At Work With… Susie Hamilton, Art Director / Wardrobe Stylist
The ‘At Work With…’Interview Series is our way of bringing you behind-the-scenes with the names and businesses included in our Texas Production Directory (TPD). We want to showcase the creatives that cover all levels of production experience, backgrounds, and geographies around the state.
This week’s spotlight is Susie Hamilton, Art Director/Wardrobe Stylist, based in San Antonio and a Texan for the past 37 years.
What’s the most memorable experience on a project or production that you’ve had and what made it so special?
Lighting may not strike twice, but Lou Diamond Phillips struck three times for me! He’s a fellow Texan with whom I have always enjoyed watching on film (seriously, who doesn’t love La Bamba), and getting the opportunity to meet and work with him was fulfilling.
What are the skills required to succeed in your specific area of expertise?
The ability to interpret what directors and agencies are truly seeking, because their words don’t always tell the story of the emotions or vision they want to create. On set, it helps to be able to think and react quickly and stay cool.
Have you had an industry mentor or colleague that has made an impact on you or helped you along your career path? If so who, and how did they impact you?
I have had the pleasure of working with some great first AD’s and production coordinators who have done stellar jobs at teaching me terminology and protocols that I had not yet learned as I transitioned from stage to film. I also need to shout out the infamous Greg Lomas who taught me about the union, encouraged me to join and assisted in making that happen.
What’s the best part about working in Texas?
The weather! Our dedicated crews genuinely want to show the world how beautiful our state is.
Your claim to fame: What special skill or fun fact differentiates you from others?
I can literally make you a gown out of trash. I have been hired multiple times to create wearable garments from newspaper.
Interview has been edited for brevity.
Texas has thousands of freelance individuals, companies and associations that serve the film, television, commercial, video game, animation & XR industries.
Explore the Texas Production Directory
If you or your business are listed in the Texas Production Directory, we want to hear about your special skills, memorable experiences and more.