S481 Skills Development & The Problem with People
Natasha Waugh is a Writer and Director with a decade-long career and life-long passion for cinema and filmmaking. Her most renowned work to date, Terminal, went on to critical acclaim, winning several awards, including a Writer’s Guild of Ireland Zebbie Award for Best Short Film Script. It also received prestigious nominations for Best Short Film at the 37th London Film Critics’ Circle Awards and at the 2017 IFTAs.
Most recently Natasha shadow directed on the feature film The Problem with People, which filmed in Ireland and was directed by Chris Cottam, starring Paul Reiser and Colm Meaney. It was produced by Paul Reiser, with Max Brady and Chris Cottam. This shadow placement was arranged under a Section 481 Skills Development Plan supported by Screen Ireland and the skills officer from Irish production company Maxfilms.
Career Progression
Natasha had no formal filmmaking training but knew she wanted to make films from an early age. From childhood she had a clear ambition to direct, fostered by her family's great importance placed on cinema trips and DVD’s, particularly the behind the scenes extras. Her journey began at 14 with her first short film, A Zombie TV Special. At UCD she studied media and film studies, diving into film analysis, aesthetics and cultural contexts. Although this still heavily influences her work, there was no practical or technical instruction.
In college I was being taught how to read film and understand it and look past its base features. My skills and education were transferable in different ways. No-one was teaching me how to make films and write scripts, nothing practical. I am just learning on the job, even ten years in.
A chance meeting with Jess Whelehan on the production of Vikings changed Natasha’s path. This led to occasional work on dailies and as a Trainee Assistant Director. After two years as a full-time barista and part-time on set, she persistently pursued her passion culminating in the creation of her short Terminal.
After I made Terminal, Katie Holly from Keeper Pictures put me in touch with Max Brady of Pull the Trigger/Maxfilms. I got some work in commercials and was on her roster for 4 years. I loved being part of it. She is an amazing mentor, always keen to nurture my talent and make sure I got the best foothold. We kept in regular contact and that is how the shadow directing opportunity with Chris came up. I had shadowed before, but only for a short time and it wasn’t paid.
Having established herself in short film, Natasha wanted to progress to longer form and feature-length directing. Maxfilms arranged a paid shadow directing placement with support from Screen Ireland as part of their S481 Skills Development Plan for The Problem with People.
Shadow Directing on The Problem with People
For ten weeks Natasha shadowed Director Chris Cottam during the making of The Problem with People. What she initially anticipated as mere observation had a clear learning plan based on skills gaps, supported by Chris and Maxfilms. The shadowship was an immersive learning experience that delved into technicalities, problem-solving, and people management under Chris's mentorship.
Chris's welcoming attitude and investment in Natasha's growth defined her shadow directing experience. Beyond observing Chris's directing techniques, Natasha absorbed his on-set behaviour, interaction with the team, and decision-making processes. Shadow directing, for Natasha meant actively engaging with the director's role and capabilities. It involved intense participation, learning technical aspects like managing significant set pieces and observing problem-solving in action. Beyond that, it encompassed being privy to meetings, emails, and pre-production, embracing a mentorship that emphasised collaboration and effective communication.
It is important when you get a mentor who shows you how to collaborate and interact with crew. It was very affirming to have someone who was really nice to people and very hard working and a clear communicator. Chris is not a gatekeeper of ideas and intentions.
Further Opportunities & Future Projects
Contrary to her expectations of a more hands-off and distant experience, this shadowing experience wasn't just about learning, it led to tangible career progression. Natasha secured work from the same individuals she shadowed, eventually landing a second unit job for The Problem with People. Building relationships and trust during the shadowing process opened doors, even internationally, as Natasha shadowed Chris in LA, paving the way for further networking and career development opportunities.
Following The Problem with People, Natasha and Chris went straight into writing and co-directing an advertisement for the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre together, forming a close bond that opened doors for future collaborations.
This shadow directing experience was a big springboard for me. The next steps for me are to get a feature under my belt. I have a few looking to find their home and a show in development with a company that I hope will take off. I am ready for the longer form stuff.
About The Problem with People
The Problem with People directed by Chris Cottam and written by Wally Marzano-Lesnevich and Paul Reiser, follows the story of two estranged cousins, an Irishman (Colm Meaney) and a New Yorker (Paul Reiser). The New Yorker is unexpectedly contacted by the Irish cousin he never knew existed to reconcile their family for their dying grandfather.
The Problem with People premiered in Irish cinemas on Friday, 8th November 2024 and is available to stream on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime.