Where you are currently employed?
I work as a Film Librarian in the Archive Building at Paramount Pictures. The Paramount Archive holds the creative assets of the studio. This includes 3,000 feature films, half a million still photographs and posters, 5,000 film music scores, and 40,000 costumes and props. The Archive has programs for restoration and preservation, digital archiving, museum exhibition and the popular Rewind series of restored Paramount classics. The Archive team is a studio resource for all Paramount departments searching for films, costumes, props, images and music. There is a lot to do, but we have an amazing team.
Current Project?
Our job is to both preserve and provide access to these materials. I also make sure that we have the space for all the assets that we receive every day. In addition to this, I see that everyone has supplies to work with.
Describe Your Job.
Being a librarian includes both doing data entry and being a shipping and receiving clerk. My primary job is to enter in our database all the new assets coming in for the international markets. Once we receive and enter the information in the system, we ship the assets to their next destination — which could be anywhere around the world. Here at the Archive, we house everything from one-inch videotapes to DCP (Digital Cinema Package) drives and everything else in between.
How did you first become interested in this line of work?
In 1987, I got hired as a temp for three months at a company called Bonded Film Services with 64 other workers. At the end of the three months, they asked me if I was interested in working for them full time, so they sent me to school to learn about film and I became a film inspector.
Who gave you your first break?
Joan Archer, the head of the department at Bonded Film Services, gave me my break there back in 1987.
What was your first union job?
When I was with Bonded Film Services in Burbank, I was a film inspector under Local B-61. I had to inspect the prints coming back from the TV stations. I checked for additional splices and scratches and also cleaned the prints. Sadly, in 1993, Bonded became a non-union facility and that pushed us to contact the Editors Guild. Thanks to membership administrator Adriana Iglesias, we were able to transfer to the Guild.
In 1994, I got a phone call from Robert McCracken of the Paramount Archive. He asked me if I was interested in working for him for three months, so I said yes. My dream always was to work for one of the major studios. Thank God, those three months are now 20 years. Being part of this great family has made them the greatest years of my life.
Which of your credits or projects have made you the most proud and why?
Every job makes me proud working in this industry. Knowing that I am 44 years old and that I have been in the industry for almost 27 years also makes me very proud.
What was your biggest challenge in your job (or on a particular project) and how did you overcome/solve it?
My biggest challenge was having to compete with so many different people in this industry, and thinking that I didn’t have the right knowledge for this business. But once I saw that this is a family business, I was able to get some of my family members into the industry as well.
What was the most fun you’ve had at work?
Well, I’m still having fun, and I hope that this doesn’t stop any time soon!
Jobwise, what do you hope to be doing five years from now?
I hope to still be working at the Paramount Archive, if possible. I also hope to keep learning new things with all the changes coming up with the digital assets.
What are your outside activities, hobbies, passions?
I love spending time with my family and watching movies.
Favorite movie(s)? Why?
Wings — I love black-and-white movies.
Favorite TV program(s)? Why?
The Lucy Show — I could watch Lucy episodes over and over and I still get the same laugh every time.
Do you have an industry mentor?
I have learned so much from my co-workers here at the Archive, starting with George Brownley, Miklos Gyulai, Will Pettite, Chuck Woodfill, Paul Villaseñor and many more.
What advice would you offer to someone interested in pursuing your line of work?
I would like to invite people or motivate people to get into this business. For me it has been a blessing.
Was there ever a circumstance when you had to rely on the Guild for help or assistance?
I’m lucky to be able to say no, but I know it does a lot for me.
Is there anything you’d like to say to your fellow Guild members, some words of encouragement?
To the Guild members, first of all, you guys are the best. I would love to be more involved and to know more about the Union, but there isn’t enough time. Hopefully, once I retire, I’ll be able to learn more and to help people do the right thing. Keep up the good work, guys. God bless you all.
- Compiled by Edward Landler
Editor’s Note: To recommend a member (including yourself) to be featured on the home page of the Editors Guild website, contact edlandler@roadrunner.com.