As a member of
LinkedIn's "Film & Video Production" group, I came across a discussion that turned out to be quite popular. Here it is in its entirety (at least up until this moment, as it seems to be continuing on its roll.) It includes valuable advice from various people who are now working in the video and film production industry, and I believe it's worth sharing with my readers. I would also like to add that if you have not signed on as a LinkedIn member, you probably should, as it could be beneficial for your business. -
Patty Mooney,
Crystal Pyramid ProductionsI've been asked to speak at a High School Career Day on Film & Video Production. What would you teach kids who are thinking of getting into this business? Sources, links, all help is appreciated. - Peter Barossi, Executive Producer at Dravot Carnehan
It's rewarding. It engages you. You're part of a moving factory - You set up a city for a set number of days or weeks and then tear it all down. And another thing - all of this exists between long, long stretches of boredom and waiting. It's basically for anyone who wanted to run away and join the circus but wanted a scintilla of comfort along the way. I wouldn't want to have done anything else! And I would also tell them to be strategic: follow what's going on and set yourself up where you can succeed, using your unique talents and interests. And don't forget -- "It's only a movie!" - David Goorevitch, President, Javelin Pictures Inc.
For a short presentation, I'd be sure you hit concepts like: 1. A bit of balance, i.e. "Show Business" is made up of "Show" (the art) + "Business"... you can't have one without the other, so learn about them both. 2. A bit of hard reality, i.e. freelance life is sooo not 9-5; your work hours are going to be long. 3. A bit of hope, i.e. This is the industry of making dreams come true. Make a dream, and do the practical steps to get there (relate stories of the dreams you have achieved). Best wishes, Deb Patz Author, "Film Production Management 101"
I believe that your Father may have said it best; "Pay attention. Learn your trade." I believe that there are many young individuals who do not realize what the Production world is really all about and all of the effort, knowledge, understanding and daily learning that it really is. Many young individuals believe picking up a camera and shooting is what Production is all about, when it is not. I come across college students or recent graduates who may have been in Production for only 1 or 2 years and already consider themselves a Producer and or Director. I try my best not to laugh. There are also others who have been in production for a few years or even less and it finally hits them just how hard of it a trade it really is and want to walk away and switch careers so fast without continuing to pursue this wonderful world of ours. Maybe mentioning the plain and simple truth about production, the constant changes we have been facing in the 21st century but also the rewards that can be brought to us as individuals. I am sure that there are many other things that can be mentioned or discussed and I suppose it depends on the amount of time you have as a speaker to the HS students. Maybe you can just show them the glory of it all: Films, Spots, Programs, Virals, Branded Content, Digital Content etc etc etc. - Andrew T. Keech
Tell them to go into A) accounting or B) government instead. I've never heard of a decent (or even bad) accountant who was out of work. And government employees who stick it out can earn a tremendous living without working much... - Greg Brennan, Independent Marketing and Advertising Professional
I would teach them to have marketable skills outside of the industry. And seriously, I would tell them to learn about business. Too many of us "artists" don't know the art of negotiating a contract. - Steve Warren, Freelance Actor/Writer
I've been a guest lecturer at film/video classes at Colleges here in Chicago. My mantra, which is not well received, is "your degree doesn't make me trust that you know what you're doing". I tell them until they prove that they are up to more important tasks, they may not be qualified to even order pizza for the crew. Because if you screw up the lunch order, it's going to be a long day for the director. - Jan Hughes, Div. Mngr. Illinois Information Service at State of Illinois
Once you finish your career and land a job you might want to take the next step and marry rich, cause you might need it to fall back on. Actually , if you put your heart and sole into it and you're good with people you will succeed. - Richard Costello, Vice President - General Manager at MediaOne Services & Magnetic Image Video
Interesting comments but true. I think the strongest issue is having the basic people skills and integrity. For example, be on time, listen well, speak clearly, understand when to talk and when not to especially with clients around and know your specialty. I'd also recommend they all take a basic business class so they know how to invoice promptly and properly and run their careers as a business, since many will probably be freelance. - John Denlinger, Owner, Blackstone Media Group
1) Remind them that film making is a job and that it has hard work just like any other job or career. Point out some of the responsibilities, long shoot hours, stress of standing and waiting all day. Point out that it is a business and there are budgets, and lots of paperwork. Make them aware of both the issues and the benefits of working a project by project lifestyle and schedule. 2) Point out other useful skills that crossover not only into the film industry, but also into other potential careers. Computers for example are now an integral part of the film industry as well as a good skill for other career jobs. MachineShop/Engineering skills apply in building sets. Art and Animation a big plus not only in film making, but also advertising, computer games, etc...Also suggest they consider specializing in certain needed skills to make their goals in the industry more possible. 3) Tell them the realities of salaries for the jobs in the industry. Make them aware that you earn your keep in this industry. But at the same time show them that someone who works hard can reap rewards. A good idea is to point out how competitive the industry is and that there is a huge pay scale difference in budgeted projects. Not everyone can work on an A-level movie. 4) Tell them some side stories from behind the scenes that also makes them realize the reality of the job, yet the wonderful rewards of working on a film. Give them some backgroud to make them feel a part of your career. Some props wouldn't hurt either. 5) Suggest some resources, groups and advanced associations, networking tools (Linked-In comes to mind here), and show them how to find the info and personal connections that will help them to achieve their goals. Cheers' Tom... - Thomas Green, Radio/TV Broadcast Professional, Game Designer, Music Composer, Film/TV Industry, Marketing, Public Relations, Inventor!
