Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1491451
24 PRODUCTION SOUND & VIDEO – Spring 2023 anyone could really notice or make an objection. We had Larry Commans a good bit as a Second Boom Operator. Larry is also a seasoned hand who has great ideas. Because of the small or constricted sets on the stages, Michael and Larry did a lot of work on the larger family scenes from high in the perms, so there was a lot of coordination with the Grip Department to lift ceilings. On these scenes, we would also use Rebecca on a Third Boom, or on a Second Boom when we didn't have Larry. In terms of gear and technique, my approach has always been to try to keep things as simple as I can. I have long been an admirer of Ed Tise's rig and his tiny footprint, and I'm always looking to keep my gear as small and mobile as I can. I want to be as close to the set as possible— hopefully with a clear view of the proceedings. I know that I often annoy the Lighting and Grip Departments, who can't quite gather why I am underfoot all the time. But as I said, for me the good stuff happens where the actors are performing and the more that I am aware of what is happening in that physical space, the better a contribution I can make—while maintaining communication with director, assistant director, and crew. I really do like to be part of the filmmaking process. The crew we had on The Fabelmans was one of the best with whom I have ever worked. I was so lucky to have them. Boom Operator Michael Primmer's skill and calm demeanor on the set was a delight and had a calming effect on our whole department. For the utility position, I always try to look for people who have worked a great deal in television, who have wired actors day-in and day-out for months at a time. Rebecca Chan was bulletproof. She was super organized and I admired her ability to walk on the set and make a wiring adjustment with an actor even when things were tense. She would be in and out before (L-R) Producer Kristie Macosko Krieger, Co-writer/Producer/Director Steven Spielberg, Seth Rogen, Julia Butters, Co-writer/Producer Tony Kushner, Keeley Karsten and Sophia Kopera (L-R) Larry Commans, Boom Operator, Rebecca Chan, Utility Sound Technician, Ron Judkins, Production Mixer, and Michael Primmer, Boom Operator Boom Operator Michael Primmer