Superstar Filmmaking Intern – Jose M. De Los Angeles

Once in a while in life, you meet someone who impresses you beyond your greatest expectations! We had that experience recently and wanted to share it with you. In September 2010, Jose M. De Los Angeles contacted us regarding our internship program.

He was attending Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL. Two months before graduating with his Bachelor of Science Degree in Film, Jose started soliciting internships with several production companies in the Los Angeles area.

Jose in action again in San Bernadino (for Yokohama with Director Mike McCoy)

After his graduation, he planned to move to Los Angeles. Since Jose was supposed to be in LA in early October, I contacted him about helping prep Shane’s personal kits for a shoot. Jose told me that he had not yet moved to CA but asked if I would wait a day to see if he could arrange to be there.

Prepping the Kit of an ASC Cinematographer

Jose knew the job was unpaid and that probably he would not even get to meet Shane who was out of town shooting. I tried to talk him out of spending his money, assuring him that I would call on him again after he had made the move to LA. Jose called me the next day and told me that his older sister, Vianney, believed in his ability and wanted him to follow his dream. So much so that she bought him a plane ticket to Los Angeles for the internship opportunity. He even asked me whether I needed anyone else for the job. His friend, Nick Kramer, was also interested in interning with us. I advised Jose to have Nick contact me and we gained yet another outstanding intern!

Jose planned to stay in Los Angeles for a week. The job of prepping Shane’s personal kit was scheduled for two days. It ended up taking three days to complete and Shane met Jose on the last day. Shane was so impressed that he invited him to the set and Jose got to be a grip on Act of Valor.

Jose prepping

Jose finally moved to LA the week before Thanksgiving 2010. He contacted me right away and we put him to work in our Rental Division, assisting rental manager Kevin Anderson. He has been working there with Kevin ever since.

Jose continued to impress us with his initiative and attitude. He has been involved in several shoots and recently had the opportunity to work with Shane on a AAA job.

Jose M. De Los Angeles on the AAA shoot

The Most Valuable Lesson as a filmmaking intern

Jose said his most valuable lesson as an intern was watching the way that Shane uses the camera and makes it look like film. The practical experience that he has gained from his internship is a perfect compliment to the basics that he learned in school. He really enjoys checking out and testing the prototype equipment.

Jose at work

Jose is most proud of his final film project in school. He served as the lead gaffer for a short film entitled Loves Me Not. The instructors on the set were Katie Brandbo, James Neihouse, and Zack Austin. This film is currently up for an ASC 2011 William A Fraker Undergraduate Student Heritage Award. The Cinematographer is Boyd Hobbs.

The Value of Filmmaking Internships

We have had many wonderful interns pass through our doors. Not all of them are given the opportunities that we have awarded Jose. Jose’s internal motivation and passion have opened many doors. He has shown us what true determination can do for you! Once in a while, you meet somebody who inspires you and Jose is that person.

Jose M. De Los Angeles

Jose would like to say thank you to his sister Vianney, Nicholas Kramer, his mother, Shane, Lydia, and the HV team.