Film Career Oppurtunities

just hassle cops with your camera till you get punched then sue the city

Weddings pay well, but you also sell your soul in the process. If you're fine with selling your soul and making trite garbage for a fat paycheck, it's your best route.

You could sell your soul, move to L.A., and schmooze your way to the top until you've made enough fake friends to nudge your way onto a set.

You could sell your soul and get a corporate gig getting paid 1/16th of the cash you bring into the company making papyrus titles for local yoga studio commercials.

The take-home here is that it's extremely difficult to make money in video unless you sell your soul. In that regard, freelance is the most noble approach because you claim full authorship (not creative control) of what you make.

Porn is also an option, which in my opinion has less scum and villainy than Hollywood.

lIllIWeddings pay well, but you also sell your soul in the process. If you're fine with selling your soul and making trite garbage for a fat paycheck, it's your best route.

You could sell your soul, move to L.A., and schmooze your way to the top until you've made enough fake friends to nudge your way onto a set.

You could sell your soul and get a corporate gig getting paid 1/16th of the cash you bring into the company making papyrus titles for local yoga studio commercials.

The take-home here is that it's extremely difficult to make money in video unless you sell your soul. In that regard, freelance is the most noble approach because you claim full authorship (not creative control) of what you make.

Porn is also an option, which in my opinion has less scum and villainy than Hollywood.

What he said.

I convinced two women I shot porn for a living the other day.

Landis hit the nail on the head, not a lot of money in it without selling your soul. I got lucky and made a good impression on the right people but even now I am probably still doing some soul selling. Your best bet? Get a good job doing something you like and use it to fund your filming until an opportunity arises. A lot of people like the idea of doing film, or they like filming skiing but they don't really want to do it at the level that can pay the bills.

You should really be raising the scope of your question, as the film industry is much larger than you may think. In fact, a lot of what you posted doesn't entirely fall under "film industry" either. The key here is research will give you plenty of help, as well as making connections anywhere you can. For example, there's a large difference between working on the production of a feature narrative film and working as an all-in-one videographer for digital marketing. An important plan here is to try to target the area(s) you think you MAY be interested in, and look into each one. I can offer more advice/specifics, but get back to me with what about film interests you the most right now (shooting with cameras, setting up a film shoot [i.e. urban night time shoot even], editing a ski edit, putting together a sick soundtrack for something, etc. etc.)

As far as making bank, that takes a while and a lot of drive- and knowing what opportunities you want to jump on to get you where you want to go. Most of these jobs don't start out paying well, and are hard work all the way along.

As for me personally, I freelance and do shoot weddings (though not as much anymore), corporate web content, digital marketing and so on. As for the poster above who said freelance keeps you in control of your content-- not usually true! you often are working a job someone else could be working, as a business sees it, and they will not hesitate to try to undercut you in terms of pay, or delegate work away to save money, etc. Working freelance requires a great deal of work on your part to keep client work secure and legal, and you have to really be on your game with delivering content that will keep them coming back (goes without saying). The freelance well can dry up really quickly too sometimes, hence the draw of doing larger contract work with a steady company over a longer period, or getting a steady full time position.

WestwardAs for the poster above who said freelance keeps you in control of your content--

I specifically said that that was not the case...

lIllII specifically said that that was not the case...

You're correct, my mistake-- a long day staring at a computer screen has me seeing things haha
however, even saying you will always retain authorship can be a difficult statement when freelancing. It can be very rocky territory if you don't know how to handle certain things.

Selling your soul is a hard pill to swallow, but being overly idealistic is a quick way to pass up opportunities too. It's almost impossible to be successful without ever compromising.

Like was said above me, your first step should be to ask questions and define what you want to do. Then your second step should be to actually try it. You can listen to somebody describe what they like or dislike about shooting wedding videos, commercial editing, or production design, but it may not translate to your desires at all. A lot of the people I know in the film industry (myself included) found a job they like by trying a ton of things that they didn't like.

The trick then, is to get somebody to open the door for you. I personally think freelance is a tough way to start out. It's nice to be able to pick your projects, but it's also nice to be able to pay your rent. You can always go freelance later after you've expanded your network and skillsets and saved up a little cash.

And try not to buy into the idea of glamour. There are obviously moments of glamour in film, but those moments are paid for by long hours of hard work and a certain element of fakeness.

HolteYou can listen to somebody describe what they like or dislike about shooting wedding videos, commercial editing, or production design, but it may not translate to your desires at all. A lot of the people I know in the film industry (myself included) found a job they like by trying a ton of things that they didn't like.

Very good point. My pessimism is borne from experience, but don't take it at face value because it may not necessarily apply to you in the same way. Think about what it is you want (pragmatically speaking), and think about the steps needed to get there. Hell, you might actually love something that everyone hates doing.

