently directed and wrote my first film Black Girl Magic, which was a dream come true! Next to film I love poetry, I am currently working on a poetry book/zine. Mental health is very very important to me and is something I always try to be conscious of. Something that helped me a lot with my mental health was finding my community and yoga. So a few years back I started an organization called Yoga for Black Babes, to create a safe space to move and do yoga, but also a space for community. And for the film Big Break I will fulfill the roles of Assistant Director and I am working as a Script Consultant.
What do an Assistant Director and a Script Consultant do? What’s the hardest part of those roles, and whats the most fun?
As an Assistant Director it is my job to make sure the days on set run smoothly, that includes making a planning for the shooting days, making sure every department (think lighting, camera etc) has what they need, and that everyone knows what time they have to be where. I work tightly with the director and (line) producer. It will be the first time for me to have this role, and I am extremely excited about it. I always like to have an overview of what is going on in a project, and coming up with solutions quickly, which is important for the role. During the shooting of Big Break, I think the hardest thing will be tracking how much tape has already been used and making sure we have enough to shoot everything. At the same time this is very exciting and a cool challenge!
What made you want to join the Big Break crew?
The script drew me in immediately. I was at the edge of my seat, turning the pages quickly to find out what the hell was going to happen. And when I met Caitie and heard her speak with such enthusiasm and passion for this project, I knew 100% that I wanted to be a part of it. It also felt very right. I believe in trusting my body and that I can feel whenever a connection feels right or not. And this felt very right!
You’ve read the script and know the characters, which character are you rooting for? Which character scares you?
Mannnnn the hell with Leona. I think we all know a Leona, that is an overachiever just cause, wants success quickly, no matter who they hurt along the way, believes that there are only a few seats at the table and wants to claim all of them. Yeah I don’t like Leona. But I love a dislikable character.
I am rooting for Sophia 100%. That’s my girl. She is realistic, does her job, is happy with what she got.