Anni Abbruzzese is a union loader and 2nd AC who has worked on projects such as Hocus Pocus 2, Castle Rock, and The Instigators. Anni's journey into the camera department began when they were scooped up from their role as a PA by a camera team person who saw their potential. Anni quickly learned the camera department can be a challenging experience that tests your limits, but this taught them how and when to say no. Join us as we talk to Anni about how to navigate the politics of working on set and some of the nerdy solutions to their technical hurdles on set.
Stratton Bailey is an underwater key grip and cinematographer whose credits include Nanny, Rosemead, and Thalassophobia. Growing up, diving and being in the water became second nature to Stratton. Little did he know he was developing an integral skill for his future career. As the guard for set safety, being a key grip is already a complex line of work and when you add water it can easily become a recipe for disaster. Join us as we talk through Stratton's early days dipping his toes into this niche area of production and how he joined this small community of sea grips.
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#036 - Jen Beauchesne // Food Stylist
Although she is a bit softspoken, Food Stylist Jen Beauchesne is not afraid to dish out the truth on styling food for camera. Before venturing into this craft, Jen was working as a photo assist. After realizing her calling, Jen took the steps to transition careers and has collaborated with innovators such as Victoria Granof and Steve Giralt. Jen's years of experience include commercial work for Dunkin', Pepsi, and Buffalo Wild Wings. Tune in as we learn about the magic sauces that really make food look incredible for camera.Support the show
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#035 - Jeremy Balon // Prop Master and Podcaster
Originally based in Ohio, Jeremy dropped out of film school and moved to Florida to pursue his career in film. After several years working in indie production, he joined the union where we was able to work on productions like Elementary, Cold Souls, and Hello Tomorrow. We spoke with Jeremy about his journey and learn about what the prop exam for the union is like, learning to work with big celebrities like Ryan Gosling, and his podcast venture: The Seltzer Kings Podcast Network.Support the show
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#034 - Rob "Smitty" Smith // Key Grip
If you've worked on a New York Production, the chance that you've bumped into Smitty on your set is pretty high. If you haven't - it's likely the Key Grip on your set probably trained under him.Born and raised in the Bronx, Rob Smith says he was saved by the film industry after years of getting into trouble on the streets. After a friend brought him to set of a music video in 1990s, he was immediately pulled into the industry where he tackled multiple crafts from PA, Director, AD, and more before eventually becoming most known as a Key Grip.Smitty is probably one of the most seasoned non-union Key Grips you'll ever meet with an unforgettable personality. He's no BS, always keeps his cool, but loves a good challenge when it comes to rigging on his shoots. We talk with Smitty about his experiences working in music video world in its heyday, some of the challenges he encountered during his 30 year career in the industry, and where he thinks the industry is headed.Support the show
Improvise. Adapt. Overcome. For years, Shitty Rigs has been a platform for filmmakers to showcase the ingenuity and problem solving skills they use to get the shots they need. Building upon that philosophy, we present Wrap Drinks; a podcast dedicated to talking with those same film & television professionals as they tell us what got into the industry, offer tips & tricks they’ve learned, and share some of their more thrilling experiences from set. There's a fine line between "shitty" and "genius," join us as we cross it together.
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