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LMGI COMPASS
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Winter 2020
IN MY CITY: BOSTON
are all squeezed into a 60-mile circle here. The Robert
Downey Jr. film The Judge stands out as a project
taking advantage of that range. We were able to get
both scripted looks of Chicago contrasted with the rural
mountain terrain of southern Indiana.
Stevie: DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE "BACK POCKET" LOCATION?
GC:
My favorite was the mansion in the recently released
Knives Out. I found that estate scouting for a different
project two years prior. It was completely wrong for
that project, but an amazing find… I love that house
and think it worked pretty great for Knives Out.
Stevie: WHAT TYPES OF PRODUCTIONS FILM IN BOSTON?
GC:
That dynamic has changed recently. For years,
Boston used to get one or two—or maybe even just a
portion of one or two feature films every couple of years.
After the incentives came into play in 2007, several
features have been filmed here each year. Still, there
was very little television. Now, thanks to the streaming
platforms, the majority of production seems to have
shifted. Along with the steady features, there are a
number of episodic shows booking stages long-term
and returning for multiple seasons.
Stevie: WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE IN YOUR JOB?
GC:
More challenges than a guy like me would care to
have! Luckily, I like most of them. Film is ultimately a
collaborative effort and my job actively involves both
right- and left-brain skills. In that sense, my first
challenge is understanding someone else's vision for
the script and becoming their eyes. My job evolves and
expands with the times. Sometimes from job to job.
The amount and standard of legalese, risk management
and other procedural aspects to be aware of, recognize
and plan for isn't getting smaller or any easier. It's the
way we do things these days, and seems to affect me
a lot more than my brethren in the sound department.
Stevie: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES TO FILMING
IN SPECIFICALLY IN BOSTON OR IN YOUR GENERAL FILMING
TERRITORY?
GC:
Logistically, Boston is a thriving economic
community. Property values are at a premium which
can make things more cost prohibitive than normal.
Asphalt has all but disappeared and base camp lots are
an endangered commodity.
