Even with “Empire’s” star Terrance Howard playing forward on Local 476’s team, the Studio Mechanics couldn’t muster the chops to beat the formidable Local 600 International Cinematographers’ team, which mopped up the competition 42-34.
Played last Saturday afternoon at a West Side Boys and Girls Club to benefit the organization, the so-called “grudge match” started between the camera and grip electric crews working on Fox’ “Empire,” filming at Cinespace.
The game was cheered on by a large crowd of union mates, families and friends. “It was a great afternoon, fun and spirited,” said Local 476’s Brad Matthys, his team’s coach.
Local 600’s team led the game “pretty much during the first quarter, but 476 came back during the second half, but we still led throughout the fourth quarter,” reported Lawrence Daufenbach of Daufenbach Camera, who played center for the camera team and scored four points.
The secret of Local 600’s success was its coach, Steve Wojcik, Daufenbach said. “He gave us good strategies and kept us motivated throughout the game. We knew from the beginning that our heart was in it to win.
“The team decided that Brian Raman was our MVP,” he added.
As for Howard’s performance on the court, “he gave it his all,” Daufenbach said, summing up the players generous opinion.
The charitable event raised more than $7,500 for the Boys and Girls Club of Chicago “and it definitely will be an annual event,” Matthys says.
Going along with Local 600’s bragging rights is its display of the 3-foot winner’s trophy in his West Loop offices for the next year.
