Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1500728
Summer 2023 – LOCAL695.COM 53 Most of my career has been by the seat of my pants, with gear manuals and internet access keeping me honest and employed since I was a kid. I'll be the first to admit that I don't know everything and never will. That's the joy of this line of work for me. I'm a lifelong student of the crafts and the people around me as long as there's something new to learn. Our employment depends on relationships, and good gear allows you to be with people instead of all the toys. The point of our equipment is to get it out of the way and be present for the process. Once upon a time, a sound person could choose a particular discipline and stay within that classification for an entire career if they chose to do so. Things have changed a bit, and now many of our members will take what they can get in any classification. When I got into the union, my intention was to keep mixing. Alas, I was 6'7" and in my twenties, so they gave me a boom pole instead. Booming taught me to navigate and collaborate with other departments, which is vital to achieving a great soundtrack and a positive work environment. Coincidentally, I had to give up booming for health reasons, which has led me to be more dynamic in my skill sets to stay busy. by Brandon Loulias Day Player