Biography

Patrick Priest was born and raised in Niles, Michigan. While attending classes at Grand Valley State University, he decided to switch his major from business to film. GVSU has a deep and rich film program. Crewing over 15 short film and video projects. Mostly as either an A.D. or producer. His career dreams started to take root on two semi-professional films he worked on during his junior and senior years: "The Freezer Jesus" and "Flickering Blue"; when he was fortunate enough to work with Hollywood cameraman 'Jack Anderson' and character actor legend 'James Karen'. Under the tutelage of Director Harper Philbin, these films went on the festival circuit and were met with resounding praise and a few wins. Patrick was the Key 2nd and 1st A.D., respectively on these films.

He graduated from GVSU in the winter semester of 2003 with a B.S. in Communications: Major in Film and Video and Emphasis in Film Production.

Patrick moved to LA in 2004 and worked as Key set P.A. on a AFI Workshop For Women short titled "Pickled". This led to being able to "day-play" p.a. and do background work on the 4th season of "24". He left "24" for full-time employment on the last five episodes of "Six Feet Under". The producers and A.D. staff cordially invited him back for seasons 5, 6, and 7 of "24", where he served as the Key Set PA in those seasons.

Patrick kept busy day playing through out all of the hiatus' from "24", gaining all 600 required PA days for eligibility into the DGA, in about 4 and half years. He moved back to Michigan in January of 2009 during the tax incentive boom, to try and take advantage of the required 3rd area days.

Work in Michigan slowed so Patrick moved to Wilmington, NC. Another hub of filmmaking due to tax incentives by the state.

In 2012 Patrick was granted entry into the Directors Guild of America and is continuing on his career path of working as a credited 2nd and 2nd 2nd Assistant Director.

Changes in legislation at the Illinois Film Office brought another move in '13. After 4 years in Chicago, Patrick, and his wife (Tarin Squillant, also an AD) decided it was time to head west.

Patrick and Tarin now reside in Los Angeles, CA since 2017.
- IMDb mini biography by: wuzpatpstylee