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Name: Ron
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Occupation: Key Grip
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What attracted you to the Entertainment Industry, and what was your first job or big break in the business?
I always had an interest in cameras and lighting. I started out in Jr. High wanting to do still photography, but in High School moved onto film and theater, then film school for college.
What is the biggest challenge you faced trying to break into the industry, and how did you overcome it?
Politics. I'm too honest with people, and that's not always the best approach. I overcome it but keep quiet most of the time.
What advice can you give those trying to break into the "industry?"
Learn everything you can in every department and work on anything possible. Ambition is more important than brains. Other people notice ambition, and if they are good people, they will teach you what you need to know.
Please describe your job for those who might not know what a Key Grip is.
I head up the Grip Department. We handle set operations, setting up dolly tracks, doing rigging of cameras and lighting equipment.
Can you share any tricks of the trade that help you work faster/cheaper/better?
This is way too complicated to list here. If I had one word of advice it would be "think." If you spend 5 minutes solving a problem, it might save you an hour of work later.
Please illustrate the way the performance of your position can help or hurt a movie. Name a movie that you've seen (or worked on) that we could view and understand the difference between a good job and a bad job.
Since my job is directly related to shooting time, if I'm slow it slows everything down.
Are you a writer, and if so, how many screenplays have you written?
Yes, I am but only for magazines, and I don't have a screenplay.
What's the best lesson you've learned in regards to working in Hollywood?
Be nice to everyone. The P.A. of today is the producer of tomorrow.
What advice would you give to writers on how to craft a script that addresses practical production issues?
Avoid period piece films (very expensive) and keep it simple.
What advice would you give a director on how to make production easier?
Have a shot list, storyboards and good communication.
List your top 5 favorite films
- Brazil
- Matewan
- Lawrence of Arabia
- Apocalypse Now
- Road Warriors
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