Green Crew Hero! Key Grip, Jeremiah Spinney.
Green The Bid Crew Heroes is a series that highlights individuals who bring sustainable practices to any area of the production process, and seek to inspire others to do the same. Production can’t happen without all crew-members (both on set and off), and the same is true of their support of Green The Bid.
In this first of a series, Green The Bid’s Kat Friis talks to Key Grip and Crew Hero Jeremiah Spinney.
K.F. Where did you grow up and how did it inform the crew career you chose and how you do your job today?
J.S. I grew up in San Bernardino, CA. From the time I was young I had always had a desire to act. I never did anything to pursue it. My father was a Key Grip, and when I turned 15 he started taking me to work with him when I would go visit him for vacation. That was the beginning of the end of my acting career. I really enjoyed Gripping and it came very naturally to me. Kind of like Lincoln logs and erector sets. I’ve been steadily working for the last 28 years, and in this business that is very hard to do. Getting into the business through nepotism is almost always a tough deal. Everyone thinks you are going to be lazy or you are a must-hire. My dad didn’t want that for me, and really put me through the ringer in my early years to make me what I am today.
K.F. What are some things you do as a production team member to be more sustainable on set and what things would you love more crew to adopt?
J.S. I’ve always been into recycling at work and picking up trash that’s just lying around. Since this New Normal, I’ve been trying to be self contained. I have a small refrigerator for my drinks, food and snacks, an ice maker for clean ice, as well as taking all trash and recycling with me when I leave. I’ve been encouraging all of my crew to do the same and they have all started doing it. I would like more crew members to take the initiative and start doing what I do, instead of complaining about “where's Craft Service, the drinks aren’t cold, you didn’t get me the right meal” etc.
K.F. What are some key innovations or products or technology that have affected how you can do your job more environmentally responsibly?
J.S. In my area of work, there have been many advances in making materials stronger and longer lasting. The things that do need to improve are our expendables. If they were more durable or reusable, that would help immensely. Mind you, they are called expendables for a reason but no advances have been made in at least 10-15 years.
K.F. Who most influences you and inspires you when it comes to being socially and environmentally responsible in your work life and your personal life?
J.S. My wife is the real influencer. She has always been pushing me to help the planet
K.F. If you could do any other job on set - what would it be and why?
J.S. I’d like to direct. I’ve been around this business long enough to see the wrong way things are done and I’d like a chance to see if I could do it right.
----- Are you a crew hero or do you know one? We want to hear from you!
