Who does Hollywood turn to when planning to shoot an underwater stunt, an exploding ship, or an A-list actor on SCUBA? They call Jim Chizmar, Hollywood divemaster, marine coordinator, and founder and current president of the Local 80 Divers Association.
On Wednesday night, June 16, Jim will be the guest speaker at the monthly Dive N' Surf Dive Team meeting. He will discuss how he got started as a diver in Hollywood and how he carved out a special niche in a competitive industry to create the first association of Union divers, Local 80 Divers Association. Jim will share stories about some of his more challenging and rewarding jobs as well as show photos from his years on set - both above and below the water.

Jim has over 15 years of experience in the film and television industry, with credits that include "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "Get Smart," "Pirates of the Caribbean - At World's End," "Déjà vu," and "War of the Worlds."

The dive team meeting will be held at Lou-E-Luey's Banquet Hall on the International Boardwalk in Redondo Beach, between Naja's Bar and Delzano's restaurant -- and just across from the Pacific Star dive boat. Park in the Redondo Beach Marina lot (enter on Harbor Drive across from Gold's Gym). Parking validation is available. Admission to the meeting is $11, and includes a taco bar buffet dinner. Check-in begins at 6:15 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., and the presentations start at 7:15 p.m. A cash bar will be open for beverage purchases.

This event is open to the public. Everyone attending receives a free raffle ticket for Dive N' Surf door prizes. A second, $2 raffle will be held for a great SCUBA prize.