Film Student Resume

Eastside Parkway said:
How is that relevant?
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How is that an answer? I traveled with my department all over the place which led to a better working environment.

If your production company says "sorry but we found this 17 year old kid who lives there. He's going to do your job because its cheaper."... it might not give you a favorable position with your boss. Not to mention you lose work. Since you have specialized skills your department head will fight to include you in the budget.

Starting off as a PA is not "paying your dues." Many people started off as PAs, granted, but its not cause-effect that PA work is the end-all "foot in the door."

In fact thats what Im arguing about. I'm offering simple advice to get new members' feet in the door. Recognize the great number of other assistant positions that aren't so obvious. You guys keep distracting that issue with your pride of PA work. That's why the last point was so relevant. As a department assistant I was not overlooked or seen as expendable, when travel was concerned.
 
I just didn't see how travel had anything to do with networking. I'm sure it's fun and all, but it's not crucial to accomplish the goal that we've been talking about.

As far as I know, most people who have little or not experience can't just become a department assistant (unless they have some sort of connection). It's not being overlooked, it's just too ambitious for some people. However, being a PA first may open those doors in the future.
 
Quick thread summary

1. Being a PA doesn't guarantee future work as an AD, AC, DOP, Gaffer or any other position for that matter.

2. Being a PA is fertile ground for networking which may lead to future work as an AD, AC, DOP, Gaffer or any other position for that matter.

Did I miss anything?
 
as far as your resume, I'd just put the productions that were either most notable, or highest budget, you might even want to include the budget on it, if it was decent. Also, I try to take whatever PA jobs I can get because, 1 there, at least to me, pretty fun, and its some pay, and 2 its at least networking, even if not real good, you can still get some occasional connections out of it and thats always worth it. Good luck!
 
Well, it was not my intention to spur a heated debate. But, I really do appreciate the varying perspectives on PA jobs. Checking with Department heads never occured to me so thanks for that tidbit. My film program was more "academic" than anything and I didn't learn much as far as landing some kind of job goes. So, thanks for the advice.
 
I am with you with regards "The Industry would be a lot less cutthoat if more people accepted that.
You could not frase any better.
It's the fast food syndrome, no one like to go through the process, jumping from point A straight into Z.
It's nice to hear people that share simmular thoughts.

Much Peace & Creativity!
 
BrandonD,

My experience with film school was no different than yours. Most of the film theory I heard in my first three classes had no reference to the strict departmentalization of jobs.

This angered me since I had worked on a handful of productions. I had seen the hierarchy and the cutthroat attitudes of crew members. Instead of giving me an edge with specialized skills, the film program instead wanted to analyze everything from the perspective that you'd be doing it all yourself.

Find a department head you really respect. Learn everything from him/her. Let it be known, at some point, that you want to do what they do. I had the opportunity to train to become a special effects technician, or even supervisor. But after seeing the risks of life and death I decided to move on.

My boss almost killed John Singleton.
 
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Four Brothers maybe! This was 2005. Too much pressure in a rain tower. Caused it to come crashing down.
 
My 2 cents.

on every shoot I look for the most motivated PA that is helping in the camera, grip, lighting dept and pull them onto my next shoot into that dept exclusively. If that works out I try to pull them into a paid position next. So PAing works well for me to find people. Just make sure you are PAing in a dept you are interested in.
 
Hey BrandonD,

To answer your questions about what to put on your resume... put your film experience first, education and references last. DON'T MAKE UP ANY EXPERIENCE – it's alright if you aren't the world smartest person. And be HONEST about your abilities, don't exaggerate – you might get away with it sometimes, but when you don't you'll look like a serious douchebag. Tidy up your MySpace page, make it professional looking. (yes, I am very serious about that, people screen you that way now).

Include your work experience - even if it includes non-related retail - the fact that you worked and held a job is good to know for your potential employers. Good attitude and hard work apply to ANY job.

Other format suggestions - don't make a crazy looking resume with "designer" fonts, off color paper, or with like pics or anything. It'll just make you look like a pretentious douchebag with zero clue. Make sure you have a version that's easily copy and pasted to text... don't send attachments if you can avoid it. (Then there's the obvious, having good spelling, correct contact info, making sure your references are accurate and ask their permission first, etc.)

A good cover letter can often overcome your weak resume... but the same rules as above - BE HONEST and DON'T MAKE UP EXPERIENCE. Do your research, and don't make it a shotgunned/cut & paste approach... it's kind of obvious if you do that. Be friendly, upbeat, passionate, and SHORT. Don't give some personal story... in hopes of pity or whatever. Don't go on and on about your wonderful film education or whatever either. Film education tends to be a hot topic amongst film professionals, just don't give it any ammo, you know? (If you go on and on about film education, they may put you in their "annoying film student" category... which is not a good start.)

As to what to apply for... anything you can! It's tough out there. Not everyone has the benefit of being able to skip the P.A. position. But it's good way to network with other PA's... some people may not think that's great, but it is. People you work with "in the trenches" will be your friends for life as long you don't mess it up - and you know what? They'll be the ones who get you the good jobs later on. (No one in their right mind stays a PA for long.)

Just bust your ass, smile, and keep the complaining to a minimum. :)

Good luck,
Garrett
 
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