Starting off

G

Gordon JL

Well-known member
So for an aspiring filmmaker like me who wants to find a job, what should I do, and how should I look for those jobs? Beginning video-editor, production assistant... Anything that has to do with film production or even television. Is there anything I can do to work my way up if I want to be a film director, film editor, and/or cinematographer? And lastly, where and how do I look for those particular job titles? I know craigslist would be a good start (they have a video/film section), but that's all I could come up with, and there aren't many jobs to choose from.
 
Starting off

Where and how should I start off if I plan on being a film-director, in terms of jobs I could do right now? I'm in college, but I do have some spare time to find a job for beginners in the filmmaking realm; I just don't know WHAT I should do, and WHERE to look to find that job. I guess for me, any job title would do, as long as it has to do with film or television; but the problem is, I have no idea where to look.
 
Hello major movie studio, I would like to be a film director please.


Unfortunatly, you have no concept of how the system works, "an aspiring filmmaker like me who wants to find a job....Beginning video-editor, production assistant... " , there aren't enough LOL's to express my amazement.

Sorry, but........I know you've got to start somewhere, but perhaps if you were realistic....
 
LOL Pookie you crack me up.

But Pookie is right. Have you tried Blockbuster?

Unfortunately, unless your dad is a member of the ASC you ain't working your ass up anywhere. It ain't what you know in this business, it's who.

Have you even considered fro one moment looking up local video / film production businesses in your area? Have you looked on Mandy or Craiglist for 'Crew Needed'?

LOL "Hello Film Studio." Hell Pookie, it worked for Ed Wood.
 
This is maybe just how it may for where I live but, you maybe should get a agent and what not show there after your work that you have done and hopefully she/he can get you work on commercials and musikvideos.
 
I didn't even know a Mandy existed... Thanks for the link though.

You guys make it like there is no way of working up in the business. But couldn't I work as a production-assistant, and somehow work my way up from there? That's probably a good way of networking also. Actually, I'm not even sure where you guys are getting at... How was I not being realistic? I'm looking for job titles to "work my way up" and ways to find those job titles. I'm sure there is a way of working up; at least, working your way up until I reach a ceiling, in that cause, then it probably does depend on who I know. Which is why I still need to know what jobs I could get, if only for the purpose of networking.

So what the hell should I do, and how the hell do I do it? I've already got production assistant down.
 
It's not that Gordon (Hell, even I still have illusions of making it in this business). Unless you are in a market that caters towards production (New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Vancouver, Las Vegas......................)

Where are you at?

Are yo making your own films?

Do you have a reel?

How old are you?

What is your experience level?

What are your goals? (Everyone wants to direct)

Competition is insane in this gig.
 
Gordon - as John has mentioned, help us out by telling us where you live. I mean, if you live in Podunk, KS, no offense to those living in KS, you probably don't have much chance. But if you live near or in one of the above mentioned cities, find out about local productions and try to get on as a P.A. as a start.
Have you done ANYTHING besides just "want" to be a film director?
 
Well, I guess my goals aren't really to get a job and to work my way up, but rather, to find a job in between college couses for the purpose of experience and networking (and paying the bills). I plan on transfering to a film-school, but until then, I need a begginer's job (although I don't live in L.A.). The film school will allow me to have a lot of experience and networking opportunities, plus I'll be able to make films there. But right now, I still need a job, even if it is a crappy one.

EDIT: I live in Sacramento, which is in northern california. I've also take a few film classes and video classes, and have made a few short student films, but that's about it.

I realize there are three things needed in the business; talent (which people say I actually have), passion, and luck.
 
Sacramento - Perfect, grab your camera and go shoot a documentary on how that stupid-ass governor or yours is further destroying what used to be a cool state to live in. You could be the next Michael Moore..........
 
Sactown? (Damn those KINGS were gonna be good; why'd they trade Webber? Dumbasses)

You totally should be able to get some kind of gig going on. Keep checking Mandy, keep checking Craiglist; hit up every production house in town; video and/or film. Keep making films, keep buidling your reel...............

If that fails? Get your job where you can pay your bills and keep pushing forward.

I "Want" to be as cool as John Hudson
Click to expand...

What'd I do? You're making fun of me Rizzo? and wasn't Arnold; it was Davis! :cheesy:
 
John_Hudson said:
Unfortunately, unless your dad is a member of the ASC you ain't working your ass up anywhere. It ain't what you know in this business, it's who.
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Completely untrue. It's entirely WHAT you know. The "who" does become important at some point, but consider this:

If you're a supremely skilled craftsman, with magnificent work ethic, superb skills, talent, and a great disposition -- you will never, under any circumstances, lack work. Anyone who meets you once will hire you on every production they ever do. And eventually you will meet someone, and those same qualities (knowledge, charisma, work ethic) will ensconce you in their circle very quickly.

