Working as a LOCAL?

H

HomerS3

Active member
I've got a question for you guys. I'm in the running for a PA/intern postion on an upcoming big budget feature. They've requested a resume from me.

Anyway, when discussing this with someone in the industry they mentioned I should indicate that I am willing to work "as a local". So here is my question: What does that mean? "working as a local". Does this indicate lower pay?

Any help would be appreciated as I hopefully won't feel like such an idiot afterward!

Thanks in advance guys.
 
This means since it's not a paying gig (I assume it's not?) you will be working only on the local parts of the shoot. The stuff in your area.
That said, I wouldn't put this in there at all. If they want you to travel, it's most likely after using you locally and this is your cue to hit em up for expenses. Now your in the system and thats one small step away from employment.
Never put anything that limits you in a resume.
Also, keep it one page long. Maybe your references on a second but having to sift through page after page of details is a bummer for employers in a hurry... and all of em are.
 
Usually working as "local hire" means that they aren't going to be paying for hotels or travel. If you were a "local" you'd have your own car and house/apartment, right? Whereas imported crew need to be housed and have cars.

So working as a local means no pay for those type of things.
 
"Working as a local" means you are willing to pay for the opportunity to work. You pay for hotel, car, food, gas and all sorts of other things. It depends on how bad you think you need the job. It usually doesn't work out for you.
 
I appreciate the responses guys. So it appears to mean that I will work without compensation for housing and food. Honestly, I feel this opportunity is big enough that I would be fine with that!

Thanks for informing me. I feel a little smarter now...
 
I plan on attaching a cover letter and possibly a reference letter. You guys think that's a solid idea, or is it too much?

I'm just trying to convey as much as I can in as little as I can, as fast as I can! Thanks again.
 
Just to interject. Local crew is often hired into IA features in supporting positions under the keys. So, your DP (and all the IA600 crew for that matter), the DGA crew and department heads are from LA or NY but the vast majority of the below-the-line positions are hired locally to save on fringes and other incidentals like hotel rooms, per diems and travel days et-cetera. The IA always has pre-negotiated jurisdictional agreements for companies traveling into other markets where the IA has a local presence. Your local business agent or dispatcher is the best person to talk to in these situations, especially if they're coordinating the local end of the show for the IA department heads and PM.

It does not normally indicate that you wouldn't be paid. It means that you can go home at night and that you don't need all the IA boiler-plate agreement fringes to work a solid ten hour day.

Often, you can negotiate that you will have mileage, per diems, lodging and so forth if the company moves beyond thirty miles from your location (e.g., you live in Reno, NV where most of the principal photography is happening, but then the company asks you to work up in Donner for a week).

This situation would negate your local status and you should be able to easily negotiate fringes and incidentals appropriate to your new status.

e
 
My first job in the film industry was as the Apprentice Editor on U-TURN (Oliver Stone). I was a "local hire," meaning that I lived locally. I didn't get a per diem for food nor gas expenses...but it did get me into the Union...and lead to more work.

Well...I lie. I and several other students worked on A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT and FAR AND AWAY as local hires. But as PAs and GREENS KEEPERS and such. But just being on the set and seeing how things are done is a HUGE opportunity.
 
Being that you indicated it is a PA/intern position, chances are it is already low or no pay. So I think it could be a huge mistake to indicate on your resume you would work as a local, unless you live in the area where the movie is being shot. Lets say you live in LA and the movie is shot in New York. You get the job and accept the $100 a day pay offer. Now you have to get yourself to NY, pay for accomadation, transport to and from the set and any meals outside of shoot days. That will be an expensive job, although it may work out better than spending the money on film school.
 
For credit purposes, simply indicate the name of the show and your position on it. Local or not, it's likely to qualify for your IMDB. For whatever everyone thinks about IMDB, it is something that producers are looking at.

I don't maintain mine, but it continues to build through contractual doings not of my initiation. Not a bad deal for how erroneous a site it can be.

e
 
I agree with Overland Films. They seem to be giving advice from experience and it seems you want the chance realy bad. You can look up IATSE on your internet. They will give you the list of names and numbers localy. Good luck!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top