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Are there skills or personality traits that lend a person to picking a role to pursue?
I am wanting to go into Film and having a hard time deciding which to focus on (Pre-Production/ Production/ Post Production).
#film
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Natalie’s Answer
Hi Natalie - you might want to figure out which genre of film is of interest to you first, and then where there are available roles.
Are you willing to relocate?
Do you prefer planning/executing/organizing? maybe pre-prod is a better fit or, do you just want to be behind the scenes and see how things are made? production would be good place to start. etc...
If you are just wanting to learn about how feature films are made, you'll likely only see contractor type jobs available so maybe also consider how you want your pay/stipend/benefits package to look like and what you're willing to work for.
you are going to need to have a very thick skin and a go-getter attitude in order to be successful in this industry.
hope that helps!
Are you willing to relocate?
Do you prefer planning/executing/organizing? maybe pre-prod is a better fit or, do you just want to be behind the scenes and see how things are made? production would be good place to start. etc...
If you are just wanting to learn about how feature films are made, you'll likely only see contractor type jobs available so maybe also consider how you want your pay/stipend/benefits package to look like and what you're willing to work for.
you are going to need to have a very thick skin and a go-getter attitude in order to be successful in this industry.
hope that helps!
Thank you Natalie!
Natalie
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Hello Natalie G. in Chicago, Illinois!
I think it's very difficult to answer your question from a remote location without knowing you, your personality, your personal tastes and your current skill set. One thing I would recommend (if you have the time and energy to follow this advice) is to access community college classes at a reasonable cost at a campus close to where you are. This will give you a specific idea what is involved in various aspects of the filmmaking process. Some jobs (like in production) are very much group-oriented, and there is a great deal of fun and meaningful relationships that can build on a decently-run set. Post-production can tend to be a bit lonely, but it also allows you to work on your own in collaboration with a few key people. Same for screenwriting. The more you learn of the entire process, the better you'll be able to be of service (and thus in -demand) in the area(s) you make a go at.
Best of luck!
I think it's very difficult to answer your question from a remote location without knowing you, your personality, your personal tastes and your current skill set. One thing I would recommend (if you have the time and energy to follow this advice) is to access community college classes at a reasonable cost at a campus close to where you are. This will give you a specific idea what is involved in various aspects of the filmmaking process. Some jobs (like in production) are very much group-oriented, and there is a great deal of fun and meaningful relationships that can build on a decently-run set. Post-production can tend to be a bit lonely, but it also allows you to work on your own in collaboration with a few key people. Same for screenwriting. The more you learn of the entire process, the better you'll be able to be of service (and thus in -demand) in the area(s) you make a go at.
Best of luck!
Thank you Steven!
Natalie
Updated
Hank’s Answer
If you've read any of my previous answers you know I'm always trying to talk folks out of going to film school. And I used to teach in one.
So why?
• In film school, you will associate with individuals at a similar level to you. Sure, you all get to share, commiserate, etc., but no one there will help you advance in the business. How could they?
• Film school is expensive and you will be sharing instructors' time with dozens of other students.
So I always suggest:
• Take the money you would normally spend on film school and move to the Los Angeles area.
• Get an inexpensive room in a nice safe neighborhood -- absolutely no partying roommates.
• Use the money you didn't spend on film school for food, transportation, etc.
• Spend a little of that money to get:
1.) A phone with a Los Angeles number.
2.) A mailbox address on Wilshire Blvd. or similar well-known address.
• Find film productions underway and approach them--likely first as an unpaid PA. But if you prove yourself valuable, they will promote you and eventually start to pay you.
• Create your own "unpaid internship" at a studio of a major production company. Call Frank Marshall & Kathy Kennedy's production company and ask them for advice--they're usually generous.
• Work on creating the brand which is you--brands make it easier for some folks to make decisions.
• Don't decide ahead of time which specialty you want to pursue. How could you?
You can go to film school, but ask yourself this: "Where will I be when I graduate?" And the answer is likely: Several years behind the folks who dove head first into the biz.
So go out and "knock 'em dead!"
See answer above.
So why?
• In film school, you will associate with individuals at a similar level to you. Sure, you all get to share, commiserate, etc., but no one there will help you advance in the business. How could they?
• Film school is expensive and you will be sharing instructors' time with dozens of other students.
So I always suggest:
• Take the money you would normally spend on film school and move to the Los Angeles area.
• Get an inexpensive room in a nice safe neighborhood -- absolutely no partying roommates.
• Use the money you didn't spend on film school for food, transportation, etc.
• Spend a little of that money to get:
1.) A phone with a Los Angeles number.
2.) A mailbox address on Wilshire Blvd. or similar well-known address.
• Find film productions underway and approach them--likely first as an unpaid PA. But if you prove yourself valuable, they will promote you and eventually start to pay you.
• Create your own "unpaid internship" at a studio of a major production company. Call Frank Marshall & Kathy Kennedy's production company and ask them for advice--they're usually generous.
• Work on creating the brand which is you--brands make it easier for some folks to make decisions.
• Don't decide ahead of time which specialty you want to pursue. How could you?
You can go to film school, but ask yourself this: "Where will I be when I graduate?" And the answer is likely: Several years behind the folks who dove head first into the biz.
So go out and "knock 'em dead!"
Hank recommends the following next steps:
Thank you Hank! Great advice about the film school route.
Natalie
Updated
Amine’s Answer
NathalieNathalieEditing Post production will be the best