James Bradford Huston

Admittedly I am not very good at gripping. Still I have been working up to gaffing in the year I have graduated since college. I find a lot of the terms you described to be familiar to me. Ruby 7 is a light (not sure watts) it is comprised of 7 smaller lights held together in an octagonal shape. It's one of the larger lights. A Space light is an over hanging light... a good example of a space light is perhaps from a couple scenes in the godfather where they would add some gel like Frost or Opal to also make the light soft. An Inkie, I think, is a very small light. Musco only rings a bell, and I need to brush up on how to balance loads (which I know is very important). As far as photometrics I can only assume you are referring to Color Temperature, f-stops, Focal Distance, and a few other things I am forgetting or are unfamiliar with. Maybe I can't say I am experience, or professional. I can say with confidence however that I am component. The big thing right now is to memorize names (double riser, 1K, 2K, CTO, ect...) The film jargon in the East is different than here in CA. I say I'll be a PA, Gaffer, or Grip because I've only been in LA for a little more than a month and am part of the 11.6% unemployed right now. I'll do any work I am offered. Perhaps if I reword it to something like this... "I am seeking work as a Gaffer, but am willing to work as a production assistant. I have a BA in film. I have done gripping, boom operating, and directing as well."

Your perspective on this subject is valuable to me, and I thank you for your advice. I have been out of school for a year now. In that time I have been trying to build up my knowledge in gaffing (not so much gripping admittedly). I can't 1st AC, 2nd AC, camera operate, DP, or sound mix. Still I hold to the fact that I know a little bit about those jobs. I make it a point to perpetually educate myself. Thank you again for your comment Chris.

Well I graduated a year ago. Unfortunately when it comes to resumes I think one can't read too much into it or they'll be driven crazy. I think you make some good points though. Thank you for your advice Adrian. - James

I've worked hard to familiarize myself with all the jobs on set. When did you move down to LA, and what was the first job yoy had? If it was PA, how long did it take you to learn all the necessary skills to make you reliable in 2nd and 1st ACing?

I am seeking work as a production assistant, gaffer, or grip. I have a BA in film. I have done cable wrangling, boom operating, and directing. I live in North Hollywood. My resume is on my website at www.JamesBradfordHuston.com. If you are in need of a trained professional contact me at JamesBradHuston@Gmail.com. Thank you very much, James Huston