What part-time jobs do you guys recommend?

Michael Solomon

Michael Solomon

Well-known member
So this probably isn't the right forum (my apologies in advance). But as an *aspiring DP/AC, made sense for me to gravitate to this forum first.

So here's my situation. In college I did photography part-time (was deeply in love with lighting). Though, I studied finance/economics. I took a job up in San Francisco at an investment bank. After a couple months, I realized I hated my life, and made the hard decision and moved back home. I then began the process of pursuing something I was actually interested in (film). As it stands now, I've been doing freelance DP/AC work for the past 8-10 months. The fluctuations in work are tough, but I love what I'm doing (and that's what is important right?).

Anyways, I currently live in Orange County. My parents were understanding enough to let me live at home for a while until I figured things out. As it stands, I'm sick of commuting to LA. My problem is, in order to move to LA, I need a steady stream of income to make rent. I'm lucky enough with gigs, I usually am busy on weekends and will occasionally land the odd one that shoots during the week.

I'm looking for recommendations on part-time jobs that are flexible around a shooting schedule. What has worked for you guys? Most of the apartments I'm looking at are $650-$850 a month. (anything cheaper and I would be in perpetual fear of getting mugged). When you add gas, insurance, food, utilities, and all the other costs, I figure I need to make about $1300-$1400 a month, or $300-$350 a week.

Preferably looking for jobs with a flexible schedule to allow to shoot when it comes up (I know I'm asking a lot). I figure what's the point in moving to LA if I'm always so busy that I can never film. I looked into waiting tables which seems to be popular in this town. But a) I don't have prior "experience" as a server, and b) I did the math and at 20-30 hours, it's still not enough money to make it each month.

So yes, sorry, post rambled far longer than what I wanted it to. If you guys have recommendations on jobs to look into I'm all ears!

Or even better, if any of you are looking for some people to work on set. . . . . =)
 
When I lived in LA I worked at an Apple store before I got a job in the film/video industry. It's not actually too bad as far as retail goes, particularly if you're a people person. The LA market has really high volume stores which means they've got lots of employees. It makes it easy to get shifts covered if a shoot comes up on short notice. A lot of the employees are also creative in their own right, so it's a pretty good environment to meet people who are willing to collaborate on short films and other projects. I worked there for about 10 months before I got my first real, full time job as a director of photography at Maker Studios and I think that was a pretty good way to make my rent every month. They pay you a solid rate, and even as part time you get health benefits, stock options, and discounts. Not a bad deal.
 
A camera rental house. You learn while you work. Best of luck, they aren't easy to get, but I got one when I first moved to LA. Was a cool job. Loved it.
 
I did and still occasionally do bartend. Had to till work started solidifying, ok it's not as regular as I want it to be, but when that happens, those tips save my ass.
 
The only advice I'll offer up is the same advice I gave my kids... If you don't like your job, don't quit it until you find a better job first!
 
I'd get into high to mid dollar used auto sales. You can make bank for a few months and quit to focus on your films and then go back to another dealership and do the same thing. No one will notice, there's a high turnover rate for employees. If you work hard and hustle you can bring home $5-7000.00 a month. Car sales is a paperwork process. You don't have to lie or be a super speaker. All you need is a pen to write them up.

I did this for a while before committing fully to being a filmmaker and it works.

You'll get paid more per car is you sell used cars. Depends on where you are but new car sales are about volume not profit.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top