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

Hi Peewee, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success and the success of my company, JMP Productions Inc., is SAFETY! And that comes with strong PREPARATION.

Regardless of which hat I’m wearing (and there are often several – Director, 2nd Unit Director or Stunt Coordinator) I have found that nothing is more valuable than preparation. It lends itself to not only safer sets, but it’s more cost efficient for production as well.

The filming of a feature or television show, is comprised of lots of moving parts. My job is one piece of larger puzzle. When I’m sitting in a conference room and everyone was just given the script, decisions are being made in real time to get everyone on the same page. I need to have answers as to “HOW?” a stunt or action sequence or any scene will need to unfold, and what I will need from other departments. There is no “I’ll get back to you”.

As a Director or even a 2nd Unit Director/stunt coordinator, everything is considered and decided before I walk on a set. With that said, many times, adjustments need to be made on the fly, and that’s when my preparation is at it’s best! I always have a contingency plan. My “What if”!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My goal is to create a product grounded in reality with nuance and inspiration, always with safety in mind, for everyone on set, and allowing my performers to showcase their abilities and bring their very best. I encourage ideas from my performers and in doing so, elevate the work we do together. The end result is a creative collaboration based in skill, confidence, and unique vision, brought together in an non suppressive environment which creates a seamless viewer experience for audiences, at a price production loves. “Let them play in a playground of their choice”.

On a side note, I have often given up my check, to pay for something, not in the budget, that I feel we need to either make the shoot safer or give a product everyone is really dreaming of, or BOTH!

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?
We have it all here in Southern California! Earthquakes, fires, tornadoes…BUT…the best weather, all the rest of the 300 days!

So Malibu and breakfast at Geoffrey’s Malibu.

Hollywood tour of the walk of fame and lunch at Musso and Frank’s, One of Hollywood’s oldest restaurants.

Then, a brisk hike up to the Griffith Observatory for the outstanding views, then a sushi dinner at Yamashiro’s.

And finish the night off with cocktails and magic at THE MAGIC CASTLE. Presto!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe, by career to 3 people and God. My wife and business partner, Julie Michaels, for handling, encouraging and a constant gentle “pusher” to try new things.

Second, my best friend and fellow Stunt Coordinator, Brian Smyj, who he and I , back in day, would go to the movies and then would go to the diner, to dissect the action and try to recreate it the following day. (I don’t recommend anyone do this!). He, to this day, unselfishly, has my back, as I have his.

Third, Cort Hessler. another Emmy winning Stunt Coordinator, and his millions of nominations, turned incredible director, was never afraid to give my name in place of himself, for several outstanding jobs, including the show I ultimately won 2 Emmy’s for…..”SouthLAnd”.

And lastly, God. Because through him, all things are possible.

Website: https://www.peeweepiemonte.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DirectorPeeweePiemonte

Image Credits
Photo: (Osprey Helicopter) credit: JMP Productions Inc – Photo (Headshot in Tux) credit: JMP Productions Inc,  Photo: (Peewee with magazine) Corey Nickols

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