Funny you should mention this, as my partner and I were on a panel only last night at UCSD, presenting to Communications students interested in our industry. We just gave them our own personal story, the "agonies and the ecstacies" of becoming a video production entrepreneur, and encouraged them to participate as interns while they still have the opportunity to do so; to find a mentor; to be willing to do the grip and PA work before they can step up the ladder to do the camera operation or producing. It's a wonderful thing you do when you can lend your expertise to young people. They were very hungry to hear everything we had to say, and some of them stayed an extra half hour to talk with us after the panel. The best thing you can give anyone is hope. With that small spark of hope that you impart, you could be helping to change one or many lives for the better.
Patty Mooney Partner,
Crystal Pyramid Productions
what a great opportunity for you! Congratulations. Tell them the job they will have is probably not invented yet. Also if they don't see people that they can resonate with today, don't worry, who would have predicted that a guy like Seth Rogen could carrry a film as a lead in a romantic comedy? Catherine Marcus, CEO at Tomcat Films
Make sure they marry somebody with money if they want to be in this business. If times are tough, you're first to hit the pavement. Gay Pinder, Communications Specialist
As one who from time to time speaks to university film students, and one who out of necessity now handles all the adminstrative responsibilities for the companies that I am involved with, either on my own or with partners, at risk of not being invited back I advise them to get a legal or finance degree, or both. When aspiring filmmakers complete film school they want to make a film but will know next to nothing. They will not have a clue how to identify and raise funding and how to structure the contracts for the various types of deals. They may eventually get a film made and if lucky even have it distributed in some form but they will always get screwed financially on the first few films because they didn't know anything. A high school teacher once told me if you are going to work you should get paid for it. This will become a necessity if they find that they really love this business and want to stick around a while. They can get their foot in the door of a legal or finance dept. at an entertainment company in NY or LA or even Nashville or London. Over time they will learn how films and television are made. More importantly they will learn where the money is, and how to structure the business plan to get it, and to execute the contracts to keep it. - Richard Sirianni, Co-Owner and Partner in Common Sense Films, LLC
I teach HS students Film Production a program "Quiet On the Set!" Most kids only know directors and actors, they haven't a clue about crew. Teach them the craft you know best and how it works in a team. It is all about passion and creativity. Good luck. Joan Gringer, Producer/Promotions Consultant at Joan M Gringer
TELL THEM THE TRUTH!!!! That it is all Lights, Camera, Airbrushing, and Action! It's Hollywood Baby!!! LOL. Meaning, the Gov. of CA is NOT as tall as he appears; The Greatest Action hero may actually be a gay; AND the female that just won the 2009 Oscar, was actually an "he" in high school! NONE OF WHICH IS TRUE!!!...(except the Gov. comment... BUT ALL OF WHICH IS HOLLYWOOD!!!! In production, we have the privilege, opportunity and responsibility to make the ordain...EXCEPTIONAL! INSPIRING! hell....DOWN RIGHT F* COMPELLING!!!! LOL AND if THIS IS WHAT THEY WANT TO TRULY COMMIT THEIR LIFE TO .... Then like my previous commentors, "Hard Work, Integrity, Puncuality, Creativity, TENACITY and the ability to do more than required!!!!!" pays off!!! That and really great Publisher and Agent!! LOL In all, Keep it light....the truth works best! I taught for H.S Pre Cal for 3+ years and I've been an Offical Bill Gates Scholar Trainer/Educator for 3 yrs w/ no formal teaching education background!!!!! (My crazy azz majored in Business?) But seriously; Kids (regardless to what age) KNOW when you B.S them!!! So be YOU! and Tell them YOUR story!! Remember why YOU got in this industry? - Emen Christopher-Olive, Owner of Intimate Professionals at Intimate Professionals
I do a lot of covering new media and where media is headed on my blog unconventionmedia.wordpress.com Check it out! - Eric Mofford, Film/TV/New Media Producer/Director
