Sunday’s Calendar section of the LA Times ran a front-page piece about Peggy Archer, a self-blogging grip working in the film industry. Contrary to her regrets, I think it was a good piece for anyone interested in the no-glamour side of the business.
Here’s why after the jump. I’ve done some production work on student and indie projects and gotten friendly with grips and gaffers in every project. Some of them can be a little strange but most are just hard-working men and women who like being outdoors and working with their hands.
Many people interested in the business just focus on the big titles: director, producer, writer, actor. Although a writer might argue their glam factor those are the coveted titles, and not coincidentally, the cleanest of jobs.
A career in Hollywood could take any number of turns like my friend Yuri – producer, assistant director, actor, and occasional P.A. – and knowing the unedited true grit of a day on set might help wannabes make a better decision before making the plunge.
What I find so fascinating about long-time, below-the-line, crew in the TV and film industry is their passion for it. Regardless of the in-between bad days.
Peggy’s blog: Totally Unauthorized.
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