Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Logan.
Hi Mike, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hello! My name is Mike Logan. My story begins my sophomore year at La Jolla High School. I was enrolled in stage craft for the high school theatre productions where I learned how to build and paint sets, props, stage manage sound and lighting design. My first job was for La Jolla Stage Company in the fall of 1992 as their sound engineer.
1994 I left La Jolla High School to attend San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts to finish my senior year. While attending SD SCPA I focused my learning to video production and theatrical lighting design. I graduated June 1995.
Several months after graduating the TV series “High Tide” produced by Stu Segall Productions was filming in La Jolla. I approached the lighting truck and asked if they were hiring. The Best Boy, Mike Green asked me what my experience was. I told him that I just graduated high school back in June and he then told me verbatim, “Get the f**k out of here!” I then responded, “I will work for free to prove I can do this.” He followed with, “Are you serious?” I nodded my head and positively replied, “Yes!”
The next morning I found myself on Santa Clara street in Mission Beach having breakfast with Rick Springfield and a film crew. I approached the lighting truck, greeted Mike, met the rest of the electric crew and Mike said to me, “Don’t think about setting foot on the set this week. You are going to learn the gear we use.” I smiled back and said, “OK, let’s do this!!”
For a few days I was unloading all the gear off of the truck. Cleaning it, learning how it works and what it is used for, etc… This was November 1995.
January 1996 I received a phone call from another Best Boy named, David Garcia. He was offereing me my first full time position on the MOW (Movie of the Week) called, “Wiseguy” starring Ken Wahl.
Since then I have worked on several big budget feature films including Titanic, True Lies, Pirates of the Caribbean II & III just to name a few. I have worked on several dozen TV series including Veronica Mars (I was the Rigging Best Boy Electric).
I also worked in live production for concerts, corporate theatre and special events.
In 1998 I began working for Rhino Staging, a stagehand production company based out of Tempe, Arizona. My first day on the job was at the then, “Coors Amphitheatre” in Chula Vista, CA. The concert we were loading in was Dave Matthews Band.
Since DMB I have progressed from a lighting stagehand to an intelligent lighting programmer for more intimate corporate events and high profile weddings.
For the next decade I would bounce back and forth between TV/Film and Concert lighting. I still had milestones in my life that I had yet to have obtained. I wanted to be a Best Boy Electric for a TV series or Film. 2005 I got my chance to obtain that goal for the MOW called, “Surrender Dorothy” starring Diane Keaton.
2004 I was asked to Co=Produce an independant short called, “Out of Hemet.” 4 years later I was asked to be one of several Executive Producers for an independent feature film called, “The Outside.”
Over the next decade I would implement my knowledge and ability to either design dimming systems for TV/Film studios as well as program lighting for feature films and concerts.
2016-2018 I took a break from the industry as I wanted to explore and elevate my culinary skills. I received an Associate Degree from the Culinary Institute of America for baking. Shortly after that I received my certification in R/HVAC as well as obtaining my EPA license. I felt it would be important to expand my horizons just in case I got tired of being in the very tiring world of Entertainment.
The only time that I had the chance to take advantage of my Baking degree was during Covid. Still need to lose that weight! LOL!
September 2020 I was approached by a long time friend and Cinematographer, Jonathan Labrador. He asked me, “What do you think about the idea of starting our own TV/Film production company?” I immediately and enthusiastically responded with, “Absolutely!!”
May 5, 2021 Blue Print Productions, LLC was legal in the state of California. Jonathan is now the CEO, I am the President and the Vice President (Stage Manager for “On the Air with Sully and Little Tommy”) Jason Banks.
As soon as we formed the company we had several musicians contacting us to film their music videos. We have created a dozen high quality cinematic quality music videos, of which some have not been released to the public from the time of this story.
Blue Print Productions has worked on several feature films, short films, music videos, commercials, special events, concerts, raves, etc…
Currently our home base is located in the old Fox News station on Ronson Road in Kearny Mesa. We have 15 acres of shootable space including the ONLY double-walled soundstage in San Diego.
My biggest accomplishment is creating a YouTube series called, “Bar Talk Live!”. It has 2 hosts, Kevin Kent and Tim Pyles. The show is about 2 guys sitting at a bar talking about everything under the sun except politics and religion. Each episode has a guest appearance by either an actor, sports icon, comedian, special FX makeup artist, etc… Season 2 will begin end of July 2025. https://www.youtube.com/@BarTalkLive
I also work at ETS Productions based in San Marcos, CA as their lighting technician.
I said yes to creating a production company not only because I have been doing it forever and have the experience and knowhow, I only said Yes because I have been a hardcore follower of the wonderful YouTube series called, Yes Theory. The premise of the show is to do something that takes you out of your comfort zone. Owning a production company was totally out of my comfort zone. I would like to give a shout out to the entire cast and crew at Yes Theory for pushing me, allowing me to believe in myself.