I've taught at Career Day programs, both on the HS and middle school level - albeit about careers in law. (I think talking to college kids about careers is quite different - their concerns are different.) But I think the approach I took (recommended to me by a very smart colleague) applies here as well. 1. Describe the basic skills required: working on computers with state-of-the art programs; extremely detail-oriented and task-oriented; enjoy working in collaboration with others - i.e., team player, not a big ego; etc. (you know what should be in this list better than I). If you don't have most of these skills, you won't be successful and you certainly won't be happy. 2. Describe the different career opportunities - e.g., working for a studio as a technician or a supervisor (regular hours, weekly paycheck, some job security from union membership, etc.); freelance (intermittent work and pay, no job security); working in TV or commercials; working and living abroad wherever there's a local film/TV industry; etc. 3. What's good about working in these careers. 4. What's negative about working in these careers. You can pepper this with a few anecdotes (those always go over big), but the kids aren't really ready for the nuts-and-bolts how-to of how to do any of these jobs. Their interest level is much more basic. Hope this helps - Peter Levitan, Entertainment/Film Lawyer - finance & production specialist
I have had the pleasure of talking to High School and College students along the way……….I give them hope that yes, you can make it! It is too easy to discourage and just say choose something else. In addition, now I ask them to look around the room, most of you will not make it in this very competitive and highly intense industry. You must want it and accept nothing less. If you just want big $$$, get out now,…if you want to be a big shot, get out now,…if you think after you earn a degree, you are owed a well paid, entry level position, get out now… The work is hard….the work is long hours…the work is extremely demanding…the work rarely gives back the dollar amount that you think you deserve. However, when your work is a part of something great that you felt applied a creative element from within, the satisfying aspect of that work is most gratifying. It is the latter passion that makes most go and strive for the best. My advice to most is to go earn a degree in business, marketing or public relations…..minor in Film/TV and get an internship!...The door to their dreams in this industry, and almost all highly creative jobs, is closed most of the time. Probably most of your fellow students will not be able to get in…..this doesn’t mean you can’t. Follow your passion for what you want, not what any other person thinks or suggests…..It’s a great industry to get into, and harder to remain in it. The taste of creative excellence is the reward that only certain jobs can provide……once you know it, no other path would seem right! - Henry Glenn, Reporter/Producer/Consultant at Henry Glenn Productions
Men..lovely topic. Lovely people. Lovely contributions. Thanks Emen Christopher-Olive. In NOLLYWOOD... I teach them 1. Ethics: -Punctuality, discipline, concentration, imagination, Team-work, and Creativity. I try to build their minds correctly with nothing but the TRUTH. With these, even if they leave the industry for another, they will forever be grateful to you for arming them well. 2. I give them some of my true-life stories from my 30yrs of HARD Professional Practice as an Artiste. It is a unique WEAPON, they always love. It works like magic, except if you have none. 3. I raise delicate issues such as: "Who are the Actors / Actresses / Films that they DISLIKE and WHY?". Its always very controversial because, "One man's meat is another man's poison". But it will enable you correct certain minds' set. 4. I encourage them to go for FREE Holiday Trainee jobs to enable them learn and equally Network with practitioners. They love that so much. 5. I encourage them to use their hand-sets or get a good Camcorder and experiment with their environment and activities. They enjoy it so much and you will be shocked what some of them will capture. It could make the NEWS or even commercialized. 6. Above all...Keep everything ' VERY LIGHT" like Emen C-Olive said. Thank you and thanks to other contributors Just in case anyone feels like connecting with me and / or NOLLYWOOD, please use this: vickezo@yahoo.com Vic. - Victor Eze-Okwuchukwu, National Secretary at CWC OF NOLLYWOOD
I am overwhelmed by all the great input. All of a sudden 50 minutes of time with the students see...'Peter Barossi, Executive Producer at Dravot Carnehan
Fifty min. IS short. You can only make 3-5 of the points mentioned above -- and disabuse them of the notion that they're going to spend most days with Brad Pitt peering over their shoulder, or inviting them out for a beer. Plus, you need to reserve time for Q&A at the end, and there's usually a lot of that - maybe 10 min. at least. Regards, Peter Levitan, Entertainment/Film Lawyer - finance & production specialist
