David Lyons, Assistant Location Manager for the independent feature film Unthinkable, applied for the 100th permit submitted through FilmL.A.’s Online Permit System (OPS). OPS debuted on September 29 and allows users to apply for permits online, track the status of required agency and department approvals and take electronic delivery of permits once completed.
“This was the first permit I had personally applied for in three years. OPS is really simple and user-friendly,” David said.
David got his start in the industry as a scout in the summer of 2004. He followed that up with a stint as a production assistant for a Wim Wenders film, and when the Location Manager moved ahead to handle future locations, David was given the job of Assistant Location Manager and loved the work.
Back in Los Angeles, he decided to pursue work in “locations” and landed a job on what he describes as the worst reality show ever filmed. It almost scared him out of the industry.
Returning to work as a P.A., he landed a job on Mission Impossible III, and it was during this time that he met Location Managers Becky Brake, J.J. Hook and Doug Dresser, whom he credits for having helped him get into the union. He also credits John Panzarella as his mentor.
“We work really hard. It’s nice to see FilmL.A. is out there making it easier to film in the L.A. area,” David said.