I joined local 44 in 1978. Since that time I have worked on hundreds of shows. I started at Universal Studios, moving from show to show on a daily basis until I left, and went to work for Walt Hadfield on The Hand. That was pretty much the end of the "studio system".
I went to work at Paramount in 1981 and remained there, first in maintenence, and then, moved to Planning and Development as the Construction Manager of the lot. My responsibilities included remodelling all of the facilities Paramount owned, both on and off the lot. My first major project was managing the construction of the Zucker Bldg., which was the first entirely new building Paramount had contructed in nearly 75 years. I worked with on lot Unions and outside contractors closely, including travelling to manufactures that were prefabbing exterior panels to specific specifications. The building came in under budget and on time. The next major project was the Van Ness on lot parking structure where my responsibilities were the same. That also came in under budget and on time. I was then requested to manage the construction of Frank and Fay Mancuso's residence in Bel Air. It was over a one million dollar renovation that included a screening room, master bedroom suite with extensive structural considerations. It came in on time. I then managed the construction of the Executive conference room in the newly constructed Zucker Bldg. I then went on to manage the construction of Paramount's first folley stage, along with numerous other major lot remodels.
In 1988 I once again decided to be a propmaker. Working for Dick Bayard and Cliff Bergman on numerous motion pictures, eventually becoming (though not qualified) Mill foreman. I was also a location foreman for Mr Bayard.
In 1995 W. Gilpin hired me to be his buyer/foreman on a television show called "Space Above and Beyond". The show lasted on season.
In 1996 I became Duke Tomasicks general foreman, and did so until 2004. We did several televion shows. All one hour scripted. We also did a motion picture, during one of our hiatisis. "Wag the Dog".
T.V. Shows with Duke..."easy streets", "Brooklyn South", "The X Files", "Blind Justice", "Robbery Homicide Division" "Miss Match" "Marriage" "NYPD 2069".
2004-Present
Mostly day played, but worked a couple of seasons on CSI/NY. Dexter. The Cleaner.
I can be an asset to any coordinator, as either a buyer, stage foreman, or day player. I took my retirement, and can either work 39 hours a month, or forfeit my Pension check, by being hired on a longer term basis.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you would like to get in touch with me. Please Email me at billyspire@yahoo.com.