Mad Atoms

A lot of people in the film industry like to draw the comparison between Hollywood and junior high, what with the cliques, the constant gossip, the incestuous interchange of dating partners, and the general level of immaturity. I can’t disagree.  

Following this metaphor that would mean film sets must be like summer camp, especially if it’s a location shoot.  

You start out excited, counting down the days until “summer.” You pack your bags, say goodbye to your friends and family and then off you go for a couple months. At first things are a little awkward. Your sleeping accommodations take getting used to and the food sucks. You don’t know anyone and people naturally pair off into groups based on types (actors, gaffers, art dept, etc), but soon you settle in and start having fun.  

The 1^st A.D. is the uptight counselor who yells at you for talking after lights out, the director is the camp-manager who you’re a little nervous to bother cause he always seems busy and there will always be that “cool counselor” in the props or camera department who will sneak in beer.

You’ll learn some new skills like how to shoot a gun, ride a horse or maybe you decide to learn guitar to pass the hours in your trailer.

The required activities are enjoyable but the real fun happens after hours around the campfire (aka, the hotel bar). You start making new friends. Maybe you’ll develop a crush or be crushed on by someone else and there's a very good chance of a summer romance. There’s nothing worse than going off to summer camp already in a relationship. What’s the fun in that? 

You’ll get a little homesick but you won’t mind because now you have a new posse and a new best friend. You'll all vow to continue being best buds when you get back home, yet inevitably once you return and settle into your old routine, you'll slowly transition into Facebook and occasional-texting buddies. But hey, no worries, there’s always birthday parties! 

When it's all said and done you'll leave with some good memories, some great photos, maybe a rash or two, a few souvenirs and a desperate longing for your own bed. If you end up doing sequels to that film, the summer camp comparison only deepens when everyone returns for more shenanigans next summer.