Andrew McCarrick
Carbonite Member
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Done
- Thread starter Andrew McCarrick
- Start date
That's the devil talking out of you! I know this because it's your 666th post.
You've been going about this pretty well backwards, dude. You can't start out thinking you're going to get investors, donors, or even product placement if you've never done anything before. Start small.
But maybe a break to clear your head and figure out a better way to proceed is in order. In college, you may actually meet people who can help you move forward.
You've been going about this pretty well backwards, dude. You can't start out thinking you're going to get investors, donors, or even product placement if you've never done anything before. Start small.
But maybe a break to clear your head and figure out a better way to proceed is in order. In college, you may actually meet people who can help you move forward.
Mark Harris
Pain in the ass
Your mom is forcing you into community college? How old are you?
But at what level did you crew on other projects? Were these well-funded, mainstream releases? Or were they other low-budget indie shorts?
Sounds like a pretty short resume, to be honest, but what did you do with the 5 shorts you've made? Many people work for years on dozens (or more) projects that seem not to go very far, if anywhere, just to get somewhere. It takes many years of hard work, fighting to make the right connections. Remember: it's not always what you know, but who you know, that can boost your career. The talent to back up the reference is important, though.
The other question: where, exactly, do you think you should be today that you are not? Big-time director? Producer? If you're getting work on paying gigs, on any level, you're doing pretty well. If not, you need to start looking for paying work and leave the free PA work behind.
I agree with David... take a break and clear your head. You're young, and you still have tons of time and potential ahead of you. Giving up altogether, especially now, may not be the right decision.
You can't quit at 22. That's how old I was when I had just moved to Los Angeles. That's about the age that most people start getting Internships and PA jobs... and still likely several years away from people taking you seriously pitching a million dollar project.
But it's not like a few years of College are going to kill your film career. Who knows who you might meet or what you might learn that might lead to good things down the road.
PerroneFord
Deals in Lead
Reminds me of Morgan Freeman.
Born in 1937. Got his break on a kids TV show in 1971. His IMDB credits listed his first work as 1964. Took him 7 years AFTER HE WAS WORKING to get anything solid going. First film role was in Brubaker (Great movie by the way and I saw it on release) in 1980. Sixteen years in the business before his first film role. He was 43 by the time he got his first film role.
You're 22 years old.
Come on.
Born in 1937. Got his break on a kids TV show in 1971. His IMDB credits listed his first work as 1964. Took him 7 years AFTER HE WAS WORKING to get anything solid going. First film role was in Brubaker (Great movie by the way and I saw it on release) in 1980. Sixteen years in the business before his first film role. He was 43 by the time he got his first film role.
You're 22 years old.
Come on.
Where do you live?
nice posting !!:thumbsup:
Can't help you with the lack of organization. Always make backup copies, and keep them in a truly safe place.
You need to get in touch with your local film commission. They're the ones who can tell you about upcoming projects that are seeking crew. You're not going to hear about projects on the 6:00 news. You probably won't find it in the classifieds. And unless you have some one who is really in-the-know, you can't trust word of mouth.
State MPT offices usually publish annual directories of available crew, everything from DPs to PAs, props, makeup, wardrobe... you name it. It's up to you to get your name out there. These offices also know which projects are hiring and which are shooting.
But if you want to have a steady income, you may want to look at local production houses, and even (yes, I know) TV stations. I started in our local NBC affiliate when I was 19. Considered it serving my time... I was glad to leave when I did, but I was also grateful for the experiences I got there. Whatever gets you a foot in the door, and some steady income with benefits. It may be grunt work for a couple of years, but spend that time actively participating and learning everything you can from everyone you can about every aspect of production.
And you may have a local production studio/rental facility that needs a tape op to run duplications and set up equipment rentals. That's not a bad place to start. We have one here in Knoxville, and I know folks who have started at the front desk running copies and have migrated into crew work.
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Jim Brennan
VHS Member Old Skool
I'll be brutally honest. If you CAN quit, then you SHOULD quit.
If it isn't important enough to you that you can't quit, it probably isn't the line of work for you.
Now, if you are frustrated, feeling defeated, depressed and ineffective, there's no better place for a pep talk than right here.
If you're serious about quitting...if you really think you would be better off getting up every day knowing you will never make films again...if you really think you could do that without regretting it like a constant itch on the back of your brain...
Then quit.
BTW, at 22 I was drunk and incompetent. I had no home, no money and very poor personal hygiene. i didn't even start making movies until I was about 37. At 44 I am a moderately successful owner of my own production company whose credits include industrials, commercials, shorts and features. I own tens of thousands of dollars of my own gear, and have a great network of other professionals.
Why? Because I didn't quit.
This shi* is hard work. It's frustrating, annoying and it monopolizes your life, often with no apparent payoff. Anyone who tells you different is selling you something.
But anything worth doing is like that.
I'm not trying to be callous, but I would not recommend this career to anyone who thinks they can live without it.
