Film Industry?!
Question: I am interested in moving into the film industry. Not that I want to be an actor but rather something to do with production. I would like to hear from someone in the industry about recommended ways to get into it. School? Find a job as a lackey...... what do you think?
Answers: I am interested in moving into the film industry. Not that I want to be an actor but rather something to do with production. I would like to hear from someone in the industry about recommended ways to get into it. School? Find a job as a lackey...... what do you think?
The advice about being a production assistant is partially true -- it IS hard work. But it usually isn't unpaid, and it's unheard of for it to take ten years to get into a regular position.
It rather depends on what you want to do. If you want to be on the camera crew, then some education will help. If you are ok being a grip or set dresser, then you can start early by getting in with existing people in that field. Check with Hollywood Reporter's web site and see what's filming in your area, then call your local film office and say you want to become a PA.
If you want to direct, then there are two paths. One is film school, which is extraordinarily expensive and hard to get into. The other is to make some of your own movies. Robert Rodriguez recommends the latter approach, his feeling being that for $150,000 you can go to film school OR you could make four movies. Your first two are going to suck, but the third one might be pretty good, and the fourth one might get picked up. Now you've spent the same amount of money, but are a) making some it back b) have four movies under your belt, versus the guy who just got out of UCLA. Which one looks better to a producer.
Finally, WRITE. Write a screenplay. Write another one. Thinking about how the characters and pacing work will make you a better director.
Editing is something you can now learn on a PC or Mac, with relatively inexpensive software. Learn to edit music videos and industrials, and see if you want to pursue film editing professionally. And, like writing, knowing how to edit will make you a better director.
It's a tough job. And it can get really frustrating when you spend, say, a week dressing a set with five other guys, sweating your *** off in the hot sun, missing lunch, getting five hours sleep to be back on a forced call the next day, and then when the movie comes out... they've cut the scene. OTOH, the first time your name appears in the credits, it feels pretty good.
Good luck.
you need to look for intern jobs. You won't get paid but you will get your foot in the door. If you are single and can live on little to nothing that is a great way to get in. You can do school as well but you will still get a low end job you just might get paid a little for it
You can be a PA - production assistant - otherwise know a slave. You work your **** off for little or no money in order to get contacts and work your way up. It's kinda like prostitution - you gotta give to get.
My advice - get an education and get a real job! Trust me, working in industry for ten years and unless you are prepared to sacrifice a lot and you REALLY want to work incredibly hard, long tiring days there are better ways to make a living - not necessarily more fun though!
Find production companies in your area and get dialing.