Coming this summer I will soon be the President of Kraft Works Productions, LLC. This is another production company I am starting with friends of mine. Steph Groce the CEO of Bragabilia Energy drink, Jeff “Yogi” Allen a Key Grip and Brain Hammis, a stagehand and audio engineer for concert and corporate events. End of June I will be resigning from Blue Print Productions, LLC in good standings.
Kraft Works Productions is working alongside R3 Productions and in association with Chula Vista Entertainment Complex (CVEC) by way of teaching artists to be a certified Grip and Electrician on TV and Film sets. Each student will have a 6 week course to obtain their certification in OSHA 30 and all Aerial man lift equipment. Class starts this fall at our studio in Kearny Mesa.
Other projects in the pre-production phase for Kraft Works Productions are music videos, 6 full length feature films just to start.
Our goal is to be the biggest production company south of L.A.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road at all whatsoever. The world of entertainment is not easy. It takes a toll on having a healthy and stable relationship. I work 12-14 hour days, sometimes days at a time with little or no sleep. Heck, I worked on Super Bowl 37, 3 days in a row with zero sleep and sober. That was not easy but it was very exciting because those of us that are in this business, we are a select few in the world that get to experience the things we do and the people we meet, including celebrities. Now that I am one of the leaders of soon to be a prominent entertainment production company, this will allow me to put the trust in other hard working individuals to create a stable and healthy life for me and one day my future husband to be. Yes, I am single and ready to mingle!
I have only been fired once from a job in my life. That was when I was working for San Diego Stage and Lighting in 2001. I was getting burned out from the repetition so I went snowboarding with friends and called in sick. Once back from my trip I showed up for work and they told me I was fired because I went snowboarding. Still don’t know how they knew about that.
I have been shocked with 220 volts and 60 amps, sent to this hospital. My vitals were fine, arrive back on set and the producers asked me if I was working that day. I told them, “No.” They asked me, “Why were you setting up that 6k then?” I replied, “I was trying to be a team player and help out the team.” They then told me I was not longer working on the show. Okay, been fired twice. I was only there because I wanted to see what Yasmine Bleeth from Baywatch looked like up close. Eh, wasn’t worth the trip to the set. Haha.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am one of few in this business that has started from the very bottom-without film school-and has raised to the top.
I have learned all that I can in the world of lighting and grip (always wanting to learn more) as well as lighting design for touring bands.
My specialty is being a Gaffer on Television shows, Films both independent and studio backed. I also implement the skills I have learned in theatrical and concert lighting from the past 30 years in motion pictures and music videos. For instance, I worked on a music video for an artist named Marc Oliver where 99% of the lighting was all automated, similar to that of what you would see on a concert stage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eT9fDO06C7M
I love being able to be a part of the table read for a film because you get a better understanding of not only what the script reads, but also that of how the Director is interpreting the script. Once I am able to understand his vision, only then am I ready to help the Director of Photography help the story along with lighting that matches what the script is attempting to bring to the audience. Lighting brings all sorts of emotions. If you do it right, you are golden. If you do it wrong, you won’t get hired again.
I am known for being able to fully Produce Film/Music video from scratch. This means meeting with the Director and proof reading his/her storyboard, doing a location scout, breaking down the script for how many days it would take to film, hiring the crew, Production vehicles, renting from equipment rental houses, catering, Union or non-union labor, etc… I have learned the format of filmmaking with hard work and perseverance. I am known for paying attention to what is and is not happening with the entertainment world. Finding new ways to bring creativity to the world.
On may days off, I am an avid oil painter. Am I good? YES! I am very good. I am not boasting. This is merely an absolute fact. I sold my first painting called, “Flat Earth” for $2k. My style of painting is 3D. I have had people stand at the side of the canvas to see if I had attached something to the canvas to make it pop out. Everytime, they are in awe and bliss that it is all about use of colors and shading.
I took only 1 introduction class to oil painting and have learned to harness my own style. I have been painting now for 10 years of which I have painted 2 murals in the building I live in.
I am most proud of myself for not giving up when things get tough. It’s easy to give up, sure! But, when you give up, that’s not where true happiness lies. True happiness lies in the journey.
What sets me apart from others? I am not willing to give up. I am a nice guy. I am willing to help you for free when I have time available to help. I still love being on indy film sets and working for free because I believe in helping other pursue their dreams and visions. It’s all about loving what you do, having compassion and empathy for those of you that are around you. Great example of the joy I get of seeing other’s happiness. On Youtube, Twenty One Piltos front man Tyler Joseph is directing the crowd to hold up the lights on their phones to be a part of the song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=athEBC3mjac It’s purely magical.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I have learned along my journey is to arrive early. If you arrive on time, you’re late. Be punctual. Be nice. Be empathetic. You never know what someone else is going through. Always be respectful and kind. Always ask questions. There is no dumb question. Continue to strive and thrive. Help others when they need it. Don’t invite yourself to a conversation that you weren’t invited to. Listen but don’t comment. Watch but don’t react.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blueprintproductionssd.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bartalklivesd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLUEPRINTPRODSD
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-labrador-402bb7242/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@boycottMarkMackay
Image Credits
Thomas Hastings