Oh, and one more thing. COmmunity College can be a great place to network with other people who love film...all while you get "C's" to stay on your Mom's health insurance. You can do both.
If it isn't important enough to you that you can't quit, it probably isn't the line of work for you.
Now, if you are frustrated, feeling defeated, depressed and ineffective, there's no better place for a pep talk than right here.
If you're serious about quitting...if you really think you would be better off getting up every day knowing you will never make films again...if you really think you could do that without regretting it like a constant itch on the back of your brain...
Then quit.
BTW, at 22 I was drunk and incompetent. I had no home, no money and very poor personal hygiene. i didn't even start making movies until I was about 37. At 44 I am a moderately successful owner of my own production company whose credits include industrials, commercials, shorts and features. I own tens of thousands of dollars of my own gear, and have a great network of other professionals.
Why? Because I didn't quit.
This shi* is hard work. It's frustrating, annoying and it monopolizes your life, often with no apparent payoff. Anyone who tells you different is selling you something.
But anything worth doing is like that.
I'm not trying to be callous, but I would not recommend this career to anyone who thinks they can live without it.
Oh, and one more thing. COmmunity College can be a great place to network with other people who love film...all while you get "C's" to stay on your Mom's health insurance. You can do both.
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1) You're in New Jersey. New Jersey. New Jersey. It's possible that I am ill-informed but so far as I know the Great State of New Jersey, for all its charms is not widely known as the place to start or maintain a professional film career. I'm certain it's possible but you'll catch more fish in the ocean than if you only cast into your bathtub.
2) You're 22. That's still young in professional terms. You could start all over from scratch with pursuing the career you want, and basically be on pretty much the same schedule as a lot of people your age who are just starting - FWIW I did not land my first professional gig (as a VFX model maker) until I was 22, myself. So starting at 22 apparently does not bar you from having a career. Plus, you're 22 with all the accumulated experience of various sorts that you have logged over the past few years.
3) No offense intended, but if you lose virtually all of your vitally important created content for lack of backup and don't learn about large commercial projects shooting in your area until they're done - you need to improve both your working habits and your professional awareness. You want to know about projects before they arrive? Odds are very good that you will find that kind of information in places like the Hollywood Reporter, Variety and/or any of the various websites devoted to tracking production nation- and world-wide. And get a backup drive. And use it.
4) You give up too easy. The Morgan Freeman story is illustrative.
5) You're in New Jersey.
It's worth it if the not-making-enough phase sets you up to get to the making-enough phase: Before you can sit in the Reichschancellery you must endure the years of struggle. And it's probably true that if your dedication to your art is not sufficient to keep you at it without the monetary rewards - you should pick a field that offers a reasonable crack at financial security, and pursue that instead. You can always indulge film making as a hobby.
2) You're 22. That's still young in professional terms. You could start all over from scratch with pursuing the career you want, and basically be on pretty much the same schedule as a lot of people your age who are just starting - FWIW I did not land my first professional gig (as a VFX model maker) until I was 22, myself. So starting at 22 apparently does not bar you from having a career. Plus, you're 22 with all the accumulated experience of various sorts that you have logged over the past few years.
3) No offense intended, but if you lose virtually all of your vitally important created content for lack of backup and don't learn about large commercial projects shooting in your area until they're done - you need to improve both your working habits and your professional awareness. You want to know about projects before they arrive? Odds are very good that you will find that kind of information in places like the Hollywood Reporter, Variety and/or any of the various websites devoted to tracking production nation- and world-wide. And get a backup drive. And use it.
4) You give up too easy. The Morgan Freeman story is illustrative.
5) You're in New Jersey.
It's worth it if the not-making-enough phase sets you up to get to the making-enough phase: Before you can sit in the Reichschancellery you must endure the years of struggle. And it's probably true that if your dedication to your art is not sufficient to keep you at it without the monetary rewards - you should pick a field that offers a reasonable crack at financial security, and pursue that instead. You can always indulge film making as a hobby.
Jim Brennan
VHS Member Old Skool
Dude, what does that have to do with ANYTHING?
Know what film school i went to?
GOYA: GTL
Get off yer ass and get to the library.
How do you know there aren't a dozen or so other people just like you in that CC? People who just love movies and want to make them.
One thing I know for sure. If you are looking for excuses to quit, YOU WILL FIND THEM!
maranfilms
Veteran
Believe me man, your down and bummed right now. I bet there's not a person on this board that hasn't been down on filmmaking at one point or another. I have felt like quitting many times. but something in me pulls myself out and I continue. WHY??? Because It's what I love to do. And im sure you feel the same way. If it were easy everyone would be doing it. Sometimes taking a break will reignite you passion flame, and you return fresh and with ideas that will even suprise yourself.
You said you have had a hard time getting funding and such, well, here's a perfect opportunity to take some marketing, and business classes. these will be invaluable to your career. GO TO SCHOOL. But, BUT BUT. DON'T GIVE UP!!! YOU WILL REGRET IT. you have come this far and have gained knowledge by working on sets and making short films. It's only a matter of time before it pays off. If you give up it will have been a waste and in vein. HANG IN THERE BRO. YOU'LL SEE.
