Years of Service 9/2018
Spotlight On Blake Shimshock
Hi I’m Blake Shimshock. I run the Multimedia department for Ability Counts.
I’ve been involved in the film industry for almost 20 years. As a kid, I always had a fascination with cameras. I had that one uncle that always had the cool gadgets at his house.
While my cousins and friends were playing, I had a camera stuck to my face. My father was a movie projectionist, so we got to see a lot of movies for free. He would give me the posters of all the sci-fi films.
In 1977 when Star Wars hit theaters, I was blown away. I took writing classes plus introduction to film. Years later, some friends and I met an actor named Reggie Bannister; he’s in those Bmovie Horror films. He invited us to the set of Phantasm 4. I was so excited to be there.
We helped with lighting and equipment. I gravitated towards the camera crew and helped with the camera equipment. I’ve been hooked ever since.
In 2002 I met a few like-minded people and we started a film company. We still work together occasionally. I’ve worked on over 80 short films and features of all genres. I got into directing and directed some short films that aired on CBS and K-CAL 9. I was assistant camera for some Nickelodeon projects. I worked on a Sammy Hagar Public Service Announcement at Ontario Motor Speedway.
Locally, I’ve filmed videos for the City of Riverside and the city of Moreno Valley.
I stay busy doing what I love. It’s also great money.
Main St. Bus Duty Shout Out!
Thank you Main St. Bus Duty Staff:
As the Main St. Bus Duty Manager, I wish to thank and acknowledge the following staff that perform the Main St. Bus Duty each day. It takes a community of caring individuals to step out in front of traffic to make way and give safe passage to our Door to Door clients.
I wish to acknowledge: Marlene Trejos, Blake Shimshock, Florizel Leon, Maricela Torres, Samantha Ramos, Letricia Wyatt, Angela Aragon, Jaimie Bonseigneur, Amika Luebrun, Brenda Corro, Wes Mamea and Leonor Rivera for their dedication and care.
These individuals, besides risking personal safety, strive to teach drivers proper ACI driving patterns, coming and going from three different directions. They get to deal with grumpy drivers.
Drivers that do not want to be told what to do and they physically care for clients that require their help to get to and from buses and cars. Some City Door to Door bus services said it could not be done, and you stepped up and showed them what we are made of. This is all in the name of SAFETY.
To these individuals: I thank you for the high quality you put into caring for our clients while you complete this daily task.
Best Regards,
Guy M. Mersereau
Case Responsible Person
Landscape Division
Ability Counts, Inc.
Spotlight On: Blake Shimshock
ACI: How long have you been with Ability Counts?
Blake Shimshock: I have been working for ACI for 8 years as their Multimedia Instructor.
ACI: What got you interested in this field of work?
Blake Shimshock: The director at the time and I spoke on the phone and he asked if I was still making independent films and doing photography. I said yeah. He then explained to me that he wanted to start a media enclave.
ACI: What’s it like working with people that have disabilities?
Blake Shimshock: Working with our consumers is rewarding to me. I like how they get really excited when I show them how to do something cool with the cameras or in editing. It’s cool to watch their skills grow and how they work together as a team.
ACI: What are your hobbies and things to do outside of work?
Blake Shimshock: Well as most people know, I’m an independent filmmaker. Outside of the day job as they say, I do a lot of filming and still photography. I’ve been doing lighting and camera work for other people’s independent films. I also draw digital art. I am also writing a few Sci-Fi Fantasy screenplays.
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