Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1512678
C A S Q U A R T E R L Y I W I N T E R 2 0 2 4 27 previous work was in television. Sidney sat quietly through most of the interview. I did my spiel, desperately wanting the job. But I didn't think I had a chance of getting it. After listening to his producer and production manager discussing my lack of experience for this caliber of project, Sidney looked at them and turned to face me. He stood up and said, 'I am going to take a chance on you, but you better not let me down.' When the project was finished, he was happy with my work, and we became best friends." Turning our attention back to this Quarterly's fan favorite film, here's what Willie had to say about his experience on Shawshank. Willie D. Burton CAS As you gain more experience working on quality films, there will be many times when you'll receive multiple calls checking your availability or interest in working on a movie. I received such a call one day, asking if I was available and interested in being involved in a big-budget film with a five-month shooting schedule. After reading the script, I decided it was a good project to add to my resume. The day I was going to consummate the deal, I received a call from producer/production manager David Lester. He wanted to know if I was interested and available to work on his film. I explained to him I was considering taking another project. He had the script delivered to my house within two hours. After reading it, I was blown away by the incredible story, The Shawshank Redemption. I made the call to my first offer and explained that I was very sorry, but I was going to take another project. I never received another call from that director. My prep time for Shawshank was approximately a week and a half. I was finishing up another film which allowed me to have ample time for prep. Marvin Lewis was my longtime friend and boom man since the early stages of my career. My sound utility was Kevin Boyd, who