We had the good fortune of connecting with Sutton Szoke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sutton, how do you think about risk?
I love taking risks and trying new things. In preproduction for the films I work on, I’m always pitching unique lighting approaches. whether it be a certain style that you don’t see anymore, or a specific selection of lights and equipment. There are so many small niche little tricks you can learn early in your career, especially in college, if you branch out a little bit and try new things. At the stage my career is in right now, risk-taking is a very low-cost action, but it has come back with high awards in the end product of the productions I’ve been on and the experiences I’ve gained from them.

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Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Gaffer, a DP, and a Photographer, but most of my work is in Gaffing. I always describe it to people as “Painting with light.” Gaffing is a very interesting role on a film set, and one that many people outside the film world often don’t know exists. I work with the other department heads of the movie, mainly the DP, to create lighting diagrams and plan out how we’re going to light the movie. Then, while we are filming, I will lead the Grip and Electric department to execute said plan.

I can’t really say if it’s easy or hard to become a gaffer, funny enough I just fell into this role by coincidence when I started doing student sets and ended up just being really good at it because I like the technical challenge of it all. I can say positively that it is hard to be good at. You’re constantly balancing the technical, social, and logistical parts at the same time, all the time. Everything is constantly up to change, and something can always go wrong; you have to be the type of person who can think fast and move faster.

I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to let my voice be heard. The past year, I have been really speaking up more on set, often concerning gaffing, but also in quality of life stuff for my teams. I refuse to let my G&E team be treated like second thoughts by productions because, from what I’ve experienced, when crews are happy and enjoying the set, the final product will look better, and things will get done faster.

Colorful abstract light trails with bright lines and curves against a dark background.

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Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ah, well, you gotta go to Foxy Loxy and have some tacos, that’s always an essential for me. I also love Mirabelles, it’s my favorite coffee shop, and anyone who comes to visit me will be going there on their first day. They also have great waffles, and the beautiful church is right outside.

I really love the graveyards all around Savannah; they’re so beautiful and more welcoming than you would think.

Red arched door with layered frame, potted plant on a bench, checkered floor, and warm lighting.

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Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family will always be my biggest support system. Even being on the other side of the country, I can always rely on them to be there for me and support me when I need it. They’ve been the biggest supporters of my dreams and my hardest critics, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Website: https://szokeproductions.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_suttonz_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sutton-szoke-a447a2233

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SuttonSzoke

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