You said you have had a hard time getting funding and such, well, here's a perfect opportunity to take some marketing, and business classes. these will be invaluable to your career. GO TO SCHOOL. But, BUT BUT. DON'T GIVE UP!!! YOU WILL REGRET IT. you have come this far and have gained knowledge by working on sets and making short films. It's only a matter of time before it pays off. If you give up it will have been a waste and in vein. HANG IN THERE BRO. YOU'LL SEE.
If you do well at Community College for a year or two, I see no reason why you wouldn't be able to transfer into Rutgers, which I believe has a Cinema Program.
That is the point of Community College, to prepare kids to get into a Bachelor Degree program.
Barry_Green
Moderator
I'm with Jim here. Film isn't for everyone. I think everyone does have something that they're excellent at, but many of us don't know what it is, and frustration comes from chasing something because you want it, even if it's not what you're going to be good at.
If you CAN quit, you should. Because there'll be something else that you'll be brilliant at, and you'll never find what it is, if you keep plugging away that something else. Chasing something that isn't gonna work out, is a recipe for a frustrated and wasted life.
If all you can see is excuses why not to succeed, then you will never succeed. If all you find is frustration and anger and disappointment, why keep doing that? You only get one go-around in life, and it's way too short to spend it being frustrated and disappointed.
For those who could never imagine quitting under any circumstances, this wouldn't be an option. But for those who could walk away -- if you think you should, you probably should.
If you CAN quit, you should. Because there'll be something else that you'll be brilliant at, and you'll never find what it is, if you keep plugging away that something else. Chasing something that isn't gonna work out, is a recipe for a frustrated and wasted life.
If all you can see is excuses why not to succeed, then you will never succeed. If all you find is frustration and anger and disappointment, why keep doing that? You only get one go-around in life, and it's way too short to spend it being frustrated and disappointed.
For those who could never imagine quitting under any circumstances, this wouldn't be an option. But for those who could walk away -- if you think you should, you probably should.
OK young man. Your mother wants you in college? Do business or something that will give you a solid grounding and meet people likely to be in a position of money someday.
Why quit? Will you be a college 24/7? Certainly not the same memory I had when I was doing my degree. Sure you cant take a PA job unless its summer break etc. But how long you going to do PA work for anyway?
What is it you want to do in this industry anyway? If you're only seeking fame and fortune, I would get out.
If you're doing it because you love it, then quitting has no place. Don't think going to college spells the end. As I said do something worthwhile that will help you in your endeavours at college and use it to help you move forward here and no it doesn't have to be film.
At 22 you're a puppy. Run around the yard.
Why quit? Will you be a college 24/7? Certainly not the same memory I had when I was doing my degree. Sure you cant take a PA job unless its summer break etc. But how long you going to do PA work for anyway?
What is it you want to do in this industry anyway? If you're only seeking fame and fortune, I would get out.
If you're doing it because you love it, then quitting has no place. Don't think going to college spells the end. As I said do something worthwhile that will help you in your endeavours at college and use it to help you move forward here and no it doesn't have to be film.
At 22 you're a puppy. Run around the yard.
TwistedLincoln
Veteran
So you were 13 when you started working toward a multi-million dollar film? And you're seriously suprised it didn't work out?
I think you're being way too harsh on yourself. If you were 42 and had been unemployed for 9 years trying to get something off the ground, I'd say you'd have a point. But 22, and your mom pays for your insurance/tuition? It's not like you're living under an overpass.
Though as others have said, BACKUP your data!
Hawk Teflon
Veteran
Just my 1/50th of a dollar here, but why not get a business degree at the CC? Having that degree will get you on a great foot for film-making. And if the film-making DOES flop ... you'll have the degree!
By 22, I had never picked up a video camera of any kind. I'm 29 now, and work as the videographer / video editor of the world missions department of the national headquarters of a denomination. My degree is in ministry, too. I have no formal training, but I read a TON online. I'm working on a feature with another DVXUser out here in OKC, and shooting a separate short this weekend. I don't shoot videos to make money. I make money to shoot videos. This is not an easy field, as you are well aware.
By 22, I had never picked up a video camera of any kind. I'm 29 now, and work as the videographer / video editor of the world missions department of the national headquarters of a denomination. My degree is in ministry, too. I have no formal training, but I read a TON online. I'm working on a feature with another DVXUser out here in OKC, and shooting a separate short this weekend. I don't shoot videos to make money. I make money to shoot videos. This is not an easy field, as you are well aware.
Scott F
Pug Life
Great point, great post. IMO, 22 is SOOOOOO young. You have so much time ahead of you. I don't have much in the way of a pep talk here, but man, come on.
And also +1 for what Max said…..New Jersey? Not exactly the film mecca of the United States. You can't make Palm Beach out of the Bowery.