Making Movies

L

legion

Member
I was wondering if some of you could give me some feedback on what it's like working in the movie business. I've been toying with the idea of learning how to use a camera and trying my hand at film making. So what's it like working in it, when it's more than a hobby.

I guess I'm kinda worried that I'm confusing the action and excitement that I see on screen, with what takes place behind the scenes.

Right now I'm a computer programmer for a bank, and it's pretty boring. Growing up, I definately did not dream of spending my days in a cubicle, I pictured something more like Indiana Jones, but this is more like Dilbert, but less funny.

I was watching the documentary Dreams on Spec, and it made me wonder, is this what it's like to work in film? Wondering where your next paycheck is coming from?

I don't want to bring anyone down, but I just want to make sure I don't have my head in the clouds here.

Thanks for the info.
 
legion said:
I guess I'm kinda worried that I'm confusing the action and excitement that I see on screen, with what takes place behind the scenes.

Right now I'm a computer programmer for a bank, and it's pretty boring.
Click to expand...

Well, it's certainly more exciting than being a computer programmer for a bank, but it's not nearly as exciting as it looks. On set it's a lot more waiting around for things to happen than one would think. If you're lucky enough to work on a big action spectacular then sure, there may be some occasional excitement where you run around and there's some big explosions. But 90 percent of the production work in this town is filming people talking...And yes, unless you're on staff with a major network, you will always wonder where your next paycheck is coming from.
 
Freelancing has it's perks and they revolve around freedom. None of us kid ourselves enough to mistake a staff gig for security. Truth is most freelancers are freelance because they got laid off at 5pm on a Friday at some point with no notice. At least when freelancing we can plan for the peaks and vallies... and care more about them.
Room to grow is the bottom line. Try to grow too much in a staff gig and, well that can be what sends ya home. Is it maddening not knowing when the next check is coming? No, not compaired to a real job. That would be maddening.
 
legion said:
I was wondering if some of you could give me some feedback on what it's like working in the movie business.
Click to expand...

It beats having a grown-up job, that's for sure...

legion said:
I've been toying with the idea of learning how to use a camera and trying my hand at film making. So what's it like working in it, when it's more than a hobby.
Click to expand...

If by 'working in the movie business' you mean mainstream film/tv production, learning to use a camera means either formal professional instruction on professional equipment, or apprenticing with a working DP to learn the trade that way.* 'Trying your hand at film making' sounds like a personal endeavor on your personal time as opposed to full-time professional work. The first way, you get to play whichever positions you like, when you like. The second, you'll pick an area in which to work (camera dept, art dept, production, VFX, etc) and focus your efforts there. You *can* work across more than one field, but they will usually be related ones...

legion said:
I guess I'm kinda worried that I'm confusing the action and excitement that I see on screen, with what takes place behind the scenes.
Click to expand...

When things get exciting on set, it frequently means that something has gone wrong. The actual work can be interesting, satisfying, rewarding, etc but only rarely - like on big-ass pyro day or major stunt photography - is it what I believe most people think of, as 'exciting.'

legion said:
Right now I'm a computer programmer for a bank,
Click to expand...

Well, okay, a dull day on set *is* usually more exciting, than that...

legion said:
Growing up, I definately did not dream of spending my days in a cubicle, I pictured something more like Indiana Jones, but this is more like Dilbert, but less funny.
Click to expand...

Film/tv production is very much like being trapped in the world of 'Dilbert,' only people in other trades seem to regard it as more glamorous. Although it's often pretty damned funny.

legion said:
I was watching the documentary Dreams on Spec, and it made me wonder, is this what it's like to work in film? Wondering where your next paycheck is coming from?
Click to expand...

I think of it as doing the Tarzan swinging-on-vines act, over a crocodile-infested river. So long as you keep catching the next vine, all is dandy. Miss a vine and you find yourself plunging toward the muddy water filled with things with teeth...

...on the bright side - at least, within the majors/union environment - the rates of pay kind of account for the possibility of work-less stretches. So long as you don't have an excessively high burn-rate, and are at least somewhat employable, you should be okay

legion said:
I don't want to bring anyone down, but I just want to make sure I don't have my head in the clouds here.
Click to expand...

Just don't think in terms of glamor and Ferrarris; think in terms of long hours, demanding work, intense competition for positions: a career in which you had better really love what you're doing, or you will be longing for something easier and more predictable.

You can make it, if you really want to and you're willing to make the kind of commitment it takes, to establish yourself and keep working.




* really, the one followed by the other...
 
Last edited:
I think it all has to do with the passion you have for film. Things may not always be "exciting," but if you truly love filmmaking, then you'll be enjoying yourself. I think the same thing can be said about any job/ hobby. If you love it, you love it. Period.
 
Think of it this way, why get paid to do someone else's work if you can earn money through your own?

I'm only an editor right now, but I do want to get a taste of writing, producing, etc.

I'm really really really glad I switched out of Computer Science back in college. :)
 
I think getting started is the hardest part. I read books for two years before ever being on a set, then realized that I didn't know anything and restarted the education process.
 
I can say at the very least that the quality of people you're likely to be working with is generally higher than in most other industries I can think of, in terms of personality. You're up before sunrise and going home long after sunset, out in the who-knows-where, so it really does become the next-closest thing to war buddies. Lots of smart, snarky, funny people. I've rarely had more fun than I do during shoots. Helps take the sting off knowing you're on your 10th consecutive 12-hour day, with no end in sight.
 
True. I guess I was talking specifically about on-set experiences.

Producers and development execs and financiers can be some of the most petulant, lacking-in-perspective children you'll ever meet. Not to mention the ones responsible for everyone working that 10th consecutive 12-hour day with no end in sight.
 
Hey, they're paying the double golden time...I don't particularly care if they're pleasant about it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top