Edward Cohen, Gaffer, Honorably Withdraws

Longtime Gaffer and Electrician, Edward Cohen, has honorably withdrawn from Local 490. He has filed to receive his pension but is still eligible to work.

Also known to many as “Eddie”, his 45 year career began in New York City in 1979 working in a rental house called “Film Trucks”. A year later he took the electrician test and became a member of NABET Local 15. In 1990, that Local was absorbed into New York’s IATSE Local 52. He did many films in New York and was the best boy on Crocodile Dundee 1 & 2. His Local 52 card is still active.

His first film job in Minnesota was gaffing the PBS film “Rachel River” in 1986. He has also worked in commercials and on stage productions. Eddie joined Local 490 in 1998. The rest of his MN filmography is below;

1999 PARTY, LIKE IT’S 1999 Prince/Paisley Park (Gaffer)

2005 FACTOTUM Feature Film  (Gaffer)
2006 A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION (Gaffer) (DVD Interviews)
2008 OLDER THAN AMERICA Feature Film (Gaffer)
2009 NOBODY Feature Film (Gaffer)
2009 A SERIOUS MAN Feature Film (Electrician)

2011 THIN ICE Feature Film (Gaffer)
2017 HOUSE OF TOMORROW Feature Film  (Gaffer)
2019 GEORGIA ROCK Feature Film  (Gaffer)

2022 CANUSA STREET TV Pilot   (Gaffer)
2022 BODY LANGUAGE Feature Film   (Gaffer)
2023 CRAIG FERGUSON HBO Special (Gaffer)

Eddie appeared in front of the camera for a MN commercial for Arctic Cat ATVs, playing an Amish farmer.

In 2009, Eddie was elected as Treasurer of Local 490. He was credited by many as the officer that kept the Local afloat in the lean years. One of his many accomplishments as Treasurer was working with then President Mark Wojahn to eliminate the Local’s five-figure debt. The Local’s existence today, is partially a result of many years of his dutiful work. He was proud to leave the treasury in the black when he departed the office in 2020.

Eddie retirement plans are to continue work selectively on Film and Video projects, grow his wine sommelier business, www.drinkwineandlearn.com and to spend time with his family and friends in MN & around the globe. If that’s not enough, go see Eddie play his rhythm guitar and harmonica in the band the Strolling Clones at Driftwood Char Bar and other area venues.

Eddie plays with the Stolling Clones at the IATSE 2016 All Crew Party at Acme stage

Ric Thompson: 490 Wig master, Hair & Make up has died.

Local 490 Wig master, hair & make up artist Ric Thompson lost his battle with cancer late Saturday night, November 14th, 2020 in Los Angeles. He was recovering from surgery back in August then reentered the hospital in early October. He had been fighting cancer for many years.

Ric Thompson with Carol Burnett at the Actors Fund Benefit (Photo Courtesy of Alan Muraoka)

During Ric’s professional career he worked wardrobe and hair on live theater national tours of Victor Victoria and The Music Man before touring with Natalie Cole in Europe. While in LA he pursued a variety of crafts including acting and featured extra work in "Charlie Wilson's War"," Dirty Girl", "Boston Legal" and his photos from age 10-40 were on the wall of a dead character in the TV series "Maron." He also continued working hair makeup on Actor's Fund Benefits. Even though he moved from Minnesota many years ago, he retained his membership with IATSE Local 490, telling then President Wojahn on a phone call for a swag item that, “Local 490 will always be my union and I’m proud of being a member”. In addition to acting, he was his family's genealogist and was pursuing a career as a genealogy researcher. He ran a successful food truck business when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2012. Since his diagnosis, he continued to work hair makeup gigs on short films.

His room mate and production designer Alan E. Muraoka said, “During his stay in the hospital, Ric wanted nothing more than to come home, and I was thankfully able to get him transported home on Saturday for him to pass, I want to believe that while he was not responding, he held on till he sensed he was back home before being comfortable to let go. While deeply saddened, I have a little bit of comfort knowing that he is finally at peace and rid of the body that has been giving him such trouble. I have known Ric for the past 15 years, sharing a condo in Los Angeles. I feel very fortunate to have called him a friend. Ric treasured all of his friendships. As per Ric's request, there will be no memorial service but I hope you all have a chance to personally honor him in your thoughts. Please feel free to pass this message on to anyone who may want to know. While I know his relationship with Facebook ran hot and cold, you are welcome to post his passing on there as well.

Local 490 is saddened by the loss of Ric Thompson and we respect his many years of membership in the IATSE. Special thanks to Alan Muraoka for informing the Local of his passing and for most of the contents of this story.

Craig "Rhino" Hanson: Electrican & Grip

Electrician, Grip and 22 year veteran of Local 490, Craig "Rhino" Hanson passed away at the young age of 62. There was a celebration of his life at Cinequipt, on 12/31/18 from 1-4pm. The film community of MN is all very saddened by this loss. "Rhino" had an intelligent, strong but sweet demeanor and will be missed greatly.

Craig was often one of the strongest crew on set. His nickname “Rhino” was given to him because of his infamous muscle and his quiet personality. He was well known to be able to hoist an 18K onto the stand by himself or to be able to break a gobo head with his tight grip. Craig was also one of the longest working electricians in town. His first MN feature film credit was shot in the early 1980’s -“Harold of Orange”. His most recent film where he was on the electrical crew starred Woody Harrelson in, “Wilson”. Craig Hanson over his career has done many commercials, movies and TV work. His last union gig was likely American Ninja Warrior that shot at US Bank Stadium in June of 2018.

Patrick L. Owen, Const. Gang Boss, retires from 490.

Pat Owen,  Const. Gang Boss, Carpenter,  Local President & Asst. Business Agent-Northern Minnesota retires from 490. Brother Owen’s experience in the film industry began in 1993 as a carpenter/prop maker on the feature film “IRON WILL” which was shot in Duluth, MN and its nearby surroundings. He served on many films; Fargo, Feeling Minnesota and others,  in the construction and art department.

He has served as President of I.A.T.S.E. Local 490 from 2007-2013. He also served as the role of assistant business agent representing the Duluth area and Northern Minnesota. Pat was also on the board of directors of the Minnesota Film and Television Board for two terms. 490 values his years of service and is honored to have him retire as a member of 490.