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LMGI COMPASS
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Winter 2021
was doing. I could barely understand a call sheet.
The setting was during a beautiful Chicago summer.
Every day we were blowing things up, simulating gun
fi ghts, fl ying helicopters, base jumping off of the Sears
Tower (Chicagoans will always call it Sears Tower even
with the 2009 name change to Willis). I was just in
disbelief that a fi lm production could pull this off. What
a massive undertaking! I was so happy to be a part of it
and couldn't believe this was a job.
Stevie: DOES ILLINOIS OR THE CITY OF CHICAGO OFFER ANY
INCENTIVES TO HOLLYWOOD FILMMAKERS?
SB:
Absolutely. Illinois is currently offering a 30 percent
tax credit.
Stevie: WHAT ARE YOUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE?
SB:
For my cameras, I am currently using a Sony
A7iii camera with a 24mm-105mm lens. I made the
switch to Sony about a year ago and am loving it. When
I want to be low profi le, I use a Fujifi lm X100F. I'm
very happy with both systems. Smugmug is my go-to
photo-sharing site. My other tools I can't be without:
a good watch, Helly Hansen winter gear, four-wheel
drive, AirPods.
IN MY CITY: CHICAGO
Stevie: WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE JOB?
SB:
Access to some of the most beautiful places in the
world. While on set, the crew becomes a family. I'm grate-
ful to the many colleagues, directors, producers and ac-
tors I'm lucky enough to call my friends.
Stevie: WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR
YOUNGER SELF OR SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT IN THIS
PROFESSION?
SB:
If you choose to do this as a profession, commit to it.
It's not for everyone and that's OK. But if you are willing
to work hard, observe everything, ask questions, jump in
and do the dirty work, it will have its payoff. Resilience,
stamina and a tenacious attitude are invaluable to the role.
And always be curious.
Stevie: WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE LMGI & HOW LONG
HAVE YOU BEEN A MEMBER?
SB:
I decided to join this past year because I wanted to be
a part of a community of location professionals who share
the same passion. I love that I have the ability to learn
from others and gain insights into how other professionals
approach their work.
Southside Industrial Park
