beginnings
how I got started | I've always built things and I've always been
very intuitive about creating and understanding how things work. I
worked 8 years at Mystic Scenic Studios, Inc. in Boston and that got me
initially interested in the movie business. From there, I co-founded
Letterbox Productions (a custom design and fabrication company) with my
brother, who currently operates the business today. Then, I moved back
to Homer, Alaska (my home town) and worked in construction for two
years, and finally, I realized I wanted to get back to Boston to work in
the movie industry (which has undergone enormous growth in the past
three years). So, I came back to Boston and joined the union, and I've
been working non-stop as a grip for three years on such features as
"Gone Baby Gone", "Shuttle", "Game Plan", "21", "Dan in Real Life", "My
Best Friend's Girl", "Ghost of Girlfriend's Past", "The Box", "Shutter
Island", and most recently, "The Edge of Darkness".
inspiration
why this job?| Growing up in Alaska teaches you self-reliance,
discipline, and to overcome adversity. My parents had a lot to do with
that, we moved to Alaska when I was three and built our home from an old
fox-lodge. I guess I've always had an innate desire to create.
love
why I love this job!| The number one thing I love about this job
is creating and building things that will be preserved on film. I love
working with creative people and occasionally interacting with movie
stars.
work
my typical day| My typical day is up at 4:30 a.m. with a cup of
coffee, and then my day can go in a variety of directions depending on
the needs of that day's production schedule (Murphy's Law). My typical
work day lasts between 10-14 hours.
challenges
what they are | My biggest challenge is time management. My work time often conflicts with my personal time.
upside
all about growth | As long as they keep making movies there will
always be a need for grips. The more you put into your career the more
you get out, it's all about hard work.
More Info
|