Making money in the ski film industry is pretty much impossible, even the guys you think are killing it (l1p, stept, 4bi9) dont make very much, l1p the most out of those but still. Stept has their "studios" side where they do freelance to support their company, aj is constantly doing side jobs to keep going. Only guys like tgr/msp/pbp make money but those companies do so much more than skiing.

I got a job at a TV station basically because I got lucky and had a decent resume/experience. The job I do day to day now I learned at my job, ski filming hasn't really played any role in what I do today, minus some editing stuff basically.

If you want to pursue film, whore yourself out or intern for a production house, etc. Filming skiing is a pretty dead end "career" unless you are one of the lucky few that make it in with a bigger company, which is very rare.

Start off doing some stuff for free, gradually get up to getting product/trade and finally you'll have enough experience where you can charge people. Shit aint easy, gotta hustle.

WestwardYou should really be raising the scope of your question, as the film industry is much larger than you may think. In fact, a lot of what you posted doesn't entirely fall under "film industry" either. The key here is research will give you plenty of help, as well as making connections anywhere you can. For example, there's a large difference between working on the production of a feature narrative film and working as an all-in-one videographer for digital marketing. An important plan here is to try to target the area(s) you think you MAY be interested in, and look into each one. I can offer more advice/specifics, but get back to me with what about film interests you the most right now (shooting with cameras, setting up a film shoot [i.e. urban night time shoot even], editing a ski edit, putting together a sick soundtrack for something, etc. etc.)

As far as making bank, that takes a while and a lot of drive- and knowing what opportunities you want to jump on to get you where you want to go. Most of these jobs don't start out paying well, and are hard work all the way along.

As for me personally, I freelance and do shoot weddings (though not as much anymore), corporate web content, digital marketing and so on. As for the poster above who said freelance keeps you in control of your content-- not usually true! you often are working a job someone else could be working, as a business sees it, and they will not hesitate to try to undercut you in terms of pay, or delegate work away to save money, etc. Working freelance requires a great deal of work on your part to keep client work secure and legal, and you have to really be on your game with delivering content that will keep them coming back (goes without saying). The freelance well can dry up really quickly too sometimes, hence the draw of doing larger contract work with a steady company over a longer period, or getting a steady full time position.

Thanks so much for the detailed response.
I am interested in more the Filming/editing side of video production and would love to hear any ideas you have on a part-time job in this field? I believe Freelance would be good/enjoyable however I am wondering how I can get into this kind of work? Do I just post my Vimeo page on Craigslist and say I'm a freelancer, looking for work will work hard etc etc.? may be a stupid question and obviously I'd create a more detailed ad. Any suggestions are helpful ones!

pussyfooterMaking money in the ski film industry is pretty much impossible, even the guys you think are killing it (l1p, stept, 4bi9) dont make very much, l1p the most out of those but still. Stept has their "studios" side where they do freelance to support their company, aj is constantly doing side jobs to keep going. Only guys like tgr/msp/pbp make money but those companies do so much more than skiing.

I got a job at a TV station basically because I got lucky and had a decent resume/experience. The job I do day to day now I learned at my job, ski filming hasn't really played any role in what I do today, minus some editing stuff basically.

If you want to pursue film, whore yourself out or intern for a production house, etc. Filming skiing is a pretty dead end "career" unless you are one of the lucky few that make it in with a bigger company, which is very rare.

Start off doing some stuff for free, gradually get up to getting product/trade and finally you'll have enough experience where you can charge people. Shit aint easy, gotta hustle.

Like I mentioned early though Evan, how do I enter into the aforementioned "free stuff"? Any suggestions?
Also I have a couple friends who's parents are in film and I occasionally go on-set with them as they are aware of my interest in film, is there a way I can gain "leverage" from having knowing/having a relationship with these people in Film? Is there a way I could use it to my advantage? Besides learning that RED's aren't used that much any more and that one guy's job is to push a dolly and he makes bank and that some other guy just solely focuses a lense for a living haha.

pussyfooterMaking money in the ski film industry is pretty much impossible, even the guys you think are killing it (l1p, stept, 4bi9) dont make very much, l1p the most out of those but still. Stept has their "studios" side where they do freelance to support their company, aj is constantly doing side jobs to keep going. Only guys like tgr/msp/pbp make money but those companies do so much more than skiing.

I got a job at a TV station basically because I got lucky and had a decent resume/experience. The job I do day to day now I learned at my job, ski filming hasn't really played any role in what I do today, minus some editing stuff basically.

If you want to pursue film, whore yourself out or intern for a production house, etc. Filming skiing is a pretty dead end "career" unless you are one of the lucky few that make it in with a bigger company, which is very rare.

Start off doing some stuff for free, gradually get up to getting product/trade and finally you'll have enough experience where you can charge people. Shit aint easy, gotta hustle.

Like I mentioned early though Evan, how do I enter into the aforementioned "free stuff"? Any suggestions?
Also I have a couple friends who's parents are in film and I occasionally go on-set with them as they are aware of my interest in film, is there a way I can gain "leverage" from having knowing/having a relationship with these people in Film? Is there a way I could use it to my advantage? Besides learning that RED's aren't used that much any more and that one guy's job is to push a dolly and he makes bank and that some other guy just solely focuses a lense for a living haha.

