La Familia Extendida
Effney Gardea | Art Director
Can you tell us about what you do for a living?
My skills are decorating and designing sets and collaborate with Directors and Production Designers to make their vision come to life on screen.
What was your most memorable job/project (good or bad)? Why?
Recently finished a Feature with Stephen Altman whose career I admire and as person respect and enjoy. The movies and skills he learned working with his father Robert are extraordinary plus the stories are fascinating.
Can you describe the path you took that led you to where you are now?
My path was to be doctor and had a partial scholarship to Med school, summer before I was to start I worked on a TV series in Utah. I was hooked! Worked my way up from Craft Service to Set Dresser to On-set dresser to Decorator / Art Director. I throughly enjoy my work and blown away at times that my path came here. Never would have thought that my once left brain mind is so much more fulfilled and happier living in my right.
What music are you digging right now? (Song/Artist, Genre, etc.)
Currently into Light Electronica mixed with Folk for example "Let the Clean Water" Gone gone Beyond, The Human Experience
What is your go-to beverage or cocktail?
At the moment can't get enough of coconut in hot or cold brew beverage I'm in!!
What comes to mind when you think about working with Milktmade?
The collaboration, the respect plus they are always a blast!! I feel good after woking on Milktmade jobs, something that is very hard-pressed to say in this business.
Benjamin Crump | DIT
Can you tell us about what you do for a living?
My goal is that the DPs vision is seen all the way through to post! I like being the point person for Post production on set as well, and try to be generally helpful to anyone I can!
What was your most memorable job/project (good or bad)? Why?
The jobs I seem to remember most are ones in crazy places. Hawaii and Australia spring to mind, but I am fortunate to have worked in a ton of beautiful spots around the world.
Can you describe the path you took that led you to where you are now?
Jeez, this one is hard...I just keep making the best decision I can in the moment, and things seem to have placed me here. Wouldn't take anything back...well maybe a couple pilots I wouldn't do again haha
What music are you digging right now? (Song/Artist, Genre, etc.)
Don't Lose Sight - Lawrence
What is your go-to beverage or cocktail?
Michelada (NA though...im off the sauce)
What comes to mind when you think about working with Milktmade?
Honestly I just dig the people. I am pretty fortunate to be spoiled for choice these days when it comes to jobs...so I work with them because I like them as humans.
Julian Metter | Assistant Director
Can you tell us about what you do for a living?
I am a well paid babysitter who arranges a bunch of elements inside a rectangle
What was your most memorable job/project (good or bad)? Why?
Definitely a David LaChapelle thing I did for Elton John - it was crazy!
What music are you digging right now? (Song/Artist, Genre, etc.)
Randomly Grateful Dead and hardcore house
What is your go-to beverage or cocktail?
Jack and Coke
What comes to mind when you think about working with Milktmade?
Quality. The films we make are so juicy visually and story wise. It makes it more fun when the product is stunning.
Jen Dean | Film Editor
Can you tell us about what you do for a living?
I edit commercials, music videos, short form, long form - you name it!
What was your most memorable job/project (good or bad)? Why?
One of my most memorable jobs was working with Danny on John Varvatos with Ringo Starr. I'm a huge Beatles fan so it was just amazing watching Ringo talk about his life and work and just watching Ringo be Ringo - talking to the birds on set. Then the world's best drummers magically appear along with a few celebrities. The challenge was threading their drum solos into a cohesive track. it was fun, quirky and jazzy - Danny's free camera and rapport with the musicians just gave the project so much freedom. An editor's dream...
one of the wildest was pulling a few all nighters getting the Lady Gaga Google Chrome commercial ready for SNL before she was set to perform. The spot consisted of Gaga rehearsing and connecting with fans online - we scoured the web for actual fans singing their favorite Gaga. Another level of chaos was I had to cut to "Born this Way" as "Edge of Glory" wasn't out yet (it was still being mixed). I finally received the track mid-edit as producers frantically tried to nail down clearances from fan footage. It was a wild ride to the last minute!
Can you describe the path you took that led you to where you are now?
