David Andrew Goodman is a seasoned gaffer, producer, actor and certified prop gun specialist whose career spans more than three decades in film and television. As the founder of Goodman Grip & Light, he brings a unique blend of technical mastery, artistic sensibility and mentorship to each set. From lighting blockbuster features to guiding emerging filmmakers, Goodman’s journey into the entertainment industry has been anything but conventional. Shaped by creative exploration, entrepreneurial grit and a pivotal piece of advice from his mother, he has charted a roundabout path to Hollywood.
Goodman’s journey began with a simple but powerful piece of advice from his mother: always have a job, because someone you meet while working will lead you to your next opportunity. He took that guidance to heart. Over time, it became the through line of a career that would eventually land him in the entertainment industry.
While studying fine art and illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design, he opened a tattoo shop in Georgia and worked as a tattoo artist. Eventually, he moved to Los Angeles and opened a tattoo shop there.
Meanwhile, Goodman also worked in retail art supply sales and connected with the local airbrushing community. Since he was an expert at airbrushing, he began teaching classes. Through the community, he formed many friendships that would prove important for the next step in his career.
One day, a friend invited Goodman to visit a parking lot in Playa Vista, where James Cameron’s crew was building models for the film “Titanic,” to see the work being done. Goodman had taught him airbrushing, so he knew he’d be interested. During the visit, the director took an interest in his work and had him create a sample board in the parking lot. Impressed with his artistry, Mr. Cameron hired him on the spot. Goodman would work on multiple feature films in the 1990s, including “The Fifth Element,” “Date’s Peak” and “Hollow Man.”
Throughout his time in the entertainment industry, Goodman has felt fortunate to work with talented people, believing he is only as good as those he works with. The support of his family, friends and crews has been pivotal to his success. Another key component of his achievements has been the skills he acquired in college and independently. His willingness to learn new skills opened up additional opportunities for him in the industry.
Goodman has been a freelance gaffer (chief lighting technician) since 2004 and started Goodman Grip & Light in 2014. His diverse skill set has enabled him to build a strong career and establish a successful business. He plans to continue working in the entertainment industry, creating content. He recently completed work on a horror feature film called “Skillhouse,” where he was responsible for the lighting.
Goodman is also committed to passing on his knowledge to those entering the industry. “The most current special project that I’m involved in has been donating my time to a film mentorship program,” he says. “A very talented individual started this program and he brings on between two and five students. They work on a project every two months. I was also looking for opportunities to donate my time locally and give back a little. I’m teaching everything from producing to lighting to prop guns. I donate all of my time to this project.”
