Did I Wait Too Long?

H

HollywoodDreams

Member
Hello everyone! My roommate Angenoux suggested I sign up here as I have been looking for a way to gather advice from those who have been where I am and are now where I want to be. I will try to keep this post as short as I can, but please bare with me as I tend to get wordy sometime.

I have been interested in making movies since I was about 7 years old (I'm 35 now), but for one reason or another, I never did anything with the passion I have for it. I studied Film at Columbia in Chicago back in 1994, but finances kept me from finishing and earning my degree. We moved to Vegas in 1998 and here, I've taken some acting classes & performed in a few shorts but my real passion is behind the camera. I wrote and produced a short, but the crew completely fell apart before they finished filming. They literally got into a huge fist fight with each other on set and that was that.

So, at that point I promised to save up, get some of my own basic gear and start filming things as a one woman show, which we all know is extremely difficult, even though I keep my shorts very simple location and prop wise. I'm not looking to win any awards with these shorts, I just want to practice and get some experience. I just can't seem to hook up with the right people to get it going because I don't have a lot of money.

I'm in a situation now where I can finally drop Vegas and get to LA to pursue this passion of mine on a more professional level. I think about making movies all day, every day and I have felt this way all of my life. I don't see the point of suppressing it any longer. I just wonder if it's a mistake to quit the job that I have and move to LA in this economy, without having the real experience to back me up? I know I'm not going to get hired to work on a major film, I really just want to connect with people that love to do what I love to do so I can practice and work my way up to owing my own production company. I want to write, produce and direct my own films. I'm not very interested in commercial work.

So, for those of you that have been in this position, if the "you" now could give some advice to the "you" then, what would you tell yourself? My roommate tells me to just follow my dreams, but at 35, I think I need to be very practical and careful with this decision.

Thanks for any advise/words of wisdom you guys can throw my way!
 
I don't suggest this because you're a woman, but there is a huge resource in Faith Granger, who just released her independently produced film, Duece of Spades. She detailed her experience in a sort of blog here on the forum, connected with fellow filmmakers and others who offered whatever support they could toward her goal.

There are several filmmakers like her here on the forum - ordinary people with few or no connections to the industry - who are driven and persistent, who have transitioned from shooting as a hobby to making movies and television for a living. It is why this forum exists.

Welcome to DVXUser!
 
Just Do It!

I hear your passion and feel the caution in your story.

I too changed careers at the age of 35, giving up a great nursing career and going back to school for film and TV production. It was a LONG row to hoe with many obstacles in along the way.

Ten years later I have had the honor to work on more than 75 film and T.V. projects and was lucky enough to win an Emmy award for Fox Superbowl 2005. (Pre-show graphics)

I am now making my own feature length documentary as well as continuing to work in features. (Most recently TRON, Real Steel, 2012)

It is all about the people that you meet along the way. They guide you and help you down the path. Be careful not to burn bridges, (as I have) it really is a small world.

There are many tough choices ahead for you. make sure to get experience in many areas so that you know what really moves you.

This really is an amazing industry and it is filled with so many people from different places with different ideas. Some of them are really cool to work with ;)

Good luck!
Brian
 
Thanks for all of the positive responses! I did see the Deuce of Spades thread. I'm in the process of reading through it now. It's amazing what she pulled off! I will definitely move forward. MotionFX, your story has me so pumped up! I'm ready to whip out my DVX and shoot my sleeping dog just to feel like i'm doing something. LOL! So then I guess going to LA now does make sense? Or is it better to keep trying to find people here in Vegas and practice?
 
HollywoodDreams said:
Thanks for any advise/words of wisdom you guys can throw my way!
Click to expand...

Very good advice about Faith Granger. Her movie website is http://www.deuceofspadesmovie.com
I would highly recommend you go to her website and purchase a copy to see what a real filmmaker can do. While there are a mountain of tech folks around here, Faith is the REAL DEAL. I've yet to see anyone do better their first time out. In fact her Deuce of Spades puts a lot of larger budget Hollywood flicks to shame and she did it on a shoestring.
 
Wait too long for what........:happy:

bettecalman.jpg


rollerblading.jpg
 
Unless you have been in a comma for 35 years then it could be better then ever to start now. Filmmaking requires life experiences so the more you have the better. Some people say you can learn everything you need to learn about film in a week.... I think you still need to get on some sets and get some professional experience though. I do not recommend leaving your job right now. You should try and find some shoots you can crash on the weekends/whenever they fit your schedule. From what Iv seen Vegas has a large TV industry and some films here and there. You should start writing and refining your own screenplays at home. I don't recommend buying any gear yet honestly. You need to build your foundation before you buy gear. Keep in mind that any gear you buy will be out of date in a year.

Stalk DVXuser for a while you will learn everything and anything.

godspeed!
 
There's people of all ages on this board. And all levels of expertise. Though the one common connection here is the love and passion for filmmaking, whether it's for work or for fun. I see more different types of shooting on this forum than any other I have been a member at. It's amazing the people here are so eager to teach and help their peers, it's pretty much like getting a top notch FREE education. If you have a question, and can't get help here, then ther's most likely not an answer.

