The move from small-budget films to big-screen productions made the decision to move to Georgia an easy one for Production Sound Mixer Kevin Strahm.
“Once I got here it was much easier to network in the industry,” says Strahm, “Before I knew it I was working on multi-million-dollar films.”
That’s something he says would have never been possible if he didn’t make his way to Savannah.
You can trace Kevin’s path to the film industry to the Philippines, where his family lived while his parents worked as missionary teachers. While taking a short daytrip with his family, they stumbled upon the set of the 1986 Oscar-winning war movie, “Platoon.”
Watching the action on set that day would eventually inspire Kevin to work in the film industry on the other side of the world.
There were many stops along the way.
For the better part of a decade, Kevin lived in Chicago working for Marriott International. His work there included handling audio and visuals for hotel meetings, but on his own time he played guitar and learned more about audio recording.
Beyond the technical training he received there, Kevin credits the social skills obtained on the job with getting him where he is now.
From Chicago, Kevin made his way to Charlotte, NC, where he continued to develop his skills until he got his first opportunity. There he worked on small budget films, usually ones that would go straight to video. But that was all soon to change.
After a brief stop to work in Augusta, GA, Kevin finally found himself in Savannah working on exciting projects, such as “Blood Money” featuring John Cusack.
Work for a Production Sound Mixer means working continuously through hot or cold weather, bugs, rain, enduring it all until the movie wraps.
Kevin also works on personal documentary and storytelling projects that are important to him. Working with the Christian organization Samaritan’s Purse, Kevin has travelled around the world helping communities in need. Currently he is working on a documentary on the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey in Houston.
What next for Kevin?
“I have dreams of starting my own business, helping put to work men and women living in Georgia,” Kevin says. “We all encourage each other to hire local, and I want to continue to do that.”