Project/Role Overview

Title: Production Assistant / Grip / Swing / Data Manager
Company: Bargain Mansions – Magnolia Network / HGTV
Date & Duration: June 2022 – March 2023

 

Summary
I worked as a Production Assistant, Grip, Swing, and Data Manager on the Magnolia Network series Bargain Mansions, providing both technical and logistical support across multiple departments. My role included assisting with lighting and grip setups, managing production data, and ensuring smooth daily operations on set.

 

Context & Problem

Bargain Mansions is a nationally broadcast home renovation series requiring a reliable crew to keep production efficient and organized. With multiple filming locations and fast-paced schedules, the team needed versatile crew members who could step into different roles as required.

 

Role & Responsibilities

• Assisted with lighting and camera support as part of the grip department.

• Provided general production assistance, including setup, teardown, and on-set logistics.

• Served as a swing crew member, adapting to both PA and grip needs as the shoot demanded.

• Managed media offloads, backups, and organization as a data manager to ensure footage integrity.

 

Process

• Collaborated with the Director of Photography and Gaffer to set up grip and lighting equipment.

• Coordinated with the production team to prepare locations and ensure smooth shooting days.

• Handled data wrangling by securely offloading footage from multiple cameras, verifying transfers, and maintaining organized file structures.

• Stepped between departments fluidly to fill gaps and keep production on schedule.

 

Solution & Deliverables

• Contributed technical support for camera and lighting setups.

• Ensured all footage was properly ingested, backed up, and organized for post-production.

• Delivered reliable on-set support that allowed the production to run efficiently and meet tight deadlines.

 

Results & Impact

• Helped maintain smooth operations on a national broadcast production.

• Ensured data integrity for multiple shooting days, preventing loss or delays in post-production.

• Strengthened overall crew efficiency by adapting quickly to both technical and logistical needs.

 

Reflection

Working on Bargain Mansions gave me professional experience in a national television production environment, where I learned the importance of versatility, attention to detail, and teamwork across departments. Balancing PA, grip, swing, and data management roles reinforced my adaptability and technical competence in high-pressure settings.