While actors, directors, writers, and producers often get the limelight, the film world is full of unsung heroes and heroines: the workers of the camera, grip, electric, costuming, sound, art, and other "below-the-line" departments. You only have to look at the end credits of a movie to see how integral they are to production. Watching a good crew in action is like watching a well-made clock. Timely, steady, and dependable. Without them, films could not get made-- plain and simple.

Since moving to Los Angeles in 2001, Jennifer Lai has worked with the camera department on such films as “Me, You, and Everyone We Know,” “Walk Hard,” and “My Blueberry Nights.” She's also been involved with so many commercials and television shows there's not enough space to go over them all. Filmmaker.com was lucky enough to catch her on a day off, sit down with her, and pick her brain.

FM.C: What inspired you to get involved in film?