Episode 1x05 - Kurt Kornemann | A Key Grip's Journey in Filmmaking

Welcome to Trilith Institute Talks!

 

This episode of Trilith Institute Talks, hosted by Hunter Barcroft, features an engaging conversation with Kurt Kornemann, a seasoned Key Grip with experience on high-profile films such as Spy Kids, Zero Dark Thirty, True Grit, Rushmore, Selena, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3... Kurt walks us through his role on set, the responsibilities of being a Key Grip, and the creative and technical challenges that Key Grips face in the film industry. The discussion also explores Kurt's career journey, from his early fascination with film to his experiences on various movie sets, including his work on Selena and with visionary directors like Quentin Tarantino... He shares insights on the evolution of filmmaking, the impact of filming location on production, and the essence of teamwork in creating cinematic magic. Additionally, film students Matt and AJ share their aspirations and experiences in the industry, highlighting the influence of figures like Robert Rodriguez on their careers. The episode delves into the changes in movie-making techniques, the importance of keeping a crew well-fed, and the future of storytelling in the era of short-form content. Kurt's stories reveal the gritty, thrilling, and often unpredictable world of film production, emphasizing the passion, resilience, and creativity required to succeed in the industry we all love.

 

 

Episode Timestamps

 

00:00 - Sunday Mornings with Selena: A Nostalgic Start / Cold Open

00:16 - Welcome to Trilith Institute Talks: Behind the Scenes with Kurt Kornemann

00:43 - The Life of a Key Grip: Kurt's Journey in Film

03:42 - From PA to Key Grip: Kurt's Path to Success

07:31 - Inspiring the Next Generation: Trilith Institute's Script to Screen Summer Camp

09:04 - The Magic of Filmmaking: Personal Journeys and Inspirations

15:51 - Craft Service: The Unsung Heroes of Film Sets

17:30 - The Evolution of a Film Career: From PA to AD

19:56 - The Future of Filmmaking in the Age of Short-Form Content

20:29 - Exploring the Evolution of Movie Runtimes

21:14 - The Business Model of Short Films

22:24 - Navigating Hollywood's Consolidation and Its Impact

24:11 - Screenwriting Essentials: A Course Overview

24:24 - The Dynamics of Film Production: From Indie to Blockbuster

25:12 - Crafting the Film: The Key Grip's Perspective

30:14 - Adventures and Challenges on International Sets

31:59 - The Economic and Cultural Impact of Filming in Georgia

36:12 - The Personal Journey of a Filmmaker in Georgia

42:52 - Reflecting on the Evolution of Film and Television

45:30 - Closing Thoughts and Podcast Information

 

 

Film Industry Terminology In This Episode

 

Boom - the microphone pole that Boom Operator's (Sound Dept) use to capture sound above actor's heads or outside of the image/ frame of any given shot on a movie or TV show.

Key Grip - the leader of the Grip Dept, Key Grip's are typically responsible for all rigging and the shaping of light in any given camera shot.

Condor - a very large crane; typically used to hold rigging and light shades/ screens above or to the side of a film set to help shade or shape the light you see on camera

Locking Up - the act of making sure a film set is secured and cast/ crew are not needlessly walking around during a take. Could also mean traffic control, if shooting on or near an active roadway. 

Dolly - a typically large piece of machinery on wheels that is designed to move a camera along a track at a slow, steady pace. Dollies are used for long tracking shots where the camera "floats" through a set.

Color Pass - the edited cut of a film or project that has been processed through color grading, to add whatever changes filmmakers might want to help or change the "look" of the shots that were captured while filming.

AD - an abbreviated name for the title of Assistant Director. This term is widely used to address or refer to both the title of Assistant Director itself, or the entire Assistant Director department on a film crew (AD Dept).

Keying - technically speaking, this lingo has two separate meanings! In this episode, keying refers to the act of being second in command in a department.. "Keys" is a term widely used as a second in command of most departments on a film crew. 

Best Boy - the "Key" or second in command of the Grip department (or Set Lighting department). 

Giraffe Crane - a large crane with a long neck, that can be used on a film set for a variety of purposes.

Walk & Talk - a scene in a show/ movie where two or more actors are walking from point to point while having a conversation with eachother. 

Jib - a camera crane that can raise and lower a camera in and out of a shot as needed

Stakebed - a large utility vehicle that is made to move a large amount of gear to and from set/ filming location.

 

 

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