Hey, does anyone have any information on how to get a job in film? I mean I'd be willing to do anything, sweep, mop, get drinks anything just to get a foot in the door.

I'm in Jersey right now working terrible jobs and I all I can think is that I want to do something with my life. I'm planning on attending video production classes this fall and I need a job that will pay me more then 7.50. Anyone able to help?

Dangerous Minds make the most sense

Well, how far are you outside the city? (New York) I ask only because there are almost always productions going on there.

Here is my suggestion. Try and get in touch with your local film commission (and New Yorks if it is in driving distance) and let them know about you. Tell them you are looking for a career in film and you will do anything on a shoot (which generally means you will be a P.A. which stands for Production Assistant. This is a fancy way of saying you will get coffee and drive around picking stuff up.) Just ask them if they can direct you towards some local production companies, or film shoots that might want an ambitious FREE hand. (FREE is key. It may lead to pay, but most wont turn you away if you offer your services for free, and its a great way to make contacts for a paying job.) The most important thing is to be ambitious, do what your told, and show up! Just showing up everyday goes a long way toward confirming your character (especially with 5:00am call times.) Good luck man.
R. Michael

"Luck, is when opportunity, meets preperation." "There are 3 sides to every story. Yours, mine, and the truth, and none of us are lying" -Robert Evans

Tizzy is right. The best way to get your foot in the door is to do some freebies first. It's rare that people will pay for inexperienced help, even at the P.A. level. You probablly learn more on those first few free shoots than at any other time because people feel they need to pay you in knowledge.

Nota "Has trained a lot of greenies out of guilt" Mono

I wanna do the same thing this summer. I want to go to a movie shoot and offer my services and then sneak around and see how the movie is made. I need to learn this stuff.

Do you think there's a film commision for Virginia?

"Don't breathe or I'll kill you!"

Check out these websites:
http://www.cvfo.org
http://www.film.virginia.org

I didn't browse them, but it's a start, eh?

Screenwriting is a process, and it's larger than you are. It's a living thing, just like a relationship, and it changes and grows from day to day. That's just the way it is. Accept it and just do it.
-Syd Field

Do you know any film commisions in New Jersey?

Dangerous Minds make the most sense

This site looks promising.

http://njfilm.org/

Screenwriting is a process, and it's larger than you are. It's a living thing, just like a relationship, and it changes and grows from day to day. That's just the way it is. Accept it and just do it.
-Syd Field

Yes, anyone searching for anything... there is this thing called the "In-tro-net" or something like that, anyway they have these things called "search engines". You type it what your looking for, and they find it...

Ok, all sarcasim aside, you just need to type "Your state/city here" film commission and your off.

R. M.

"Luck, is when opportunity, meets preperation." "There are 3 sides to every story. Yours, mine, and the truth, and none of us are lying" -Robert Evans

Ha, thanks for the tip but after going there, that really only deals with getting your movies made from what I saw. I'm trying to get a job.

Dangerous Minds make the most sense

Tizzy, I'm too lazy to get on the internet and search for a stupid film commision. Who cares about movies anyways? It can't be that hard.

Besides, only loosers make movies.

Okay, the sarcasm aside, let me say this:

Why search for anything if AFC President seems to do it all for free?

You don't have a response worth crap compared to that. I win. MUA HA HA HA!

"Don't breathe or I'll kill you!"

Okay....

Screenwriting is a process, and it's larger than you are. It's a living thing, just like a relationship, and it changes and grows from day to day. That's just the way it is. Accept it and just do it.
-Syd Field

quote:

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Originally posted by Titus:
Ha, thanks for the tip but after going there, that really only deals with getting your movies made from what I saw. I'm trying to get a job.

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Yes, that is what Film Commissions do. They concentrate on getting production companies to make films in their towns, staying in their hotels, and eating at their resturaunts. If a movie wants to shoot on main street, they need a permit. Guess where they go for permits.

Translation: No "proffessional" films get made in your area without them knowing about it. Again, contact them. You can e-mail, but a phone call will probablly go further. Just tell them you are looking to volunteer for films, and that you will do ANYTHING. Ask if they know of any video, or film production companies in your area that might like your services, or if there are any features shooting soon you might work on.

Also, be prepared to be yelled at, belittled, and generaly brow beaten on set. It dosent always happen, but its better you expect it and it not happen, then be caught off guard. Like I said, be ambitious. A few more tips are "run" everytime someone asks for something, if you see someone older (like the gaffer) carrying things when they really shouldnt have to, offer your services. (this applies to anytime you are just standing around) and most important, show up at call time. Showing up is a big deal. Good luck.

R. Michael

"Luck, is when opportunity, meets preperation." "There are 3 sides to every story. Yours, mine, and the truth, and none of us are lying" -Robert Evans

Thanks alot for the tips. Have you worked on movie sets?

Dangerous Minds make the most sense