Filming at Hoover Dam
ON LOCATION WITH KATHY McCURDY
One of the best aspects of working in the locations department is having access to areas not open to the public. One such case, for Key Assistant Location Manager Kathy McCurdy, was working at Hoover Dam for the new Michael Bay feature, TRANSFORMERS.
Under the supervision of Location Manager Ilt Jones, Kathy scouted and coordinated the locations department for the Nevada portion of the film.
Since 911, cast and crews have had to go through serious background checks and the movement of personnel, equipment and trucks are closely coordinated when filming within Federal jurisdictions.
But it was all worthwhile, says McCurdy, "Hoover Dam is a work of art, not just a functioning power plant and water reclamation facility. The entire crew felt the presence of history and craftsmanship working in that beautiful place. The elevators are wonderful deco art pieces in themselves. The original brass work shines like the day it was installed thanks to the meticulous care of their staff."
McCurdy adds, "The folks who staff the dam take pride in their association with such an amazing historical place and were excellent guides treating our crew to an oral history of the dam."
It's moments like these that stay with us long after a movie has wrapped.
McCurdy working under intense heat and dust conditions