Working in the Film Industry

[jackierr]

Hey All. I was just wondering if I could pick the brains of any filmmakers who have already finished school. I was wondering what your experience has been trying to make it in the industry right after school. Have you been able to make a living with film or did you have to settle for a job doing something else? I'm a student at the University of Michigan and am a little worried about what to expect after graduation next year. I desire to direct, but I'm worried about being dirt poor. For those of you who have started your own production companies, have you been able to make a living from it? Thanks!

 

[smokeythebear]

Im a fx artist, But i can still relate. I would sugesst u whore ur talents out to people and make lots of freinds in the industry. Trust me im 15 and I have 4 movies lined up this year, 8)

 

[Agenda Productions]

Hi,

I finished school and was lucky enough to meet a gaffer at a Kodak course and get in with him.

It WAS my desired route to go up the lighting path to become a DP rather then the camera crew. Some may look at me and say, "ohh he's only working with a gaffer" but the way i see it there is only three (out of 20) of us working in the industry after finishing school two years ago. I'm on professional sets, whether it be commercials, features or Tele-series watching the DP operate, light, and communicate with the necessary disciplines and i really enjoy my job.

to answer your question about making a living.

Maybe i'm lucky but i have been clearing well over one thousand dollars a week for the last couple of months as a best boy and have just signed a contract for a six month job at 1200 a week. so yes, i make quite a decent living out of it.

It's more each to there own. Some people are Loading/focus pulling some started a production company with little success and some went back to working in hospitality.

If you like it, want to do it, are a good worker and have some brains about you there is no trouble in making a living out of it. the problem is when you say "i want to be a producer, director or cinematographer" sadly there will be quite a wait after film school until your making a decent living working above the line.

There are exceptions, yes, but most of the times you work your way up.

there are many success stories around and many stories depicting failure. You need to be positive, you need to contact relevant people in the industry, work for cheap/free at times and build a reputation as a good worker. Only then will you make a living. If you expect someone to ring you up and say hey, i have a feature script i want you to direct ill give you 1500 dollars a week only because you went to such and such film school your dreaming. Or if you want to start a production company and think clients will come flocking to a newbie film school company you are mistaken also. You can start a production company yes but make sure your working somewhere else. Dont put all your eggs into one basket just yet.

Most of all have fun, because if you don't, why are you going the long road?

James

 

[filmmakerstower.com]

After graduating from USC,

I managed to find a job as a special effects supervisor, eventhough I was not really qualified for it. I took it because I had started a family.

It helped me learn a lot about post production techniques, cutting edge stuff, which film school didn't do. A few corporate videos after leaving that job helped me find a director position for a tv magazine .

I directed a few short films which lead me to fiction...

It's only after many many years of tv magazine work that I was offered to direct a comedy series, and I am enjoying doing it a lot.

Always give more than is expected from you.