05/10/2023
You may have noticed over the last 2 years this page has been a little quieter than it used to be. That's because I've been pretty busy working in Locations.... check it out!
P.s. I do have a couple Checkered Owl Media projects coming up soon, so stay tuned!
Meet Rew Jones Assistant Locations Manager from Grande Prairie Alberta 🎞️👷
What made you interested in the film industry?
Looking back, it's not surprising I ended up in the film industry. When I was quite young I wanted to be a clown, and then s stunt performer, in high school I took all the video and drama classes I could get in on and started working in the music industry (promoting concerts by age 16). After that was a diploma in Performing Arts and running a family theatre program for 8 years. Shortly after we wrapped up the theatre program I had the chance to direct my first music video and from that point on the film industry has just become a larger and larger part of my life.
What was your post secondary schooling?
I received a Diploma in Performing Arts from Alberta Bible College in Calgary and have worked in the arts in a variety of capacities since that point. Each opportunity in theatre, music, writing, and film has led to the next! It's been a fantastic ride and a great chance to collaborate and learn from so many people across a variety of disciplines.
How'd you break into the Film Business?
It's hard to know where to start to describe my journey into film. For as long I can remember, if someone had a video camera, I wanted to make things. From there, I ran a theatre program that used lots of video. When that program ended, I started offering videography services and doing some corporate videos. Then I had the opportunity to direct a music video. That was probably the moment when film really became the focus of my professional life. After directing a number of projects including a TV Pilot, a short film, several music videos, and several documentaries I moved down to Calgary and upon the advice of the DGC joined the Locations Dept, from there it's been a steady stream of new projects and learning opportunities.
What’s it like working in Locations?
Working in Locations has three components that I really love.
The first is solving problems; figuring out the physical logistics of a complicated scene and trying to make all the details work for a variety of departments is always a challenge which keeps the job of an ALM fresh and interesting every day.
The second is scouting; Reading a script and trying to find the perfect spot to film is such a creative and interesting treasure hunt. You have to find something that has just the right feel, while at the same time guessing a little bit exactly what the Director and Production Designer are interested in. It's a really fun collaboration.
Lastly, and most of all, I love working with the neighbours that we interact with. As an ALM, we often get to be the bridge between the "film world" and the "real world". Finding solutions that work for everyone and inviting people into a tiny part of the magic of making films is such a unique and exciting opportunity.
What are some of your favourite things about filming in Alberta?
Alberta is a place where people love to make things happen! Our crews and our partners in the community always seem willing to work together to find a creative solution and get the job done.
Favourite Alberta Made Movie/TV project?
Cool Runnings
What’s the best advice you can give to someone considering a job in the business?
Just jump in! Get the courses you need to come PA with us and start learning in the trenches!
