See some of Hollywood's biggest stars before they became household names. How many do you recognize?

Before They Were Famous: Actors' Early Roles

See some of Hollywood&#39;s biggest stars before they became household names. How many do you recognize?

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Dutch Merrick is past President of I.A.T.S.E. Local 44, Hollywood Property Craftspersons. He served a total of 14 years on the Executive Board of his Local.

Growing up as a competitive shooter, he was a natural for his future role of Studio Armorer. His first film job was as a gun Wrangler on an ultra-low-budget feature. Over a span of 25 years, he has worked as an Armorer or Propmaster on many notable films and TV shows.

In the aftermath of the tragic death of Director of Photography Halyna Hutchins on the film set of "Rust" in the New Mexican desert, Dutch has been interviewed for the studio Armorer's perspective on the shooting on dozens of occasions by major networks including ABC, CBC, NBC, CNN, BBC & the Pacifica Radio Network.

Aside from his work in film and episodic television, Dutch Merrick has worked as a Prop Master and/or Art Director on over 500 television commercials for Directors including Michael Mann, John Frankenheimer, Samuel Bayer, Kinka Usher and including more than 250 spots with Joe Pytka.

While making a principal living as a Prop Master or Armorer in Film and Television, he dedicates his efforts to creating positive change through his own writing and directing.

In the Summer of 2006, Dutch wrote, directed and produced his first short film on the subject of gasoline and oil, titled "One Minute, the Shortest Film About Our Longest War". As his first directing opportunity, he was bolstered by scores of top-level film industry volunteers. More than 50 people had a hand in making "One Minute.." come to life. Shot on 35mm, the film has won Audience Choice awards for best short at the Awareness and Riverside International film festivals.

Dutch produced, wrote, and directed the very first weekly YouTube news- program for a US presidential candidate. "The Kucinich Presidential Campaign Update" for Congressman Dennis Kucinich's 2008 Presidential Campaign ran for 17 consecutive episodes and accrued nearly half a million views during its 5 month run. Merrick's next political Directing opportunity came with the 2008 run for President by Ralph Nader. For 6 months, as a full time staffer and media Director, he led a dedicated crew of Union Film makers that cris-crossed the country creating dozens of campaign commercials & videos.

Dutch has written and directed scores of videos and short films. Driven by a desire to contribute to and improve the world around him, His projects often focus on thought provoking stories ranging from the U.S. immigration debate to personal development and the human potential movement.

His ingrained flair for comedy can be seen in his short videos "Carmageddon, Traffic Update" and a campaign spoof on the Presidential election "InAction Figures.." pitting Barack Obama, John McCain and Ralph Nader as toy action figures in the 2008 race.

Dutch's recent efforts include penning the first History and how-to book on Film and TV prop mastering titled: "Mastering Hollywood, One Prop at a Time."

As of March of 2019, he is in production on a feature length documentary titled: "Prop Master, Inside the world of Hollywood Props". This latest project by Dutch offers a never-before seen look at the unsung heroes of film and TV production, the Prop Masters and their invaluable role as Hollywood craftspersons.

Awards

Dutch Merrick

Riverside International Film Festival

True/False Film Fest

Yosemite International Film Festival

Awareness Film Festival, CA

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