Contrast that with the "I know everyone" model: sure you may know people, but if you don't know the "what" (i.e., you don't have skills), they'll throw you off the set and blackball you in five seconds flat. Nobody has time for name-dropping gadflies. This is serious business with serious dollars at stake.

Learn everything you can, become a master at your craft, and above all don't be a #*($(*&#@ to work with ('cause I don't care how good you are at what you do, if I can't stand working with you I won't hire you -- and neither will anyone else). Once you've got those skills, then what's the big deal -- just go out and meet some people. If you're an asset to the team, they'll introduce you to whoever you need to see. It won't take long (the whole "six degrees of separation" thing and all...)
 
John_Hudson said:
What'd I do? You're making fun of me Rizzo? and wasn't Arnold; it was Davis! :cheesy:
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I wasn't makin fun. I was serious - I wish I could pull off the sleeveless T like you do. Unfortunately people laugh really loud when I try that.


And I know it started with Davis - Notice I did say "Further Destroying".....Arnold is just doing a supurb job of finishing it off. Of course my opinions could be swayed by the fact that I'm a union guy and The Governator has done his best to step over the unions in his state.... but lets not go there................
 
John_Hudson said:
What are your goals? (Everyone wants to direct)
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HEY ... not EVERYONE! I want to produce. I wanna be a producer!!! Hey, wait a minute, we own our own local production company.... WTF I AM A PRODUCER!!!

:evil:
 
Sirius_Doggy said:
Gordon - as John has mentioned, help us out by telling us where you live. I mean, if you live in Podunk, KS, no offense to those living in KS, you probably don't have much chance.

This is very untrue. In fact, Kansas has a very active film community, specifically in Lawrence and Kansas City. An IFC release date for Lawrence-produced CSA is this year, and is also a winner at Sundance. There are several and successful independent filmmakers out in this area who are trying to build a Kansas film base, in some cases rejecting a move out to LA or other film hubs, as films produced here and several other parts of the United States are a hell of a lot cheaper than Hollywood, NYC, etc.
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Get a job interning, I had ZERO experience in the business, and I just got a gig interning on a TV show. They let me do just about everything. When I'm on set I act as a PA, they also let me work as an assistant camera operator for the 2nd unit, and as a field producer for the 3rd unit. In the office, I do work loading and logging footage, acting as an assistant editor, and as an assistat for the motion graphics designer.

Only thing that sucks though, is you work for free. But I'm getting great experience, and they've already offered me a paying job for the future. Gotta learn stuff somewhere. My recommendation is hustle as much as you can, make as many contacts as you can, and find work wherever you can.
 
Barry_Green said:
If you're a supremely skilled craftsman, with magnificent work ethic, superb skills, talent, and a great disposition -- you will never, under any circumstances, lack work.
Click to expand...

Barry this is so true.

I had a chance to PA for Martin Scorsese's new feature "The Departed" for 7 days while they were here in Boston (now givin I was paid peanuts, but they were tasty ones). I treated every day as though it was my first. Since I knew that there were tons of PA's hungry to work in this industry and I needed to stand out not by my ego, but by my humility. I needed this job in order to help me attend Tisch at NYU. Try to be as asertive with people that can help you , and keep your ears open, at the same time respect your contacts.

Again Barry said it right, there is so much at stake and you can't be all about yourself when thrown into this type of environment. They asked me to go to NYC to help PA as they finish the feature, but I'm sure that if I had worked with a mind set like they owe me something then I don't even think I would be called in for day two.

Good Luck and don't give up hope...see you on the big screen some day :thumbsup:
 
You'll do yourself a superb favor by working for a production company or a post-house. Even if it's just serving coffee or being a runner to start. I see so many posts on here from people on here saying they work for Walmart. This is not wise for a career in filmmaking. There are plenty of entry level opps at film industry related companies that pay the same you would make stocking shelves at Walmart.

Filmmaking is a business of favors. Get in anywhere in film and build contacts, do favors for people and make friends so they can help you down the road. These people can lend you their expertise, gear, studio time other industry contacts, etc.

If you make friends with the owner of a production company or a post-house and they respect you, your work ethic and take you seriously WOW that can do so much for one's reel, experience and opportunities.

And Barry made a great comment earlier...it really is ALL about the work. Become very good at what you do and people will start knocking. Just don't forget to market your abilities and get yourself out there.
 
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