Every time I have an audition, fitting, and am shooting something on one of the grand old studio lots, I feel the lineage of those who’ve passed through the gates. Studio lots are magical. They are a world unto themselves. With in the gates a cool breeze always seems to be at your face. Only one word to describe it, ‘tranquil.” I could stay there all day.
The studios used to be three times the size they are now. It had to be jaw dropping back then. I like to picture it, when I walk the narrow studio streets, the sound stages, and the buildings named after the golden era movie makers. I so appreciate that this kid from a village of two thousand in Upstate NY gets to feel the breeze. I had no business ended up here. No help from family. No one where I came from set their sights on being in front of a camera in show business. I was a country kid. I’m proud of that.
I’ve worked on all the major studio lots. Each time I’m reminded of the images we all have grown up seeing of the Hollywood Studios. The day I took this photo I had a fitting on the Paramount Lot for the show Rizzoli & Isles. I’ll being guest starring on the show. My fitting was in the Edith Head bldg. “Edith Head was an American costume designer who won a record eight Academy Awards for Best Costume Design, starting with The Heiress and ending with The Sting.” Before I walked into the building, I knew who she was. Was I in awe? Yes. Am I in awe of having a drive on pass to the studio? Yes, every time. This kid, who fished in a creek, and bailed hay in summer does not take for granted where has has ended up. My name will never be on one of the studio lot buildings. I can say this though, “I have been there, I’ve worked there. I am in the building. Pretty good kid. Pretty good.” And thank you Edith Head, after all you helped build the place.
Daniel Beer 