Crew Profiles: Dan Miller
/Local 490 has some of the best crew in MN on our roster. They have worked on features, short films and commercials. They are on the top shelf in the MN film industry. In this series, Crew Profiles, we are highlighting union members on our roster. Next up is Local 490 member Dan Miller. He is a Gaffer, Grip & Electrician.
Tells us about you and what you do in Film and TV?
I originally started out in Iowa doing TV news, working on commercial production in between the morning and noon news programs. When I moved to the Twin Cities, I did corporate media work before going out on my own as a lighting technician.
2) How long have you been working in the Industry?
My first paycheck in the industry was a summer gig wiring the University of Northern Iowa campus for video in 1986. A friend taking a journalism class needed a cameraman. They knew I had gotten good grades in the photography class. I figured out the video camera. Then I figured out how the editing process worked. Then it dawned on me, I could do this for a living.
3) Tell us some of the films and actors you have been a part of?
The Aerosmith music video for “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” for the size & scope of the production.
Lighting the 4 sets for the Presidential visit to St.Paul showing off the Light Rail. Here’s a hint, don’t touch the podium…
President Obama in Minnesota (photo provided by dan Miler)
Presidential podium (photo provided by dan Miler)
Another is a memory of watching the sunrise from one of the downtown towers or watching the sunset over a field of wheat with not another soul in sight.
4) Who else calling you for this work?
FILM NORTH LIGHTING CLASS (PHOTO PROVIDED BY DAN MILLER)
In addition to my regular gigs as a gaffer, electrician or grip, I feel that teaching the next generation is very important. So I teach a basic lighting class once a year for Film North. The weekend course helps get people comfortable with the terminology and procedures used in lighting. I enjoy helping them getting their projects to look better. The students often have a look of wonder on their faces, as they learn what they can do with the equipment and learn the film making process.
IATSE TRAINING TRUST CPR CLASS WITH RESCUE RESOURCES (PHOTO PROVIDED BY M. WOJAHN)
I also used to be the chair of the 490 Education committee and the CPR class we had. It was the first class we sponsored and also a big success. It’s cool to see the IATSE Training Trust Fund actually become a useful tool for our local and our membership.
5) What do you feel is important for the future for technicians in the Lighting Dept?
My advice is to keep learning. Our department is changing with new technologies and new gear all the time. The LEDs lights and the wireless board is a game changer for lighting. In general, these tools help us to work smarter and maybe even it will save the next generations back and our knees.
6) Do you have any hopes for the MN Film Incentive?
I’m hopeful the the new changes pertaining to commercial production will bring more business.
7) How long have you been a member of Local 490?
11 years in 490. 2026 is my 40th Anniversary of working in the industry.
Local 490 is proud to have members like Dan Miller on our union roster. All of our union members are the best in their stagecraft. You can find out more about Dan’s work at her website, Please support our film industry by hiring members like Dan Miller and shooting your next production on a union contract. In doing so, you are getting the best crew in Minnesota, your project will be safe, well run, your crew will be professional. You will be paying the crew good wages, supplying workers comp, unemployment insurance and even retirement benefits. This supports our union brothers and sisters before, during and after your project. Contact our business agent at this email, businessagent@iatse490.net, to find out more about shooting union.
If you would like to be featured in Crew Profiles, pls contact The Social Media Committee, or email him at socialmedia@iatse490.net .