THOMAS O'CONNELL
Torrance,CA
Summary
I am a highly motivated, hard working, and competent individual with over 30 years of experience, who possesses problem solving skills that will be relevant and beneficial within this industry. I will bring positivity, support, and knowledge to this team. I pride myself on taking ownership of challenging problems, maintaining a high standard and work ethic, and assisting the employer in achieving their objective. I am confident I can add value and be an asset to this company and ensuring the customers and clients receive the best possible service.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Motion Picture Grip Foreman
Entertainment Partners ( Lucas Films)
08.2020 - 03.2023
- Demonstrated commitment to meeting tight deadlines by consistently delivering high-quality work under pressure.
- Promote positive working atmosphere by maintaining professional attitude while collaborating with diverse personalities on set.
- Enhanced overall production value with keen attention to detail when setting up intricate rigging systems.
- Contributed to creative problem-solving by offering innovative rigging solutions for complex shots or scenes.
- Managed crew of rigging grips on variety of projects.
- Experimented with new technologies and equipment, expanding production and artistic capabilities.
- Attended meetings with location scouts and collaborated with director of photography to determine filming logistics.
- Trained new grips on best practices, fostering knowledgeable and skilled team environment.
- Implemented safety protocols and guidelines, reducing risk of injury on set for cast and crew members.
- Completed equipment setup and offered suggestions for rigging and lighting equipment.
- Managed inventory of grip equipment, ensuring availability of necessary tools for each day.
- Ensured safety of cast and crew by rigging lights, stands, and other equipment securely.
- Collaborated with cinematographer to achieve desired visual effects through proper lighting setups.
Dolly Grip
Entertainment Partners
01.2017 - 06.2020
- Framed shots and operated jib arm and dolly for smooth camera movement. Collaborated with Key Grip to develop effective solutions for complex camera movements and setups.
- Continuously improved skills and knowledge, staying up-to-date with latest grip equipment and industry best practices.
- Supported camera department with dolly track setup, ensuring smooth camera movements for dynamic shots.
- Stayed up-to-date with industry trends and advancements in grip technology, continuously improving skills to remain an asset to any production team.
- Collaborated with grip team to ensure stable camera movement during dynamic shots using dollies, cranes, or Steadicams.
- Worked in tandem with Director, Director of Photography, and camera operator to ensure dynamic camera movement.
Grip, Dolly Grip, Best Boy Grip, Key Rigging Grip
Entertainment Partners
01.1997 - 05.2012
- Managed inventory of grip equipment, ensuring availability of necessary tools for each shoot day.
- Maximized scene impact with precision placement of flags, nets, silks or other light modifiers when required.
- Built and maintained camera rigs and equipment to align with filming needs.
- Completed equipment setup and offered suggestions for rigging and mounting camera and lighting equipment.
- Ensured safety of cast and crew by rigging lights, stands, and other equipment securely.
Shop Technician
Grip-It Lighting
09.1995 - 12.1996
- Kept shop clean, organized and stocked with supplies.
- Repaired parts, components and assemblies to correct malfunctions.
- Organized storage areas for easy retrieval of parts, tools, and supplies necessary for efficient job completion.
- Reduced equipment downtime through regular maintenance and prompt troubleshooting.
- Enhanced shop efficiency by streamlining inventory management and organizing workspace.
Construction Laborer
Kiewit Pacific Construction
09.1988 - 12.1995
- Brought materials and tools from trucks and storage facilities to work site locations and organized for expected needs.
- Utilized hammers, saws, squares, levels, and fastening devices to complete projects.
- Promoted positive work environment by cooperating with team members and demonstrating strong work ethic at all times.
- Observed safety regulations on job sites to minimize accidents.
- Operated power equipment to move materials and promote job efficiency.
- Assembled and disassembled scaffolding and ladders to guarantee safety of workers while performing tasks at heights.
- Improved worksite safety by consistently adhering to company protocols and guidelines.
- Dug trenches and set up forms to specified requirements for concrete pours.
Education
High School Diploma -
Mira Costa High School
Manhattan Beach, CA06.1988
Skills
- Team Management
- Customer Service
- Camera maintenance
- Stage rigging
- Crane Operation
- Gear inventory management
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Attention to Detail
- Decision-Making
- Relationship Building
- Skill classes- Industry Training Program
- General Safety Injury and Illness Prevention/ Environmental Safety/ Boom Lift Scissor Lift Operator Safety/ Boom Lift and Scissor Lift Rigging/ Advanced Fall Protection/ Hand and Power Tool Safety/ Fire Extinguisher Safety/ Respiratory Protection/ Hazard Communication/ Rigging Safety/ Noise Exposure/ Scaffold Erecting and Dismantling/ Harassment Prevention
- Elected as Executive Board Member at Grip Local
- References
- Mike Strong- (310)930-4321
- Troy Schray- (818)266-0928
Timeline
Motion Picture Grip Foreman
Entertainment Partners ( Lucas Films)
08.2020 - 03.2023
Dolly Grip
Entertainment Partners
01.2017 - 06.2020
Grip, Dolly Grip, Best Boy Grip, Key Rigging Grip
Entertainment Partners
01.1997 - 05.2012
Shop Technician
Grip-It Lighting
09.1995 - 12.1996
Construction Laborer
Kiewit Pacific Construction
09.1988 - 12.1995
High School Diploma -
Mira Costa High School
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