Job dillemas!

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dustdingo

Member
Hey everyone,

I've got quite the "dillema" here. Granted, it's not a bad dillema, but one I need to figure out. I am currently working as a Production Technician for a local smaller market TV station. I typically run cameras, edit short news v/o, and do some story editing. I have recently been offered a position producing local commercials for a cable company. This would involve relocating(to an area that isn't the greatest place on Earth) and leaving my established contacts in the area. I have done indepenent video production in the area for the past 3 years(the most recent year using my 2nd best friend, my HVX. :) ) I also should note that I am a recent graduate of college(finished up in May.)

I have a few questions. Looking at my future, I would like to be behind a camera as often as possible. At my current job I have the opportunity to move up to a Photo Journalist within the next year or so. I am wondering what types of advancement there may be for a videographer/editor for local commercials. There may be some from within the company(it's a huge media company that involves the words of a popular news magazine followed by the last name of some famous brothers in Hollywood) I know that in the news world there is advancement from moving to stations in larger coverage areas. The news job also cross trains for other positions, so there's the added training.

The thing I wonder, and I know ultimately the decision is my own(but I still would like input!), is what you guys think of the opportunity. The pay is almost twice as much, but if you do not think it would look as good on the resume or give me the experience for advancement, then that point is null and void. Any thoughts anyone?
 
cutting news stories is such a brain dead job. after a while it becomes cookie cutter work. plus there is always going to be more money in commercials than local news. TAKE THE NEW JOB!

btw what station will you be leaving because i want both ur jobs u lucky sob.
 
If you want to shoot news, stick with shooting news. If you want to *direct* then go with the commercials. Sure, they'll be cheap and local and poorly written to start with, but you gotta start somewhere.
 
That's a tough one, I'd take the commercials position myself. I imagine the opportunities for advancement are much bigger as a small fish in a BIG pond than as a moderately-sized fish in a midsized pond (if that makes any sense). Having to move makes it a big deal though, I guess you just have to decide whether your work or social-life is more important to you. Good luck with it all.
 
JasonFox said:
If you want to shoot news, stick with shooting news. If you want to *direct* then go with the commercials. Sure, they'll be cheap and local and poorly written to start with, but you gotta start somewhere.
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Exactly. There's a LOT of potential in commercials (A-list directors, actors, dp's, etc.), and any experience will fuel the fire.

No brainer if you ask me.
 
Goals

Goals

Well, up until recently I would have easily said to direct or DP. Primairly commercials and short films. The dillema is that since I've been working at the TV station, I've realized that I also greatly enjoy working in news. I love the job I'm doing right now, but I also realize that in all reality, there is not much advancement possibilities for what I'm currently doing(there is if I move into other positions, but that would not involve the same duties.) It would seem like a no brainer, but it's still a decision that troubles me. I will note that my Fiance is still located where I currently am at, so that plays into things as well.
 
My advice? Embrace the dark side! I am a long-time commercial producer that briefly left the biz to produce morning news. It wasn't for me. Well, maybe it was, but I hated getting up at 3 AM every morning.

A commercial production gig is a lot less stressful than live TV, IMO. You say the pay is better, so you got that going for you. Also factor in how much time you want to spend with family & loved ones. Right now my production gig is fairly cush, allowing me time to do what I want. With the news? You may be working on Christmas. (I don't know your full story, I'm just saying)

I might add that putting together local spots can also become "cookie cutter" work as well, but if I were in your shoes I'd go for that job. You'll get out of it what you put into it (and all that crap, blah blah)

Keep us posted.
 
I figured I'd let everyone know that I have accecpted the position and will be starting later this month. I'll let you know how it goes! I also plan to finally post some of my work on here. Thanks everyone for your help!
 
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