̨Íåswag

What Are You Doing Professionally Now?

I am a set lighting technician with the local 479 union. I also work as a gaffer on non-union commercials and music videos.

How did you get your job?

I got my union jobs through contacts that I made throughout the years. My non-union jobs came from mostly people I met in college.

On a typical day in your position, what do you do?

When on union sets, my roles for the day vary. If I'm rigging, I lay power lines out and make sure everything is good for the on-set electricians. If I am on-set, then I help make the process of filming smooth by running in lights, operating condors, and anything else needed by my gaffer. If I am working as the gaffer, I help materialize the director of photography's lighting vision and make the day run as smoothly as possible by managing my lighting crew effectively.

What special advice would you give someone entering your field of work?

Make sure to get to work at least 30 minutes before call time. Also, have a humbled approach to the job that you are tasked with. Every job is just as important in making the day go well.

If you were in the position to hire new graduates, what would you look for in them?

If I were to hire students/graduates from ̨Íåswag, which I do on a regular basis, I am looking for someone with a good attitude and work ethic. A basic knowledge of the department is a plus, but having the right attitude for the job and drive to do what is asked are the best qualities to have. You can always learn the gear afterwards.

Was there anything specific that you learned while attending ̨Íåswag that has been especially beneficial in your career?

The best takeaways from ̨Íåswag that I have are the communication skills that I gained from the debate club and the hands-on experience in learning how to deal with people on set. I feel like communication and having the right mindset are the two most important traits that you can bring into the film industry.