Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicholas Berry
Hi Nicholas, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am originally from northern England. A small town called Accrington.
In the 70’s there were lots of strikes and few jobs to be had. There was a general feeling of unrest with the population. I left school at 15 which was normal and went straight to work in a newspaper/ magazine distribution warehouse. A job that my Dad got for me as he worked as a rep for a couple of newspapers. My Dad liked to say he worked for Rupert Murdoch.
The job was tedious at best but I got to read lots of magazines. I loved movies and music . They helped me escape the bored reality I felt I was living as a teenager.
Around 76-77 punk music started. One day in the warehouse on the radio that was constantly playing, mainly prog rock or mainstream songs, , The Sex Pistols suddenly blared out if the radio. My ears perked up and my life changed in an instant. The rebellious nature of English punk which was actually trying to get the youth off of their bums and do something and to stop putting up with the way things were. Was very positive to me. It was generally looked at as negative angry music by the general masses but they didnt take the time to listen.
Anyway I digress. Long story short I left the job and went to Drama school. Something happened while I was studying in London that caused me to have a bit of s meltdown. I decided a vacation would do me good. So I booked a ticket to California and here I still am.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was hard being away from my family. I was having culture shock in America but didn’t realize it. I lived right in the middle of Hollywood. Literally a block north of Hollywood blvd. It was a bit of a scary place in the 80’s but we had lots of fun. I worked for a short while at Club Lingerie on sunset Blvd. Saw lots of bands and went to lots of parties.
Around 1982 I got a job at ‘Dukes at the Tropicana’ once owned by Sandy Koufax. Dukes was a Diner attached to the Tropicana motel. It was a place where many musicians and celebs had stayed. Jimmy Hendrix, Tom Waits, The Ramones, Nina Hagan, New York dolls. look it up, it has a fascinating history. I got many a free ticket to shows through meeting people in there.
Lets just say it was memorable time and leave it at that.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have been a Gaffer in the film and video business for over 30 years. I have worked on Feature films, TV Movies, TV Shows, Documentaries, Reality TV, Corporate videos, training videos, Commercials. I like my job. It has taken me to places I probably would have never had gone or be able to in some cases.
I always wanted to work in this business but didn’t find those opportunities in England at the time.
I think I am easy to get a long with and have a good work ethic.
I am proud of the fact that I have been married for over 30 years and I am still in Love.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
San Diego is a little big city. I lived in LA for a number of years but it wore me down with the traffic and this constant sense of competition.
SD was more easy going. My neighborhood is very friendly, open to all types of people and you can walk anywhere. I love Balboa Park!!!
They need to do a better job of fixing the infrastructure. The roads etc. I don’t like all the bike lanes that have forced businesses to close as they’ve taken up the parking spaces.I think the local council thought it would be like Amsterdam where everyone is riding bikes but quite honestly I hardly see anyone using the bike lanes. The amount of old houses that are being torn down to build condo units in neighborhoods. Most if them have no architectural style.
Parts of San Diego just seem like they need a little love.
