Byron shared a video with us, a reworked version of a video he prepared for his kids’ career, which included samples of his work. He also went over his process—the steps he takes to produce a film. From prep, reading the script, meetings with the director and others to planning, making a storyboard, planning lighting, location, more planning, more meetings and shooting. His crew, who he has the utmost respect for, is responsible for operating the cranes, the cameras, the lighting, etc. Basically, he draws and paints with light. Each frame is a painting.
Some current industry insight - 70,000 industry workers are poised to strike at this time. The issue is proper breaks and turn-arounds. The normal workday is 10 hours, they want 10-12 hours off to properly refresh. The job also entails a lot of travel which means too much time away from family. (There are significant tax breaks offered by locations outside of California.) Byron supports the strike even though he isn’t as impacted as some as he is at the midline of the industry with actors, directors, etc. at the top and technicians, carpenters, etc. at the bottom.
Even though he has an agent, he finds most of his jobs—the agent helps with negotiations. To apply, he needs to read the script, make a “look” book and take a bunch of meetings.
Byron did the cinematography for the movie “The Last Full Measure”, the true story of Vietnam war hero William Pitsenbarger. He walked us through one scene and how it was made. It was a real behind-the-scene view. There were many helicopter shots—some flying and some with a backdrop—I couldn’t tell which shots were with a set on the ground and which were in the air. That short clip took 3-5 days to shoot! The planning ahead of a shoot is incredibly detailed.
Q and A
Are you involved in editing? No, I may be asked for an opinion.
How about audio? Not his thing, that belongs to the audio team.
Dianne wanted to know if he is in communication with his team during the shoot. He is there day to day on multi-day shoots. He is in direct communication and watching the monitors during the shoot. Teams work closely together.
Steve was interested in how changes in technology will impact Byron’s work. Volume has increased, game engines are making a difference, giant LED screens, cameras that track scenes. He can get plates from Iceland and shoot in LA. All lighting is built in, cameras are light sensitive. The biggest difference is that so much technology means everyone has an opinion.
Ed wanted to know what color correction is. It is the process of sitting in a theater and watching the movie on the big screen. The movie is broken up into “reels”. Now he can control everything and correct things like rosacea on an actress’s face, lighten a window…most changes are minor, but a lot can be done. You could tell this is a favorite process for Byron. The interface is a laser pointer and a technician at the controls who makes the changes.
Paul asked the question I think we all were thinking of, “what is your favorite”? "Last Full Measure" was the answer. The movie is based on a real person’s story; it was a labor of love. He also loves doing music videos and mentioned a Cold Play video he particularly likes.
Joe asked for the most fun story about working with stars. Interviews are often interesting. He related an interview with Will Smith at his home. There were leather floors. Will offered them muffins and cold drinks. It was odd having a big star waiting on them. Meeting Robert Redford was interesting. Redford walked up to Byron and said “Hi, I’m Bob Redford," like he wouldn’t have been recognized.
Byron was thanked for a great presentation and given a certificate acknowledging that 15 children were inoculated in his name against Polio.
President Joe called the meeting to order.
Announcements
Joe made another plug for the Potomac Cruise.
Beach Clean Up—second Sunday of each month, meet at Dunes Beach at 10 a.m.
There will be a district membership training session on the 20th.
Mary needs help next week with the Coastside Hope deliveries—Joe and Stacy raised their hands.
Ginger reported that Dr. Joy wanted to make a donation to the foundation in Shelia Cresson’s name. She recently had surgery and is hoping to rejoin meetings soon. She would love to hear from us. You can get her phone number from Ginger.
Ginger and Stacy will follow up with Joaquin regarding his membership.
Little Libraries update—we will be setting a date to install posts.
Stacy reports she has heard from Holly Axtell regarding an Ecuador Project Fair. She will keep us posted.
Happy/Crappy News 
Dianne was in Europe for a family visit and then in LA recently for work, and noticed it was a mixture of masked and unmasked in LA. In Europe it was calm and everyone was masked. LA Airport was packed. Her planes were completely full. Travel is coming back. Joe mentioned that on his return trip from Seattle the plane was half full.
Stacy is hearing the Beatles song “When I’m 64”. Happy Birthday Stacy! Doug’s Dad also has a birthday this month—he will be 94. Stacy’s message is “Be happy, be careful”.
Warren’s youngest is 18 today. Hailey M. Barmore, HMB.
Our State this week is Ohio, the Buckeye State. The population is 11.5 million with an economy based on agriculture, auto, Steele and technology. Agriculture counts for 93 billion a year and Ohio is the largest producer of Swiss cheese in the world.
Ohio entered the US in 1803, but because of a paperwork snafu, it didn’t officially happen until 1953 although it was backdated.
The Boston Red Sox started out as the Cincinnati Red Stockings. The cash register was invented in Ohio. The world’s largest cuckoo clock is located in Columbus. The State Song is “Hang on Sloopy”. Seven Presidents and 24 astronauts are from Ohio.
Ginger has family in Findlay, and she went to college there.
Dianne reported that the Wright-Patterson AFB is home to the National Air Force Museum and is impressive.
Rosie won the marble draw. Joe, acting as her proxy, pulled a green one.
Coming Events
Next week Don O’Keefe will talk with us about the US Marshall’s Service. Don is a former HMB Police Chief.
A social, in-person meeting on November 4 is in the planning stage.
The December 16 Christmas meeting and District Governor visit will be at the Oddfellows Hall.