Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1339678
64 C I N E M O N T A G E W O R K F R O M H O M E Wilder, are six and four, respectively; both are in virtual learning. Let's just say it's been a challenge. It can be really frustrating taking on the tasks of parent, teacher and editor – all at the same time. But the pros still outweigh the cons: I barely spend money on transportation, and I walk four feet to my kitchen for "craft services." Aside from certain deadlines, I'm largely able to create my own hours. And the best part? I've been able to see my kids all day every day for the past year and witness the unbelievable growth they have gone through. At their age, the only thing I can be is grateful. Q Once COVID is behind us, which part(s) of the pre-COVID work life would you like to see return? What part of working at home should become the new normal? A l u n c h o r t w o e v e r y w e e k w i t h co-workers would be nice and conducive to maintaining morale. Weekly in-person team meetings would be much more efficient than company-wide Zooms. While it's helpful having a producer come by your bay to watch a cut, most of us have figured out how to do this remotely, whether it's screen-sharing over Zoom, using an RGS viewing station, or simply sending cuts and receiving notes. Q What special challenges do you think post-production profession- als face in raising a family? We're all pulling 10+ hour days and 50+ hour weeks. So we all face questions like: Where in the city should we live so we don't have to drive too much? Are there good schools there? Should I hire a nanny? How much are those anyway? Is there a field in L.A. with trees that grow money? Q Are there special tools or gear that have made the job easier? Make sure you have noise-cancelling headphones. Download educational games to your kids' tablets: when they are enjoying screen time, you don't feel so bad about it. And make sure you know where your local cannabis dispensary is. Q How can the union help more with this balance? We need to put together some sort of task force or committee of working parents to come up with solutions that could become policy initiatives. After all, it's the parents who are trying to raise the next generation of filmmakers, geniuses, and world-changers! Let's make them a priority. ANGEL GAMBOA BRYANT (Picture Editor) Q Describe a typical day balancing work and family life since the pandemic. I've been fortunate to have work since March. My one-year-old son and I spend quality time before the nanny arrives at 8 a.m. I then head straight into my office and work until around 6p.m. Once the computer is off, I walk into my kitchen to feed my son his dinner. Austin Scott.