Producing film projects in the Black Hills and Rapid City areas of South Dakota comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to finding local crew. While the region may not have the abundance of film professionals like you’d see in larger cities, areas like Pine Ridge, Eagle Butte, Sturgis, Deadwood, and Spearfish are home to a select group of experienced and highly talented individuals. The best part? You don’t always need to bring in crew from outside the area to achieve professional results.
In this blog post, we highlight our top picks for local professionals—exceptionally talented individuals who rival the expertise you'd find in larger cities. These are the go-to crew members we trust and hire time and time again for countless projects.
GRIP & LIGHTING
When it comes to grip, gaffer, and electrical needs, having Tracy Mailloux of Gator Grip and Lighting based in Rapid City is an incredible asset to the Black Hills region. With over 20 years of experience, three fully equipped grip trucks, and nearly every G&E and lighting tool imaginable, Tracy is an indispensable resource. We make it a priority to hire Tracy for as many projects as possible and frequently rely on his gear rentals. Tracy’s expertise extends well beyond the Black Hills—he’s worked on major feature films and commercial projects, including collaborations with the NBA, NHL, and NFL. For a full list of gear or to contact Tracy, visit Gator Grip and Lighting Rentals.
CAMERA DEPARTMENT
If you’re looking for a skilled cinematographer/DP or 1st AC, we highly recommend our own Destyn Humann. Destyn has extensive experience as an operator on a wide range of commercial and documentary projects for brands like Bud Light, Stillhouse, LG, and networks including Netflix, Food Network, and Discovery. As a 1st AC, Destyn is highly proficient with Sony, Arri, RED, and Canon camera systems, excelling in camera builds and focus pulling.
You can view Destyn’s work at destynhumann.com and contact him directly at 605-210-0314 or Destynx@live.com.
SOUND MIXER / BOOM OP
When it comes to unmatched knowledge, experience, and expertise in sound, Jaycen Tichi is the clear choice. Need a vast selection of LAVs, including Zaxcom? He’s got you covered. Digital slate? Check. A boom operator who can hold steady all day? Absolutely. For sound mixing or boom operating, reach out to Jaycen at (605) 210-2255.
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS / PA & other
The world of Production Assistants (PAs) is always evolving, but we keep an up-to-date list of trusted professionals. If you’re looking to hire for a specific role not mentioned here, feel free to use the contact form below. We’ll gladly provide you with our current recommendations. We look forward to connecting with you!