I got into editing after studying film and experimental cinema at University of Colorado / Boulder under the tutelage of Stan Brakhage and Phil Solomon. I soaked up every second and when I wasn't in class, I was projecting film or filming classes. I was admitted to a program at the Telluride Film Festival and friends there lured me to LA and luckily I landed with the most talented editor in the business - Hank Corwin. At his company I started at the bottom and worked my way up to editor. Invaluable chaotic experiences!
What music are you digging right now? (Song/Artist, Genre, etc.)
Love the new Father John Misty album, can't wait to see Cut Copy next month. anything all the time on WFUV. and of course the constant rotation of Beastie Boys, Beck, Beatles -wait stop I'm just on B
What is your go-to beverage or cocktail?
Aplos - a hemp-infused, non-alcoholic spirit
What comes to mind when you think about working with Milktmade?
Danny's film! he has the ability to get in with musicians and capture their true spirit. You can tell he is living the dream filming the best in the world and his appreciation of music and the musical process are paramount. Milktmade projects are collaborative, highly creative and always on my reel.
Stacey Wilson | Bean Counter
Can you tell us about what you do for a living?
Consult with small business owners to manage their accounting workflow and financial reporting
What was your most memorable job/project (good or bad)? Why?
My most memorable job was consulting with a fast paced commercial production company who were simultaneously producing multiple feature films. It was such an overwhelming workload but I look back and am super proud of myself for managing not only my time but also deadlines with a team of peers. Thank God they believed in Friday at 5 happy hour!
Can you describe the path you took that led you to where you are now?
I am truly a jack-of-all-trades which has taken my experiences all around the entertainment sphere, from acting, to directing and producing. I realized along the way none of it would be possible without having a foundation of knowledge around finances. Financial management and processes is where I have recently been thriving because I can not only see the artistic vision but also tap into excitement for getting the books to reconcile. Living in both parts of my brain helps me feel balanced in life. And, I am kind of a nerd who loves numbers.
What music are you digging right now? (Song/Artist, Genre, etc.)
Digging Bob Moses electronica but also find my way home to Thievery Corporation chill.
What is your go-to beverage or cocktail?
Most Spanish red wine or a good Chenin Blanc
What comes to mind when you think about working with Milktmade?
I love working with Milktmade because there is always a beautiful harmony of working with a team of peers who all know their role and respect each other so no loose ends hold up the workflow. Someone always has the answers and we always figure it out! A very trusting and positive work environment. And off-the-clock together time is always made a priority, too.
Sussy Campos AKA “Sussy Styles” | Makeup & Hair Stylist
Can you tell us about what you do for a living?
I’m a makeup and hair stylist specializing in celebrity men’s grooming. I make miracles happen! And I refuse to let you leave my chair until you are “Camera Ready.”
What was your most memorable job/project (good or bad)? Why?
Traveling to Saudi Arabia for a celeb hair cut, specifically for the Saudi Prince’s concert. Because of that I got to experience the queen Janet Jackson perform 5 feet away from me alongside my client. But yet, seeing and feeling the horrible discrimination against women that the Saudi government hides from the rest of the world tormented me. Life changing experience to say the least! It gave me a greater appreciation for the opportunities that I have as a woman living in the United States. And because of this experience, it has given me the strength as a woman to speak up whenever an uncomfortable situation presents itself.
Can you describe the path you took that led you to where you are now?
A lot of hard work and thick skin! Sink or swim Bitches- And get out of my way!
But truthfully, it’s all about humbleness!
Never stop learning and always stay dedicated to the craft. No matter if the budget is low or non-existent, it’s still an opportunity to connect with new vibes and potentially collab on future projects. And those connections, obviously open doors to future opportunities. And learn the color wheel. Understand that there aren’t only 15 shades in the world. If you can’t specialize on all skin types then go back to school!
What music are you digging right now? (Song/Artist, Genre, etc.)
“Aloha” Cristobal Tapia De Veer
What is your go-to beverage or cocktail?
White wine! Keeps me safe…. Lol!
What comes to mind when you think about working with Milktmade?
Excitement! Impactful! Efficient! & 💗 Familia!