How did you get started in the production industry?

I was in advertising for many years, and when my old company merged with another I left and went for a long walk across to Spain to figure out what direction I wanted to go in my life. My goal was to take my career's experience and find something that incorporated my love and passion for travel and photography. Several of my connections lead me to a management position for a super talented photographer here in Atlanta, Scott Lowden. I accepted the job as his studio manager and what would be the beginning of my career as a photo and casting producer. That was exactly 7 years ago this week (Jan 2013)!

It's always a good idea to wear a hard hat during production. Tamara Reynolds of RepGirl, Inc. shoot for TVA.

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

Looking back I am amazed at the varied and extraordinary shoots I was so fortunate to be a part of. It's difficult to name only one and they were all so differently fun and challenging. Caribou, Delta, UPS, TVA, Regions Bank were all great shoots in 2012 but if I had to pick only one it would be the photo shoot for the Gallery and Key Art for a new show called Rectify coming in the Spring on the Sundance Channel. Shooting with the talented and chill James Minchon was such a great experience. Of course it was also the toughest shoot of 2012 working with a TV production crew of about 50 during their busiest week of shooting the series, several locations and a very ambitious shot list. But we made it happen and working with such a great photographer and crew hammered home again why I love my job and appreciate being able to do what I do.

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

Ok, nothing earth shattering here but I definitely see more combined still with video shooting which has already been trending for a few years now. If you are a photographer who doesn't also offer capabilities to shoot video you might be missing the boat. The lines between the two are increasingly becoming blurred and you have to adapt. It doesn't mean you have to do the actual video shooting but you should have your go to DP readily available. I also see less lead time for preproduction. As a producer we continue to push for adequate time to produce a job well, although we don't always get that luxury. Lastly, budgets continued to shrink but expectations continue to increase. So learning how to get the most out of your production costs, still provide high end production results AND be able to compensate your crew well is key.

Don't use your cell phone and drive!

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

Don't ask where the food is the minute you arrive or bring an attitude. You're being paid to work not graze at the craft services table. Be on time or 10 minutes early. You never know if parking is going to be an issue or if maps will send you in the wrong direction. Call immediately if you run into problems so that we can make necessary schedule adjustments if possible. Lastly, know that we appreciate you being there and the positive energy and the uniqueness of you that you bring to the set!

Regions Bank with Ryan Hayslip and Luckie

Unrelated to work, what are you passionate about?

Besides my family it would have to be travel most definitely. Then photography, cooking/food, music, connecting people with people.

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Published January, 2013.