A quick lesson in film production. As my friends and I were watching an episode of Entourage last night they were laughing about all the obscure and humorous job titles on a television/film production. I.E. "Dolly Grip," "Gaffer," "Wrangler," "Best Boy," etc... They laughed hardest about the "Boom Operator," but they laughed even harder when I told them that I've been a Boom Operator. The Boom is the lightweight, carbon-fiber pole that shotgun (directional) microphones can be attached to. The boom pole can extend out to 10-12 feet, so the operator won't be in the frame during wide shots. The extent of the job is standing with the pole rested on the back of your neck and pointing the mic in the direction of the person who's speaking.
This film particular film, "The Tailor," was an independent feature (period piece) shot entirely in the desert and Imperial Sand Dunes around the town of Glamis. It's about two-hours east of San Diego along Highway 8. Just about the only thing to do after work was hang out at the one and only desert bar for many miles. It was called the Lizard Lounge and the clientele was stereotypical desert folks. One guy was a drug and alcohol counsellor in the San Diego County school system, ironically the Lizard Lounge was his solace.