So welcome:)
 
Welcome to the board! I would suggest not moving to L.A. You're already in a large enough market to gain exposure or do some work...moving sucks, takes CASH, time, etc. I think just doing it is the most important thing and Vegas has a ton of venues for you to explore. Also the WEB has become a huge way to showcase your talent as well.
Good Luck!
 
Hey HollywoodDreams, before you quit your job and uproot yourself for an unknown future, you might get in touch with some of the better Vegas crewmembers and get some good solid experience now, with the job you already have. There are a few key crewmembers out there who know who all the good folks are and can put together a solid team who won't be getting in fistfights behind the camera...
 
Wow, thank you for all of the great responses. I think I'm gonna like it here (sung like Annie)! It’s taking some time, but I am working my way through Faith’s thread. I am amazed at what she pulled off.

Steve, I agree. It does take life experience to pull off a good film. I’ve been stalking the forum since my roommate told me about it. There is so much information here! I have been writing forever it seems. I will start going through my scripts and see how I can narrow them down to something I can just shoot for practice with no budget. At least that way, I get started on something.

As for gear, I have the DVX100b & the Rode NTG3, which I was able to score fairly inexpensively from a guy that was upgrading his gear. I really want to gather a few small tools so that I can start practicing on my own and get a feel for things. Is there anything else I should pick up for now? I know things change fast but and I shouldn’t invest in a lot of equipment, but this work will represent me for the rest of my career. I don’t want to create something bad just for the sake of putting my name on something. I know it won’t be perfect, but I’d like it to look and sound as good as it can, given my budget restraints.

Thanks for all of the advice on NOT moving to LA. My gut was telling me not to go right now and do all I can to become a fish in the pond I’m already in, but I was torn due to the fact that LA is clearly where this industry lives and I thought it’d be better to hit the ground running with those that are already in that pond. If that makes sense…I agree with Pulpfiction007. The web, is a great way to showcase talent, so it may be best for me to start there. LA will be there when I have more experience and feel confident enough to make the move.

Mr.Green, I just want to thank you for your DVX book. It has taught me so much about the camera and although some would say that the DVX is old, I still think it makes a great camera. Your book has taught me how to make the best of it. I re-read it ever chance I get. If I get caught up in the new “in” camera etc, I’ll always be chasing new equipment. I think I’m better off making the best of what I have now. Any advice on how I can find the crew members you’ve mentioned? I was thinking of contacting the Unions, the film office etc. to see if there’s something I can even PA on. Just to get on a set and start learning. I’m just not sure of the protocol. If there is such a thing…?
 
I really don't recommend buying any equipment yet. You should buy a website and other essential yet non perishable/out dateable things you need to be successful. Spend some quality time designing business cards and posting them here for critique. Your main focus right now should be to just get onto a film set in the area. Sets are always looking for PAs and its a great way to learn how a set is run and meet people. If your main goal is to direct then you SHOULD never need to own any gear. If you want to DP then you can think about gear. Remember that rental houses are getting cheaper and cheaper these days.
 
HollywoodDreams said:
Any advice on how I can find the crew members you’ve mentioned? I was thinking of contacting the Unions, the film office etc. to see if there’s something I can even PA on. Just to get on a set and start learning. I’m just not sure of the protocol. If there is such a thing…?[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
Click to expand...

Contact IATSE Local 720 in Las Vegas, or better yet, walk-in and ask to meet with a dispatcher. If they are crushed, don't expect much (if any) time from them. However, if you can catch them when they are slow (perhaps late morning), you might be able to ask questions and add your name to the casual / non-member list. Ask what their jurisdiction covers - what trades? They may do everything in town from legit theatre to shows on the strip to some of the movie and TV crafts. Let them know you want to work and that you'll do load-ins and outs - whatever will get you working under their jurisdiction.

I walked into the IA in San Francisco with a resume in TV from Los Angeles, but they knew me as an AV employer and I had a very successful run with the IA. Play upon your strengths - do you know audio, projection, carpentry? You may be surprised how easy it is to find work under a waiver with them.

It is another way in - you just have to open the door and ask what you can do to help. It's nice to pay (employers shoulder the burden, for the most part) into a good health and welfare fund and contribute toward your own pension. I was fully vested in the pension after four years and, no matter which IA you work for, you can continue to pay in toward many of the benefits - hence the "International" name in IATSE!
 
Go girl ! Do it ! Do it !

DVX is your University. But the Set is where you will truly learn and hone your craft. Make films !
 
Thanks Steve! Ok, no more gear for now. I will focus on getting on someone's set, learning the ropes and making contacts. I do ok with design, so I'll work on the business cards and I can build websites as well. I'll get started on that this weekend. Fun indeed!

Erik, great advice about IATSE. I worked there in the office...years and years ago and I left on really good terms. I still know a few of the ladies in dispatch and in the office. I'm going to get some feelers out to them and see what's happening in town. I don't know audio, projection or carpentry enough to score a spot in the union, but I sure can wrangle extras, shuttle costumes and props, make phone calls, pick up a mean cup of coffee etc. etc. What ever helps, where ever I can fit in, that's what I'll do!

LOL J.R, awesome post! I'm trying dude, I'm trying!! Haha, thanks everyone!
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top