Chris McGuire - Gaffer Services

Chris McGuire - Gaffer Services - New Orleans





Biography


I always wanted to be an artist, but didn't have the talent. I then somehow became the High School photographer. I had access to cameras, film and a darkroom, all for free. It's hard to say when it happened, but all of a sudden I found myself getting more and more interested in photography. I saw highlights, shadows and shades of gray. "This is GREAT", I thought to myself. After graduation, I went on to College.

It was 1970 and I didn't have a clue as to what I wanted to study. Of course my Dad wanted me to be an Accountant, Lawyer, Doctor, anything respectable. To his dismay, the University of Southern Mississippi was offering courses in 'FILM' production and that really piqued my interest.

When all was said and done, as an undergraduate I was teaching courses, assisting my Major Professor, and making the Dean's and President's Lists. I was Director or the Student Film Festival for two years (1973, 1974); Outstanding Film Student of the Year (1974) and offered a scholarship to Graduate School. After not faring well on the Graduate School Entrance Exam, I opted for more 'hands-on' experience. After graduation I landed a job at The Mississippi Authority for Educational Television in their Film Production Department as an Apprentice Cinematographer (this was before video was ready to go into the field). Next to WGBH Boston, in the 70's I think Mississippi ETV was the premier educational production house in the U.S. Another great opportunity to hone my skills. Although my salary was very low, I seized the moment to learn.

I was always drawn to lighting but I tried it all: (see History)

At Mississippi ETV I worked on, and contributed to projects that won many awards. One project that I worked on was nominated for an Emmy Award for outstanding achievement in Lighting Direction. After my course was run at Mississippi ETV, there was no position to which I wanted to advance, so I took a sabbatical from film production.

I went to work with a craftsman, Greg Harkins, in Vaughn, MS (where Casey Jones wrecked the train) making really fine handmade rocking chairs. A great, mind clearing, short-lived break, but I missed lighting.

Eventually I decided to freelance as a Gaffer and Best Boy electrician (by that time I'd done it all). I worked with local Production companies on Commercials and Movies that came to the area. That landed me in New Orleans working as a Best Boy with Peter Shirer, another great Gaffer. As the years took their toll I decided to Gaff full time.

So here I am.

Call me. You won't be disappointed.


Telephone:
985-386-0608
New Orleans, LA


CLICK HERE to Email Chris McGuire


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