My experience as a movie set photographer
Here is the link to the Goldberg PI trailer on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/mfR56ZgmBDI?si=y6AUUu5O8lVp0E6C
Working as a set photographer on a Jackie Mason movie “Goldberg PI 2011” was like stepping into a whirlwind of comedy, chaos, and for me, a healthy dose of dread. I felt like a cat at a dog show. I was surrounded by famous actors and seasoned pros with endless film credits. Now, back in 2011, I wasn’t the photographer that I am today and had zero experience as a “set Photographer”.
Private eye Jackie Mason
I met the Masons when Jackie was booked to do a comedy show at the Improv, Hardrock Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. At the time I was hired to photograph on stage comics at the Improv Comedy clubs in Miami, Fort Lauderdale And Palm Beach. After the show, Jackie and his wife Jyll figured if I can take a picture I could be the set photographer for the production of their movie that would start filming the within the following couple of weeks in downtown Fort Lauderdale. A Set Photographer on a movie ! Of course I jumped at the opportunity!
I arrived on morning on set at 7 a.m., and every day after for two or three weeks. I would arrive on armed with my camera and a heart full of dreams that quickly turned into anxiety when I realized I was just one awkward click away from ruining a legendary comedian’s big moment. I half expected Jackie to turn around and say, “Who’s this kid? I asked for a photographer, not a deer caught in headlights!”
I just had to stay out of the way … but got shot!
Jackie and Jyll enjoying the shower scene.
Jackie Mason Shower scene
I was excited to add a movie to my resume but as the days went by, I found myself in a silent game of “Guess Who?” with the crew. I was that invisible camera, lurking in the background so as not to get in the way of the actors, sound and film crews. I tried to bond with the crew over coffee breaks, but it turns out everyone is too busy discussing the finer points of lighting setups and the latest gossip in Hollywood.
By the time we reached the final days of production, I had developed a thick skin and a thicker portfolio, filled with images of Jackie Mason. I learned that working on a movie set is a bit like trying to take a picture of a moving train—exciting, overwhelming, and sometimes you just end up with a blurry mess. I can say I survived the experience! So here’s to my days as a set photographer! I never wanted to do it again but then I did!!
Jackie Mason sleeping in the car
