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3 questions with JR Adduci, craft service connoisseur
JR Adduci is no stranger to the world of film and television. A trained actor from New York City, he got his start right here in Charlotte at East Mecklenburg High School. After spending over 12 years working in Manhattan as an actor by day and sous chef by night, Adduci's travels have brought him back to his beloved hometown, where he currently works both in front of and behind the camera. A true foodie at heart [and this writer's husband], he has managed to find work that satisfies both his passion for film and television as well as the world of culinary arts — in craft service.
Creative Loafing: What exactly is craft service? What does the job entail?
JR Adduci: The term craft service literally means "servicing the craft." The craft service table is where cast and crew can get just about anything to eat or drink throughout the entire production. The table is always set with goodies, and in my opinion, presentation and variety are key. The most important thing: Have coffee and water on hand at all times. I've done everything from servicing a smaller 28-person crew with a table of never ending snacks, sandwiches and drinks to doing elaborate breakfast, lunch and dinner spreads for over 600 people on feature film sets. The hours are long and grueling, but the experience is amazing; it can't be beat. Plus, the craft service table is where people are at their happiest. It's an escape from all the stresses of the day.
How did you get started in craft service? Why did you choose to go into this line of work?
Well, I got started with a very popular company called the Mckenna Brothers. They pretty much ran craft service on all of the major films and television programs that took place both in and out of New York City. After my first craft service gig, I just got hooked. For an actor and aspiring producer, it was the perfect second job to have. I just soaked everything in and tried to learn as much as I could about both the technical and creative side of production. It's truly inspiring – so much so that I ended up working on over 30 major motion pictures in the last 10 years.
What was your most recent craft service gig, and what is your most memorable craft service job?
My latest gig was a one-day shoot for a Wonderbread commercial over at Reelworks Studios on Hamilton Street. It was cool because the production team flew in from Mexico City and San Antonio, Texas, and the talent was a celebrity athlete who plays for one of the Charlotte sports teams. My most memorable craft service job of all time was War of the Worlds — the Steven Spielberg movie with Tom Cruise. It was below freezing weather and I was in charge of feeding 350 crew members, 300 extras, and 150 soldiers from Fallujah that Spielberg decided to incorporate into the movie.
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