We caught up with the amazing and talented, Jeremy Grant, from the team at The Fun Ton Grip & Lighting - Check out his full feature below
Visit here for all of your production needs!
http://www.thefunton.com/
THE FUN TON | GRIP & LIGHTING
8588 Telfair Ave, Rear Unit | Sun Valley, CA 91352
P: 818.394.9407 | C: 910.419.2291
Instagram: @thefunton
Logo Creator & Concept Artist
Dwayne Burgess: www.dwayneburgess.com
How did you get started in the film industry?
When I was a kid, I saw a call for extras for an indie movie filming a few hours away from my hometown. I convinced my dad to bring me. Had a lot of fun watching my first film set but after a while was super bored. We just sat in a tent the whole day! But the crew ppl were bustling around in their walkies looking all super busy and cool and important - I wanted to be just like them...
Tell us more about The Fun Ton...How did that company name come about??
I had been collecting gear since shooting wedding videos after high school. Started by borrowing my parents’ van to transport it then eventually went through several iterations of old bread or mail trucks :) I rented it to some friends of mine for their student film and it came back with the words “Fun Ton” gaff taped on the back in bright pink letters. Fun Ton was born!
You have an amazing logo! What went into designing it?
I have an amazing husband, Dwayne Burgess, who is a union Illustrator! Definitely comes in handy! The logo started off very cartoony but got a little more polished as the business grew. We didnt want to go too corporate with it so tried to keep most of the original charm :)
What has been the biggest challenge you've faced being in lighting and grip?
The biggest challenges I faced had very little to do with lighting itself. Ive always enjoyed creating a scene but as a Gaffer on set youre responsible for so much more! Balacing expections vs. resources is a struggle on nearly every job. Being in the middle of all that can be tough!
We see you love director's chairs and we were thrilled to work on a print with you, why do you think a custom canvas is good for your brand?
Our brand is very important to us. We realize that there are dozens of other rental shops out there and our customers have a choice. We’d like to get our name out there in a positive light as much as possible. Both with a fun image and (hopefully) some great word of mouth with our gear and service!
What is it about embroidery that you love?
Embroidery is just top notch. It shows that youre serious about your product and you want it to be around for a while.
What advice would you give to others designing their own canvas?
Simple is better. Figure out what you want to say and say it quick!
If you could gift anyone in the world a personalized chair, who would it be and what would it look like?
The creator of the logo, of course! My talented and handsome husband Dwayne who has been so helpful every step of the way. Im proud that his creation gets to be such an important part of the business. Our truck has his smile! :)
What was your most exciting project or experience on a set?
All of the early days. The feeling of walking on set and being responsible for lighting someone that youre a fan of is always a fun feeling.
What new innovations are you seeing in this industry?
Im seeing lights become smarter and able to do more things in one unit. That, combined with more and more media being produced in general has lead to an uptick in smaller equipment packages. We’ve tried to fill this need by making “neighborhood friendly” grip/lighting/production packages. You might be surprised what all you can do with just a couple vans!
How have you been dealing with changes during the pandemic?
Ask me again in 3 months- Im just guessing and hoping we’re doing it right!
We have definitely made use of the SBA programs, grants and loans available to us. I cant imagine what we wouldve done without them.
I am incredibly thankful for those and for our repeat customers that gave us a call on their first jobs back. They very well may have saved us 🙏
Favorite movie or tv show out right now?
So I hate fantasy. But ive been locked inside for 3 months and was forced to watch all of the TV. I know I am way late to the party but after finally making it through the first episode of Game of Thrones after the third attempt, I got hooked and watched the whole thing in two weeks. My chickens are all named after GOT characters.
What message do you have for the world?
Kindness goes a long way. I remember kindness. I feel like everyone else does too.
How can others support companies like yours in the coming days?
Shop local! One of the stipulations of our SBA loan was to try to buy USA made products when possible. We took it a step further and stayed within California, LA, and OC for most of our purchases and expenses!
Who inspires you?
Honestly, anyone that gets out of bed right now and makes it through a day is an inspiration. We’ve all got our struggles now and I cant wait to see everyone on the other side ❤️
Where do you see this industry headed in the coming years? months?
I hope things become more manageable and prepared, and less rushed. I really hope that with health at the forefront of conversation, crews are able to get their 12 hours of rest!
What hobbies do you have outside of work?
Last year, my partner and I purchased a little vacation homesteader cabin just outside of Joshua Tree National Park. I spend much of my free time landscaping, stargazing, building random things, and raising exotic chickens and quail! Our nearest neighbor is 40 acres away- it is definitely a break from LA.
‘Homestead Hideaway’ cabin is @homesteadhideaway on IG
What are you most looking forward to when the pandemic is over?
Hugs. Conversations. Smiles.
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