Joseph “Joe” Genier is a producer, production manager and co-founder of Capital Arts Entertainment, a Chatsworth-based film and television production company. He and his fellow partners opened Capital Arts in 1995, and over the last 30 years have steadily worked with an array of film companies in Los Angeles and across the U.S.
1. Genier attracts clients by staging unique set designs. The multifaceted production studio features production sets ranging from a high school, hospital, living room, kitchen, classrooms and libraries – that one might expect to see in the pilot of their favorite TV show – to more unique sets such as a psychiatric hospital and an underground tunnel system. “A lot of storylines require these, and when shooting a pilot, commercial or series, it’s really helpful to have those things already constructed,” Genier says.
2. Genier taught a course on producing in Nigeria. Genier traveled to Nigeria through the American Film Showcase – a program designed to bring together creatives from around the world to promote the arts and teach about the film industry in developing countries. In Abuja and the capital Lagos, he spent a few weeks teaching the business and giving insight on the production of his film and TV projects.
3. “AP History” is in session. Along with a few friends and colleagues, Genier takes part in a book club they’ve named “AP History.” Non-fiction is their genre of choice; and based on the subject matter, they will go to a restaurant and discuss the book over the cuisine. After reading “Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson – based on the Chicago World’s Fair – he and his book club mates went out for Chicago-style pizza. Their next club book is “The Mission: The CIA in the 21st Century” by Tim Weiner. The club has yet to determine a dining spot.
4. Genier enjoys snowboarding in his free time – reminiscent of his early childhood traditions. Genier is trying to stay young and keep his “brain active” by taking up an exciting hobby. “Balance is key, both in snowboarding and in life” he says. Being in the snow is familiar territory for the Rochester, New York-native. Around the same time every year since his childhood, Genier and his family make a trip up to the Adirondack Mountains. “A bit of consistency in a chaotic life is always nice,” he says.
5. Genier appreciates fashion-forward and stylistic sensibilities that play into the creative work. “It’s cool when the wardrobe, the production design and lighting come together to enhance the storyline,” he says, adding that he also appreciates when all these elements enhance what the character is saying or feeling. But what makes it all rewarding is the collaboration involved. He says, “It’s great when you’re on a production where all the pistons are firing together and that kind of harmony and collaboration is inspiring and something we seek out to achieve.”
