So I finished my first job in LA... Huzzah!
Does anyone say "Huzzah" anymore? Did anyone ever say "Huzzah"?
Just me I guess. Oh well.
Anyway, the whole thing was a real good time. I am very glad I did it. I feel like I got a lot out of it. Except money. But that's ok, I ended up bringing back some packages of bagels. So that more than justifies my time.
I also brought back some good experience. This was the biggest production I had been a part of so far. There was about 15 people total on the crew, two rappers and their entourage of about 10 people who just kinda stood around and got in the way. The video was for the rapper Paypa (like "paper" but more gangsta) who is from Chicago and has sorta has a Kanye West sound. I tired to find some of his stuff online, but I'm not sure if it's him or not. I will post when I find more about him.
I think this was a good Music Video for me to be a part of because it is a step up from what I have done in the past, but it still wasn't a huge production. Kinda like a baby step. Everyone on the crew was really nice and very helpful and fun to work with. I was officially hired on as a Production Assistant but I wiggled my way into working as a Grip. A Grip works with someone called the Gaffer, who is in charge of all the lighting on the set, a very important job. The hierarchy goes: Gaffer, Key Grip, then Grip. I'll let you figure out what the Key Grip is. These guys make the difference between professional and amateur productions (You're either a Pro or a Noob). So I was working a lot with the lights as a grip and learned a lot about that job.
I also brought back some good contacts. I did my best to leave a good impression on the Gaffer and I'm pretty sure he liked me. He said that he gets a lot of work and implied that he would contact me if there was room on future productions. So that is bad ass. The other crew members in key positions also said they enjoyed working with me, so maybe they will remember me in the future, too. Fingers are crossed.
The video is going to be pretty awesome. Actually, I should say the videos are going to be pretty awesome because we filmed two. The Friday and Saturday we worked on the video for the first song. There were 5 locations total and 10-12 hour days. Most of the time was spent getting the lighting set up perfect or waiting on the talent to arrive. But it was all worth it because we got some really cool stuff. On Sunday we filmed a half day for the second video. The reason being is there was only one location and it was all filmed in one long continuous take. The way they did it should turn out to be really cool.
I am really glad that I got this work because it is good experience, but also because it justifies me moving out here. I was determined to actually do something once I got here and I made it happen, now I just need to make it happen again. At least I know it's possible. So far I can say that it has not been a waste to move out here.
On a lesser note, I got my first parking ticket, too. Welcome to LA, I guess.
Things I've Learned: The work of a Grip. I think this is a skill set that I can develop and become good at. I am going to meet a ton of people in this business. That's cool with me, I like meeting new people. Be more careful about where I park.
Plans for the near future: Make business cards, even if its just a name and number. The Gaffer asked me if I had one and I didn't. He said I should make some. Consider it done. Land some more jobs, however they may come.
No comments:
Post a Comment