Dutch Merrick, a highly acclaimed and accomplished individual within the realm of the film industry, has proudly boasted a remarkable career that has spanned an impressive duration of over three decades. Throughout his illustrious tenure, he has held the esteemed position of President of I.A.T.S.E. Local 44, Hollywood Property Craftspersons, and has dedicated an astonishing 14 years to serving on the Executive Board of his Local.
This prolonged period of dedication and commitment to his craft and community is a testament to his unwavering passion and dedication to the art of filmmaking.
Born with a natural inclination towards competitive shooting, Dutch's innate affinity for firearms led him to pursue a career as a Studio Armorer, a profession he has diligently maintained for an impressive span of over 25 years. Throughout this tenure, he has had the privilege of serving as both an Armorer and Propmaster on a multitude of prominent films and television shows, thereby refining his exceptional skills and cementing his reputation as a master craftsman in his field.
The director of photography's tragic demise on the set of the film "Rust" has sparked a wave of intense media scrutiny, with Dutch being sought out by a multitude of prominent networks for in-depth interviews. These include major American television outlets such as ABC, NBC, and CNN, as well as their Canadian counterparts, the CBC, and renowned international broadcasters like the BBC. Furthermore, Dutch has also been featured on the Pacifica Radio Network, a stalwart of alternative and public radio, where he has shared his extensive expertise as a studio armorer.
Notable beyond his accomplishments in the realm of film and television, Dutch has concurrently honed his skills as a Prop Master and/or Art Director, having had the privilege of collaborating on an astonishing number of television commercials, exceeding 500 in total.
Not only has Dutch made a name for himself in his professional endeavors, but he has also demonstrated a remarkable talent for creative expression through his work as a writer and director. In fact, his portfolio boasts a diverse range of short films, each one showcasing his impressive skillset.
Notable contributions to the realm of politics have been made by Dutch, whose multifaceted talents have enabled him to produce, write, and direct the inaugural weekly YouTube news-program for a US presidential candidate, a groundbreaking endeavour titled "The Kucinich Presidential Campaign Update". This pioneering production, which spanned an impressive 17 consecutive episodes, garnered a substantial audience, boasting nearly half a million views. Furthermore, Dutch's expertise has been leveraged by several presidential campaigns, as he has been involved in the creation of campaign commercials and videos.
Dutch's professional trajectory has been characterized by an unwavering commitment to leveraging his creative talents to make a positive impact on the world, often through the crafting of compelling narratives that tackle complex and timely issues, including the contentious U.S. immigration debate, personal growth, and the human potential movement's exploration of the human condition.
The individual in question is a master of reinventing himself, effortlessly oscillating between various modes of entertainment, particularly evident in his concise video productions.
Dutch has been engaged in a multitude of recent pursuits, with a particular emphasis on literary endeavors. He has authored a groundbreaking historical and instructional book on the art of film and television prop mastering, titled "Mastering Hollywood, One Prop at a Time". This comprehensive publication provides an in-depth exploration of the prop mastering process, shedding light on the often-overlooked yet crucial role that prop masters play in the creation of cinematic magic.
In addition to his literary pursuits, Dutch has also ventured into the world of documentary filmmaking. He has produced a feature-length documentary, "Prop Master, Inside the world of Hollywood Props", which offers a captivating behind-the-scenes look at the unsung heroes of film and television production – the prop masters. Through this documentary, Dutch aims to highlight the invaluable contributions of these skilled craftsmen, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring fictional worlds to life.
