Life & Work with Tom Peake of Sylmar

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom Peake.

Hi Tom, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was inspired to become a Gaffer and owner operator because I wanted to start my own team of lighting and grip superheroes. I had great leadership when I start doing lighting. Joey Alvarado inspired me to become a Gaffer like him. His serious and hilarious attitude always motivated us. It’s a big responsibility to get all these pieces and players together. Having a good plan and great team is the goal every shoot.

Kevin Woodruff and I started the business in 2015. I had purchased a 1977 Ford Ambulance on Craig’s List very cheaply. I’m actually still still a great work horse to this day. We also started collecting film equipment and it’s been a fun addiction to expensive grip and electric equipment. We provide the trucks, equipment and the crew most of the time.

Over the years I have lit so many projects and still get butterflies of excitment driving my truck to set. I built the business, to light commercials, movies and music videos. We had a shop in Van Nuys for about 6 years, then in 2021 we moved to our place in Sylmar and have a backlot for the trucks. We love being in Sylmar, it has more parking and a peaceful space to prep. Being a smaller operation I’m happy to provide extra attention for my clients and help out with worthy films. We just finished lighting an ambitious feature film shot all at locations throughout Los Angeles.

Telling stories is still the main goal. I’m not really sure how lighting will adapt to the new forms of content that are taking over. Lighting will always fascinate the human brain. As the hot tungsten lights have evolved into intelligent LED units things will continue to evolve rapidly with lighting. I’m happy to see what technology can do to enhance lighting techniques and capabilities. Let me be an artist and create with light.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Our path has been a roller coaster. We made huge mistakes along the way. But looking back I feel very lucky that we have great clients and projects over the last ten years. Also some major items stolen along the journey. Recently a cargo van with lighting gear was stolen in Palmdale. Those hits always hurt a lot, but luckily we can replace that stuff and no one was hurt.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Setting up lights with intention to create powerful contrast and mood is what gets my blood flowing. I’ve been drawn to lighting for musicians since the get go. Lighting and music are a very powerful combination. I also love the challenge of creating the most memorable and fun lighting set ups. I own a 3ton Grip package and my grips just want to make it pretty and most importantly – safe. I usually light one or two feature films per year. Making movies and telling stories is the reason I fell in love with the film industry. Recently I’ve been Gaffing more photoshoots and love that world as well.

I’ve catered my life to always being ready for the next shoot. My experience let’s me jump into crazy situations and create amazing lighting with whatever they give me.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the locations, it’s got endless possibilities and awesome studios to work in.

Least favorite thing is crime. Always gotta watch the gear and never leave anything unattended.

Pricing:

• 3Ton Package starts at $700 per day
• Gaffer Dayrate $600-750/12 hours
• 1Ton Ambulance Package starts at $450 per day
• Scout/ Prep rate $500/8 hours
• Key Grip Dayrate $600-750/12 hours

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.paralightinginstruments.com
• Instagram: @PARA_LIGHTING_INSTRUMENTS