What does Alan say a best boy is? [originaltext]W:I suppose the first question I

W:I suppose the first question I have to ask you, Alan, is one you get fed up answering, but here it goes.What is a best boy?
M:Well, I am not sure why I am called a best boy exactly.But I like to think it is because I am the best at what I do.The title is an American term, used to describe the assistant to the man who works with the cameraman and electricians on a film to make sure that the fdm is properly lit.
W:So how do you spend your time?
M:Basically what I do is work between the electrical department and production.I deal with the companies where the lights come from.And I am also there on the film site, making sure that everything runs smoothly, that the lighting is set up when the camera crew arrives to shoot the film.And then I also help with the budget.We have to do time sheets and things like that.It is mostly paper work really.
W:When did you start working in the industry?
M:About 15years ago.I had been an electrician and my first few film jobs were basically electrical ones.Then I moved over to this.
W:It sounds a rather complicated job to me.
M:No, not really.I’ ve never had to do anything out of the ordinary.But I enjoy it.It is a challenge.
W:Is working on location a plus for you?
M:You see some great places, but long working days and problems with production are far more common.There is a lot of responsibility with the job, because there is so much money involved.The long hours are very unsociable which is OK if you are single.But there is quite a lot of work abroad, which puts a lot of pressure on the family.
W: What advice would you give to someone wanting to give it a try?
M:You need a good head for mathematics, plus knowing how to mind the fields.So training as an electrician is the first step.Then you need some experience on a production floor.
W:Where do you see yourself in the future?
M:I like it where 1 am.I like working behind the scenes, and seeing how the production works.There are enough challenges in my present job for me.