Lamarr Gray is a proud member of IATSE Locals 7, 480, and 728. He has been an IA member for over twenty years and is currently the Chief Rigging Technician in the Rigging Electric Department for the Disney ABC drama series, “Big Sky”.

Recently serving as Sergeant at Arms for Local 480 for the past three years, Lamarr is well known in New Mexico for advocating for more opportunities for African Americans, women, and more diversity in the entertainment industry and the IATSE. He says being a union member has meant the world to him. “There is no other career I could have chosen that is more challenging and rewarding daily.” 

Gray says he was inspired to join the entertainment industry because of his father, Willie Gray. My father retired after 28 years as a Rigging Best Boy. He was the first African American to consistently hold that position on $100 Million Features,” Gray added. “I am also proud to say my son, Trace Patrick Gray II, is now my Best Boy and well known for his hard work, intelligence, and dedication. There are many more young and diverse members in New Mexico that I have recruited into Local 480.” 

Aside from his activism in Local 480, Gray admits his greatest milestone has been holding the title as Rigging Gaffer on a $100 Million Feature (Independence Day Resurgence).  

“I had the honor of Jeff Sodeberg changing his title to Rigging Coordinator on Transcendence, so I could get the Rigging Gaffer title a couple years before that but, I did not count that. I wanted to get the call from a Gaffer for the position, which Jay Kemp gave me that opportunity.” He added. “I have benefited greatly from the opportunity of being an IA member. From providing for my family to traveling around the country learning and teaching my craft. I love what I do and those I work around.”