Meet George S. Harkness III | 1st Assistant Director + SAG Actor + Charcuterie Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with George S. Harkness III and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi George S., why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic and creative career because of one message my college professor, Dr. Sutton gave after I completed my final exit exam. He said that no matter how much money you make or how successful you become, if you don’t pursue your passion, it will all mean nothing in the end. I thought I was going to work in Human Resources but instead, I’m living a LA dream I didn’t know I had. I am truly grateful for all that I have been blessed with thus far and hope to be one to others along my journey!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I work as a non-union 1st Assistant Director, SAG actor and I create Charcuterie installations (boards, I call them installations because they are little pieces of Art)

What sets me apart is the awareness, attention to details, and my on set experience. I have worked multiple positions from heavy Art Department, Best Boy Electric, PA, Truck PA, locations, RV/Moho Driver, Grip department and more!

I’m excited for the unknown opportunities that are waiting for me!

I am where I am today by the Grace of God, timing and having a solid ethical foundation. Along with great human connections with some really amazing people, I have to say that just being consistent + diligent has helped get me to where I am today.

Was it easy, in moments yes! But those moments have come later in my career. There were so many obstacles for me when I arrived in LA. I was blessed to have a real best friend, Nate Walka. He was the first person to extend a couch! Ha From there, I just showed up, stayed humble and worked! I am grateful that I have had the time to grow in this industry and really gain knowledge and understanding of the flow of set.

Once the mindset shifted, I’ve really started to just live “life” on set with the crew! To see the smiles on my crew’s faces after a shot is executed properly or we take the time to make something better knowing there isn’t much “time” left…we pull it off and that shared JOY on set…That’s the WHY. I just want to get my crew home safely and get them back to their families! My Crew Matters! That is everyone on set from the security guard in the parking lot to the EP’s child on set for the first time, I care about the experience! Especially when working with child talent! I love to book those shoots because you get to be apart of that child’s foundation. You get add your support and guidance, it’s a honor always!

Some lessons I have learned over the past 12yrs in LA would be mastering the Art of layering, discover how to be patient and realizing that you will reap the harvest you deserve based off of the input you put into tending your garden.

I want them to know that the charcuterie started out as a passion for cooking and needing to make something quick for friends to enjoy while I cooked. My attention to detail comes from working on set as a PA (Table top) and working in Art department. Now, the Charcuterie is a focus of mine. It’s not a daily thing but when they are created, they are loved!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well a week long trip, well we will start by going to a my spot Bar Sinizki in Atwater Village for a burger and frites! Then we would hit the Observatory for sunset vibes overlooking LA. We would hike in Malibu and Switzer Falls while drinking some really good coffee and juices. A day for the museums whether that’s the Getty or The Broad and dinner at Uchi in West Hollywood…I would definitely go to Joshua Tree for 2 days and let them explore that park. Its where we would cook, hike, think and be still for a moment before returning to our regularly scheduled broadcast. lol

I think discovering new restaurants in LA is a thing because there are so many!!! I have love doing that with Burgers! From Amboy to The Win Dow to Burgers She Wrote, we can do a taste test for days!

We would definitely checkout Ojai! I have never been and I enjoy visiting new places for the first time with friends!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I know that there have been many people who have helped me along the way and I feel naming one wouldn’t be proper…I can say my unspoken mentor in the film industry would be Jay Wada. He saw something in me, never doubted my ability and put me in positions to WIN! He’s someone who really gives freely and never asks for anything in return. He only asked me to be accountable for my words and actions.

Instagram: @george_solomon

Image Credits
B&W Portrait – Greg Hatton