With more than a decade in the prop rental business, I still get excited when I see Newel Props inventory on the big / small screens and every streaming platform out there! It is also thrilling to see my own artwork, as well as the collection of cleared art I have curated, on those same platforms!
As Managing Director, I am responsible for basically everything that has to do with Newel Props under Jake’s leadership. I work with everyone from Rich and our warehouse team to be sure that the orders are pulled, the inventory matches the client’s expectations, and is ready when the truck pulls into our dock. Kelsey & I are busy putting together the estimates and orders. I am guiding Jess & Marietta to get all the new to Newel Props inventory up on the website for you to rent as quickly as possible. Gabi, Casey and I help to make sure you know about all the exciting inventory as well as your favorites that you may have forgotten about. And finally, Bonnie and I work together to open each account and ensures that they are in good standing. Each order feels a bit like a race but working in a Prop Shop is really like a marathon!
All of this can become a little stressful, like during pilot season. In those moments, I think back to when I worked on the Super Bowl and was responsible for taking care of all the talent for non-football part of the live broadcast & stadium show. There is really nothing more stressful than making sure that Beyonce gets on site and through security so she can perform the National Anthem in front of some 100 million viewers on live tv!
That experience helps me to understand the pressures our clients are under because sometimes you are working with Beyonce or other talent and the clock is ticking. It is why Newel Props work so hard to help you. It is great to hear about your sets / projects or design dilemmas. I really love to be part of the process! It is fun to put together look books of options based on your inspiration or just a few words like “Ivy League Dean’s Office.” I am racing against the clock to think of what we have, searching the website and walking warehouse to present options to you.
One of the best things about being at Newel Props besides our clients and the team, is that I have been able to curate a collection of cleared art by local artists. It is delightful to see their pieces get rented and even more exciting when they show up on the show or movie that rented them. This collection includes a few of my photographs and collages.
Check out a sampling of the cleared art
Get To Know Christine
Q.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
A.
Ha! I try but I know the crazy hours our clients keep so that means answering a late night email or early morning follow up or coordinating with you to solve a prop emergency. I really appreciate messages that say please don’t respond till you are in the office. However, I know sometimes you need to know right away and I try to be there for our clients.
Q.
What is one thing no one knows about you?
A.
I am pretty much an open book and always oversharing on social media and in real life. I guess maybe one thing is I really believed President Bill Clinton when he thanked me for all my hard work on a campaign even though he never met me before.
Q.
What’s inspiring you in the industry right now?
A.
It is great to see how people are moving up in their careers in the industry. I love seeing a coordinator start to work as assistant set decorator or seeing someone doing their first job as the set decorator. It is really wonderful when you call / email me to help as you step into your new role. And this will sound cheesy, it is always good to help.
Q.
Favorite Quote?
A.
A friend texted this to me on New Year’s Day, “Dancing like a fool is the only way to even dance. That is the only way to find true self love.” I agree with him and thought that was a great thought for 2020.
Q.
Are you a dog or cat person?
A.
Totally a dog, monkey dog, person. Ursula is an affenpinscher which is german for a monkey-like terrier. And I don’t think Sugar would allow me to answer any way but dog person!
