When Jeff agreed to do this interview I was ecstatic. We hadn’t seen each other in close to 30 years. So, it was time to catch up. To me, Jeff was the most interesting person in Baltimore. He started as assistant props on our show, but he was all over the place. He did several jobs on the set, plus he acted, broke down barriers, constantly created his art, took pictures, and was a good shoulder for others to lean on. It’s all here and more in the interview. We spoke for nearly 3 hours and, out of necessity I had to edit quite a bit. But, I think his curiosity, spirit, and wisdom come shining through.
A production crew has a way different take on the actors than the actors do. They’re ensuring everything is in place and running smoothly, facilitating the authenticity of the production and, in general, working out the kinks to help everyone do their very best. At its finest, the whole set becomes a tight-knit family where everyone has an appreciation for the other’s contribution.
Jeff was that kind of family guy through and through. He was always thinking of how to assist the actors in solving a technical problem in a way that served their character and kept things moving along. For him, it was always about story, character, and the expression of truth within the reality of Homicide.
After Homicide, he moved further out into the world and is now a Production Designer, living with his amazing wife Shelbi and their daughter in Georgia.
So happy to introduce Jeff to those who do not know him. Give a listen to his wonderful stories and to some of the lessons he learned along the way.
Trigger warnings: There’s some cussin’, some ramblin’, some not so nice stories, and some eating on camera at the beginning. Also, my editing on Zoom? I’m still learning.
You can find Jeff’s work on Instagram @jeffreyprattgordon or @jpg.s.eye
More on circus sideshow performer Johnny Eck, whose collection is featured in the last part of the interview
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