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Name: Steve
Username: Boom Shaka Laka
Hometown: Houston, TX
Occupation: Boom Operator and DP's whipping boy
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What attracted you to the Entertainment Industry, and what was your first job or big break in the business?
As a kid I always wanted to be a magician and eventually the fascination turned to movie magic. I'm attracted to the heightened senses of reality, magic realism of image and story. And on even a more subtle level is the aural aspect, which can be more powerful when left to the imagination and develops a deep feeling for the story's character and message through creative sound design. So one day I raked in $50 per day on a short film for my 1st paid gig with a mixer who I just met through networking. After 7 years of commercials, other shorts and features, I'm still swinging for him. My 1st big break was a small one that has been nurtured over many years. There is still some magic left in the creative process but the reality now is how to survive as a freelancer.
What is the biggest challenge you faced trying to break into the industry, and how did you overcome it?
The art of networking without shameful schmoozing. It's all about whom [who] you know or at least getting some good referrals. Another key ingredient is timing. Some people call it luck, but in fact, if you trace the causes that lead to the phone call, you will find some effort from your own side that helped make it happen. It's karma, man. Plus, praying can give you a sense of hope. Of course, out of naiveté I just hoped someone would take me under their wing and teach me the ropes. My desires overshadowed my ignorance so I called up all the A-list mixers and boom operators in town for an informational interview asking them as much as I could about the "professional" way from set etiquette to overcoming obstacles to tricks of the trade.
What advice can you give those trying to break into the "industry?"
Schmooze shamelessly! Hey, you want the work? Then, you have to tell people, "Hey, I want the work." And if you don't have much experience then you say, "I'm willing to work for free." You can still have dignity working for free. It's when you work for dirt cheap you can be called a whore. And it's an on-going process because you're constantly meeting new people, which manifests a pervasive attitude of always trying to "break-in" even 20 years later. Unless of course you have an agent, in which case you never have to make another phone call or pass out another business card again.
Please describe your job for those that might not know what a Boom Operator is.
I'm the tall guy near the camera who holds the boom pole, without producing handling noise, and places the microphone in the optimum place for the best recording, without creating a shadow on the actors or set within the frame or dipping the mic into the shot. I cue the mic so the dialogue levels sound even, smooth and are minus wind noise. And when someone asks, "Isn't that long pole heavy to hold," I always answer, "yes." It's the only time I get any sympathy or respect on set and has occasionally led to a good massage.
Can you share any tricks of the trade that help you work faster/cheaper/better?
Faster- be ready for rehearsal, keep an ear to the world for changes and then be ready to shoot the rehearsal. To skillfully anticipate without over-reacting.
Cheaper - Good sound does not come cheap. It all starts with the microphone, and Schoeps are never discounted. They're like a Harley Davidson, retaining their value no matter how old they are. No one likes bad sound, so don't skimp anywhere along the path of the entire signal.
Better - Skill comes with experience, you can't teach it. I will pass along one trick I learned from one of Chicago's best, Jeff Williams. When actors ad-lib, watch their mouth open as they take a breath before speaking. You may only need to give a slight cue while remaining focused on the heart of the dialogue.
What's the best lesson you've learned in regards to working in Hollywood?
Location, location, location and good food make a happy crew (where are the kit kats?).
What advice would you give to writers on how to craft a script that addresses practical production issues?
Location, location, location.
What advice would you give a director on how to make production easier?
Love your crew and they will love you back with good work and extra effort. Leave the bitching to the 1st AD, it's his/her job. And know your limitations while pushing the creative envelope.
List your top 5 favorite films:
- Phantom of Liberty
- 2001: A Space Odyssey
- 400 Blows
- Apocalypse Now
- Love and Death
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