Frank Balocca
San Gabriel,CA
Summary
U.S. Marine Corps infantry veteran transitioning into the film industry, with a strong foundation in various production roles. Since February 2024, I have worked as a grip on high-profile projects, including Sony productions and multiple short films. Skilled in writing, directing, and producing, I have successfully completed a feature film project. I also bring hands-on expertise in cinematography, as well as in 1st and 2nd assistant camera roles. Currently pursuing a degree in cinematography, I combine my disciplined military background with academic and practical experience to deliver high-quality results. A strong, adaptable team player with a passion for storytelling in all aspects of film production.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
Work History
Gaffer
Como Se Dice
11.2024 - 12.2024
- Demonstrated expertise in use of cable reels, stripping tools, voltage detectors, and wire and cable cutters to complete fast-paced work.
- Worked from ladders, scaffolds and lifts to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring equipment and lighting fixtures in ceilings, on roofs and on towers.
- Planned layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures based on specifications and applicable code.
- Installed, maintained, repaired, and tested equipment for electricity generation and utilization.
Director of Photography
Till The End
10.2024 - 12.2024
- Collaborated with production team, consulted on set design, layout and lighting for optimal effect.
- Developed artistic visual products while working within defined technical constraints.
Best Boy Grip
California Dreaming
10.2024 - 11.2024
- Strategized with electrical and camera department leaders to confirm setup for lighting and camera configurations.
- Collaborated with gaffers to assign appropriate lighting positions and rigging options for camera usage.
- Coordinated with gaffer and camera crew to determine scene lighting and camera placement.
1st AC, Gaffer
"Letting Go"
09.2024 - 09.2024
- Collaborated with the Director of Photography to create a lighting plan for each scene.
- Organized and maintained all lighting equipment, including cables, power distribution systems, light fixtures and other accessories.
- Set up and operated lights for indoor and outdoor scenes in accordance with the production's requirements.
- Determined optimal placement of lights to achieve desired effects.
- Ensured safety protocols were followed when handling electrical equipment on set.
- Communicated regularly with cinematographers to ensure desired lighting quality was achieved throughout production.
- Positioned reflectors, scrims and diffusers to manipulate the intensity and direction of light.
2nd Assistant Camera
"You Did That"
09.2024 - 09.2024
- Assisted the 1st Assistant Camera in preparing and organizing camera equipment for production shoots.
- Loaded and unloaded cameras onto dollies and cranes to ensure safe transport between locations.
- Maintained accurate inventory of all camera lenses, batteries, filters, and other related accessories.
- Performed basic maintenance on camera equipment such as cleaning lenses, replacing gaskets, lubricating parts.
- Collaborated with Directors of Photography to determine suitable lens and filter selections for specific shots.
- Ensured that all camera gear was properly labeled before being taken out on location shoots.
- Organized the daily transportation of camera equipment from one shooting location to another safely.
Director of Photography
"The Birth of Trauma"
09.2024 - 09.2024
- Inspecting sets prior to filming to make sure all elements necessary for shooting are present.
- Organizing and scheduling shoots, including casting of talent and crew.
- Managing budgets and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Coordinating with other departments to ensure smooth production flow.
- Operating cameras during filming, capturing footage in accordance with the director's vision.
- Collaborating with producers to create innovative shots that meet their expectations.
- Analyzing scripts to determine best angles for each scene or shot composition.
- Set up shots and camera settings quickly and effectively.
- Achieved specific results by selecting equipment and lenses.
- Reviewed and assessed footage to check for quality assurance.
Grip
"Star-Crossed"
09.2024 - 09.2024
- Set up and operate grip equipment such as dollies, cranes, jib arms, and tracks for camera movement.
- Checked safety of equipment before each take to ensure proper functioning.
- Constructed and adjusted rigging components to support cameras, lights, and other production elements.
- Maintained grip truck inventory and restocked items when necessary.
- Transported gear from location to location in a timely manner.
- Placed flags, nets, silks, scrims, bounce boards and diffusers to control light intensity or direction.
- Attached sandbags to stands or booms for stabilization purposes.
- Performed basic maintenance tasks on grip equipment such as cleaning lenses and replacing bulbs.
1st AC, Camera Operator
"Desire"
07.2024 - 09.2024
- Maintained technical equipment including cameras, lenses, tripods, and other related items.
- Worked with directors and producers to determine best camera placement for production scenes.
- Set up rigging points for camera support systems such as cranes, jibs and dollies.
- Operated remote control devices to adjust camera settings from afar during filming.
- Performed basic maintenance tasks on equipment such as cleaning lenses or replacing batteries.
- Organized transportation of cameras, lenses and other equipment between shooting locations.
- Reviewed playback footage after each take in order to identify any errors that need correction.
- Adjusted positions and controls of cameras to change focus, exposure and lighting.
- Monitored and adjusted lighting, audio levels, and camera angles to capture desired shots.
Director of Photography
"The Stranger At The Door"
06.2024 - 07.2024
- Organizing and scheduling shoots, including casting of talent and crew.
- Editing captured footage into a cohesive story arc that meets the director's standards.
- Inspecting sets prior to filming to make sure all elements necessary for shooting are present.
- Consulting with directors about technical aspects of shooting sequences.
- Performing maintenance and repairs on camera equipment when necessary.
Director, Producer
"The Curse of Alice Deubel"
03.2024 - 06.2024
- Established relationships with industry professionals such as actors, directors and others who may be used on future productions.
- Developed strategies for achieving high quality standards in all aspects of program production.
- Assisted in the development of marketing plans designed to promote new shows or special events.
- Managed budgets related to individual projects while maintaining overall fiscal responsibility.
- Scheduled studio space, equipment rentals, transportation needs for productions.
Grip
Sony Pictures
02.2024 - 03.2024
- Performed basic maintenance tasks on grip equipment such as cleaning lenses and replacing bulbs.
- Lifted heavy objects onto dolly tracks for tracking shots.
- Positioned reflectors in order to create desired lighting effects.
- Checked safety of equipment before each take to ensure proper functioning.
- Attached sandbags to stands or booms for stabilization purposes.
- Transported gear from location to location in a timely manner.
- Maintained grip truck inventory and restocked items when necessary.
- Built custom frames or platforms to mount cameras on vehicles or other structures.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Cinematography
The Los Angeles Film School
08-2026
Skills
- Camera operation
- Hands on experience with Grip & Electric equipment
- Experience using a Nucleus Focus Puller
- Excellent Communication
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Professional Demeanor
- Electrical safety
Education and Training
true,other,Hollywood, CA
Contact
San Gabriel, CA 91775
Timeline
Gaffer
Como Se Dice
11.2024 - 12.2024
Director of Photography
Till The End
10.2024 - 12.2024
Best Boy Grip
California Dreaming
10.2024 - 11.2024
1st AC, Gaffer
"Letting Go"
09.2024 - 09.2024
2nd Assistant Camera
"You Did That"
09.2024 - 09.2024
Director of Photography
"The Birth of Trauma"
09.2024 - 09.2024
Grip
"Star-Crossed"
09.2024 - 09.2024
1st AC, Camera Operator
"Desire"
07.2024 - 09.2024
Director of Photography
"The Stranger At The Door"
06.2024 - 07.2024
Director, Producer
"The Curse of Alice Deubel"
03.2024 - 06.2024
Grip
Sony Pictures
02.2024 - 03.2024
Bachelor of Science - Cinematography
The Los Angeles Film School
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