Yeah, volunteer to help that guy push the dolly, or ask if there are tasks around that you can do to help out, if you are hardworking and reliable there is always an opportunity to help. The last film I was on several people had gotten their start by simply walking on set and volunteering to work. If you are really interested in this as a career there are always opportunities to give away your work for free, just realize it can be hard to transition from working for free to monetizing it.

cydwhitYeah, volunteer to help that guy push the dolly, or ask if there are tasks around that you can do to help out, if you are hardworking and reliable there is always an opportunity to help. The last film I was on several people had gotten their start by simply walking on set and volunteering to work. If you are really interested in this as a career there are always opportunities to give away your work for free, just realize it can be hard to transition from working for free to monetizing it.

Should this transition be made in the like actual "film" industry or in freelance work, real estate, wedding filming etc?

SIMPLE.Should this transition be made in the like actual "film" industry or in freelance work, real estate, wedding filming etc?

You really have to play it by ear, no two situations play out the same. Sometimes if you have been doing good work as a PA for free someone up top will offer to higher you in a bigger, payed position for the next project. Sometimes someone quits part way through and they just need someone to step in. If you work hard, are reliable, and have any kind of talent, opportunities will arise. A lot of people say they really want to be in film but don't realize the amount of hard work and sacrifice it actually takes.

cydwhitYou really have to play it by ear, no two situations play out the same. Sometimes if you have been doing good work as a PA for free someone up top will offer to higher you in a bigger, payed position for the next project. Sometimes someone quits part way through and they just need someone to step in. If you work hard, are reliable, and have any kind of talent, opportunities will arise. A lot of people say they really want to be in film but don't realize the amount of hard work and sacrifice it actually takes.

thanks mane, really great to get helpful suggestions, I'll definetely remember oto work my hardest and be reliable in front of possible employers!

It's a very slippery slope.

First you need some actual skill set, my advice is get good at one thing. Yes you can be a maverick and learn how to be a one man crew, but by being a "jack-of-all-trades", companies that pay higher may see you as a master of none. Secondly, you need to have social skills and be fun to work with. I rarely have to show people a demo reel, let alone a diploma. However, if I approach a potential first time client with an idea/treatment, they may ask to see these things.

Part of my plan of attack is attending as many media oriented events as possible, and try my best to put a business card in one of the head honchos hands. I attend most of the major conferences, like NAB & IBC, which is an insane environment, not only for meeting industry people but making a connection with companies. Almost all of the gigs I get hired for come from word of mouth and through people I have met in person.

I have a big passion for music and all the people it takes to create it. Naturally thats where I started. I started reaching out promoters & artists, to ask if I could film the concert. This snowballed into many people noticing me personally and the work that I present after the shows. It's depressing to say, but more than likely you will have to start working for free, nobody can say no to "free". As your skills & network progress, you can start to charge people more and start to hire friends to help with bigger projects.

1. Starting off try to Intern/Work for free to get a grasp of what a real production is like ( be persistent in following up w/ people)
2. Be fun but be a hard worker
3. Attend events in the field you want to work in. Be a networker. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to anyone, people appreciate that stuff.

bhill2.01. Starting off try to Intern/Work for free to get a grasp of what a real production is like ( be persistent in following up w/ people)
2. Be fun but be a hard worker
3. Attend events in the field you want to work in. Be a networker. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to anyone, people appreciate that stuff.

Great advice. Following up is crucial and more often then not (if approached tactfully), appreciated. I can't even begin to list the number of unpaid projects I've worked on over the years. Interestingly, many of those have been the most fun and satisfying.

Networking can definitely be tough. Overall I'm a somewhat introverted person but you really need to escape that to be successful. The more you step out of your comfort zone and deal with success and failure, the less you will be afraid to do it more in the future.

The best advice I ever received was from my first video teacher in high school, he's single handedly responsible for my love of video creation. I owe him everything. His advice was to never turn down any opportunity. Obviously there's some exceptions to the rule (ie. "hey come film my nieces birthday party, you'll get free cake"), but who knows even some bullshit like that could lead to an awesome gig haha.

My first year I pretty much worked for free and low pay, solely for the networking. Outside of school I used all my free time partying and networking with clients and other industry heads just like me. As time went on I began to build a vast network of people ready to work, that I could pass jobs onto or help me out. You need a photographer? You need two cinematographers? You need this? You need that? I GOT YOU.

NOTE TO ALL...
It's so much easier to go up and talk to a big wig at a social event, where everybody is boozing and stuff. People buy business cards to hand them out... Just ask for one & follow up the next day. I have a shoebox filled with industry head business cards, and it's all from networking face to face.
I get a rush of blood in shlong every time I get asked for my card.