I'm a film student trying to learn about the industry

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film4life

New member
Hi

I'm currently in my graduating semester in filming at the Art Institute and for a Portfolio assignment, we were asked to learn about the entry level jobs we could possibly take once we graduate. I'm working hard to try to become an Editor so I was thinking on researching the position of Assistant editor.

I've been making some phone calls trying to get informational interviews over the phone from either an assistant editor or a production manager (or anyone else who does the hiring). My problem is that I keep getting turned down and in some cases just get hung up on. I was able to get one interview but it's a face to face interview at the end of the month but my assignment is due this week (I'm still going but it's for personal rather than for school).

I was hoping I could get some help from the film community here. All I need is answers to a few questions (don't need to answer them all if you don't want too) and if you wouldn't mind, the production company, your position (editor, manager,etc.) and your name (just first would be fine or you could PM me if you want to keep it confidential). You can be working in a 200 person company or a 2 man team. It doesn't matter as long as there is a possibility of getting hired with the group.

Or if I'm asking too much, maybe some tips on how to not get hung up on or turned down? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks a lot!


Questions for an assistant editor (doesn't need to specifically be an assistant editor. Could also be editor or someone who works close to the editor or helps with the equipment or video decks or something similar).

What kind of product do you make? (features,commercials,weddings, etc.)
What kind of personality do they look to hire?
The name and position of the individual to send your resume too.
How did you get your job at the company?
What is the companies strengths? Weaknesses?
Does the company hire interns?
Any other tips or information you could give me

Questions for an individual employer (someone like a Location Manager or Production Manager)

Where do you find the people you hire?
What credentials/experience does the person need to get hired for this entry level position
What is your best/worst experience with employees.
How did you get hired on your last job?
What are your strengths/weakness professionally?
Any other tips or information you could give me
 
I'm afraid I don't have the answers to your questions, but I do have a question of my own for you. (And I swear, I'm not trying to be snarky!) Why on earth would a film school wait until your graduating semester before having you start to look at details of possible jobs in the field? Call me crazy, but I would've expected that to be one of the first things they covered -- "Okay, here's a look at all the different job possibilities for you. Be thinking about what you'd like to do in the business, and let's tailor a curriculum to help you prepare for that job."

Am I off the mark here? Is this standard practice for film schools? Not having gone to film school myself, I'm in the dark about this.
 
Edit assistant is a tough gig to come by. Its like guitar tech for rock bands. Of all the facilities I have worked (gigs ranging from MTV Networks to Fortune 500 corporates) we have never had a full time edit assistant. WE JUST HIRE EDITORS.

There is not a natural corporate ladder that says assistant editor then junior editor then senior editor. The shops that operate like this a very large firms. The best way to get a job in this industry is to take the first one they offer and work harder than everyone else and learn as much as you can from the guys who know more than you.
 
film4life said:
What kind of product do you make? (features,commercials,weddings, etc.)
What kind of personality do they look to hire?
The name and position of the individual to send your resume too.
How did you get your job at the company?
What is the companies strengths? Weaknesses?
Does the company hire interns?
Any other tips or information you could give me
Click to expand...
in los angeles, asst editor gigs are a dime a dozen and don't pay that great. $20/hour is the highest i've heard of. everywhere i've freelanced in this town has at least five, usually twice that. a surefire way to get one is to do what i did. years ago, i worked my way from a $7.50/hour runner to a $600/day editor in three years. i was an assistant editor along the way. two years after that, and i own my own company.

1. Motion Picture Trailers & TV Spots, DVD bonus features, EPK [www.sabicreativeagency.com]
2. the type of person they can ask once to do something, knowing it will get done promptly and accurately. they want you to be their "go to guy".
3. in my case, it was their "director of operations".
4. word of mouth. a friend told me they had an opening. i called and arranged to drop off my resume and cover letter in person.
5. it was a relatively small trailer house that was growing fast. which meant much potential to move up quickly.
6. don't be an intern. start as a runner/in-house p.a. for a post facility. then, tell them you want to work in their machine room. after they promote you, tell them you want to be an asst editor. once you are, start cutting spec versions of whatever line of business they are in (trailers, promos, etc) and show those to the company's producers/owners. listen to their feedback and make their changes and show them again. soon, enough... if you've got the chops, they'll make you an editor and pay you sh*t for it. the next step is to quit and get hired by another company that will pay you what you're worth.
7. ask questions. take the initiative at every turn.
 
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