That's A Wrap!

Aaaand we're back. Sorry for my absence for so long. We went into six day weeks to finish the last episode (and clean up a couple of previous ones) and I just didn't have the time/will to post. But we finally finished the season and it was a marathon the last couple of months. We even sent a unit to Louisiana to do some exterior scenes next week, but I declined. I have a couple of offers on the table and just didn't have it in me to have a week off and go right into another show. In the coming days I will have some insights on some things I learned and some skills I was able to sharpen as well as some tips for making it on a tv schedule. In the meantime, I got off at 6:30 this morning and have to be in tomorrow at 7:00am to start wrapping two mud encrusted, completely ragged out dollies. I would like to thank some of the great dolly grips who came in over the course of the season to pick up my slack and fill in on days off or take over double up units- Troy Wade started out as my "B" Camera counterpart until he got three (3!) movies in a row as "A" camera and had to leave. He made my job easy and I owe him one. Andy Crawford, Scott Leftridge, Chris Brow, Jason Newton, Ashley Sudge, John Murphy, Bobby Reid, Wayne Stroud, Jeff Curtis, Eric Zucker, Mike Epley, Danny Stephens, and I'm sure one or two I've forgotten over the last six months, all picked up my slack and either allowed me to take days off without worrying if I was well covered, or took over "B" camera and helped keep the machine moving smoothly. Thanks guys. I know Bud thanks you too. For those of you not in the industry, you've witnessed these guy's work on everything from Stargate to Interview With the Vampire and it was an honor to have them on set.
I've also been sent some pictures over the last few weeks that I'll post. Keep sending them. Thanks for checking in even though the posts have been few and far between. I'm going to bed.

PS- I've added an oldie but a goodie to the Video Bar-"Tripp's Trip." This is a good friend of mine, a fine Dolly Grip who eats it while helping out Steadicam. Always a crowd pleaser, we show it with affection.
PPS- I would like to give a big "Thank You" to our soldiers in service for our country. If you are reading this, you are all my hero.