As a local high school student, Drew Keener always knew he wanted to work in the film industry. What he didn’t know was that he’d be able to do it in his hometown of Woodstock.
Drew, 26, is an illustrator who creates scenery for film and TV sets. He works with Kennesaw-based Max Graphics, a company that has expanded over the past five years, along with Georgia’s film industry. Recent projects have included creating frosted glass logos and wrapping a taxi for scenes in Ben Affleck’s “The Accountant.” He also helped transform a street in Stone Mountain to look like one in another city, primarily by replacing local business signage.
For Drew, it’s rewarding work.
“Already, my networking has skyrocketed,” said Drew, who studied at the Savannah College of Art and Design and does freelance illustration, design and murals in addition to his set work. “I’m connected with other artists, and this brings in customers for my own art. I’ve seen so much opportunity here for me. I’m boosting my skills and connections.”
Drew also has been teaching illustration and digital media classes to high school students, most of whom are from Woodstock.
Drew remains intrigued by the movies. “I watch a film a day out of my huge collection,” he said. “The fact that I get opportunities to work on a film set is amazing. I live for that.
“I never would have thought I could get this kind of opportunity here in Georgia. It’s steady work and steady income. In fact, it’s better than steady. We stay busy all the time.”
By Joe Gorley
Leave a Reply