How did you get started in the production industry?

I studied photography at Columbia College and soon after began working as a production assistant. I was then hired as a Production Coordinator for Tony D'Orio. I was employed by TD fulltime for six years where I gained tremendous experience working on large-scale photo-productions. I started Amanda Bertany Productions, LLC after my transition from Chicago to Atlanta last year.

Describe a production from last year you are really proud of.

One job that stands out for me last year was a shoot I worked on for Yahoo's Fantasy Football. The job was very casting-intensive. We held auditions for a group of 10 “friends”, and each represented a fantasy football player stereotype, e.g. “The Researcher”, “The Commish”, “The Invisible Man”, etc. I spent A LOT of time casting to make sure we had the most fitting actors to portray these humorous characters. The humor was very subtle and focused on talent expressions and styling. We saw approximately 500 people between regular casting sessions and callbacks. We then spent a lot of time building the cast to come up with the perfect 10 line-up. The final images turned out great.

What are some of the big trends you see coming in the next 5-10 years in the production industry?

As others have also said, I agree that shooting video along side still photography will become increasingly common.

What advice can you give to talent when they're on set?

Be punctual, and learn to take direction well. Don't take pictures of the monitor of your shots in Capture One without permission. Don't hover around the monitor with clients and the photographer while images are being reviewed unless you're asked. Parents, watch over your child while they're off set, and only one guardian per child, no familial entourage. And don't ask the photographer right when you get on set, “Where's my paycheck, and my candy too?” – True story

Unrelated to work, what are you passionate about?

Art, cats, tennis, running, traveling, hockey, and family.

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Published January, 2013.