Power Gems tour…Dan Basso takes in the East Coast of America
At Power Gems we always enjoy meeting up with local rental houses and studios, to better understand their needs. Hearing first hand from gaffers and lighting crews around the world, is vital to continually upgrade and maintain our product range. After a two week trip to the East Coast, starting in Atlanta, GA and finishing in Tampa, Fl, our Vice President US Sales, Dan Basso is still curious to explore the potential for Power Gems in the TV and film industry.
During the Atlanta leg, Dan visited the set of Universal Pictures’ feature Michelle Darnell, accompanied by Derek Page of Filmmaker Production Services, an arm of Universal’s off-lot lighting and grip division.
While there Dan had the chance to meet up with gaffer, Bobby Krattiger of Filmmaker Atlanta, the recipient of the first rental order following the opening of our new rental division in Altanta in February.
L to R: Bobby Krattiger, Dan Basso
Dan also made a visit to the feature Keeping Up With The Joneses, a Fox 2000 Pictures production. Accompanied by Steve Basso, GM of Paskal Lighting’s Atlanta division, Dan spent time with the gaffer, Stephen Crowley, and discussed our new line of high speed ballasts.
Dan visited the majority of lighting rental houses in town, culminating with dinner alongside Sebastian Fernandez of MBS (Atlanta) and members of the electric crew from Marvel Entertainment’s Captain America: Civil War, including the gaffer, Jeff Murrell. MBS ATL recently purchased a comprehensive package of Power Gems ballasts in order to service the Marvel feature, and future productions due to arrive in town shortly.
L to R: Dayton Nietert (gaffer), Art Bartels (key grip) & Dan Basso
From Atlanta, Dan headed to New Orleans, LA, for a busy schedule taking in nearly all of the rental houses located in and around the Crescent City. There he enjoyed catching up with Dayton Nietert and Art Bartels, the gaffer and key grip on Paramount Pictures feature film The Big Short, and a visit to the set to see how Power Gems could help them.
The final leg of the Southeast trip brought Dan through Orlando, FL, Miami, FL with visits to the local rental houses in those cities, before coming to rest in Tampa, Fl.
In Miami, Dan met up with old friends on the set of Fox Television’s show Graceland, including gaffer, Freddy Valentine who was very receptive to the new line of Power Gems ballasts. A stroll down memory lane is always welcome after a fortnight of flights, better get that bag packed though – next stop New York.
Watch this space for the next update.