Tell them to check out Freshiflix.com. Tell them to make movies, make movies, make movies. That's what George Lucas did. When he was 8, his mom let him film an explosion in the oven. My mom wouldn't have allowed it, but how else do you learn but by doing? Anne Turley, Film and Television Editor
Strongly second the suggestion(s) about mentioning what may (at first) seem entirely off-base to them. That is, their legal status in our social / economic labyrinth: freelance vs. staff...if there will be any staff employment in the days to come. In '82, I taught both at my alma mater(assoc / assist) & for an early trade school trying to specialize in production. Both times alienating the faculty which hired me, I devoted a full DAY to discussing the difference between, say, W4's, W9's, & I9's. Terms like "vendor." These kids will almost assuredly have never heard about these things. They hadn't nearly 30 yrs ago; imagine how poorly they'll be prepared to hear what you have to say these days, coming out of TODAY's post-apocalyptic education system. I've almost always been the one who speaks up from amongst a crowd of cynics. Ask a group from our industry what advice they give newbies, they typically say "Turn around while you're young enough & find something else." That's never been me. Until recently. Because the orders of magnitude of RATE of change (read: displacement & outsourcing) is now completely untrackable, anything to do with media is close to entropy. I now observe industry professionals (at the enterprise level), intimate for decades, begin conversations only to realize they no longer even have even recognizably similar baseline assumptions. For a newbie to compete seems virtually impossible; the wait for their opportunities is now many-fold what it was even a decade ago. Meanwhile, a "living" can be made at Starbuck's...so they do. My advice may sound counter-intuitive. Those who insist on trying this industry should examine EVERY career move in light of this question: "Can this activity EVER be outsourced, whether offshore, out-of-house, or by technology?" This train of thought inevitably leads to services / goods which seem unglamorous: stagehand labor, catering, etc. Yet the "stability" we knew will NOT be known by subsequent generations entering the 'biz. - Jim Conrad, Proprietor at JimConrad.info
I loved what Greg said: "tell them to become accountants or government workers" but not for the reason he gives. My father is a sculptor who taught for many years. The first thing he always said to his students was "why on earth do you want to be an artist? Go be a plumber, you'll make more money and have less stress!" He knew that it takes a lot of dedication and perseverance to be an artist, but more than that. If you can be talked out of it, you are NOT an artist. A true artist has no choice but to be an artist.I feel the same was about people in the business of film. If you can be talked out of it, you don't have what it takes. So go be an accountant or government worker. You'll be happier. Posted by Louise Mackintosh
Filmmaking at a professional level is a collaborative business and art. Young people need to gain people skills, collaboration skills, communication skills in order to be effective and valued employees. That's true whether they pursue work as technicians and crew members, or want to be on the side we think of as more "creative" -- writing, producing, directing.
I highly encourage motivated and (possibly) talented students to get into an undergraduate film/video or communication program at a respected and well-connected institution like USC, UCLA, or NYU -- although there are fine programs at other colleges and universities. These upper tier schools are much less interested (as one of them puts it) in the Star Wars parodies you've made in your backyard, than in your ability to write well.
So the most important message I leave students with is: learn to write. That involves learning to learn, to organize thoughts and messages, and to articulate them effectively. These reasoning and verbal skills are far more valuable in film (and in life outside of film), than knowing how to operate a camera or frame a shot or edit a scene. Those latter are things the university will teach you; what they want you to arrive with is the ability to tell stories in interesting and accessible ways.
They are also looking for people who are passionately interested in the world around them -- in people and issues -- and who therefor read widely and become engaged. If all a student is interested in is filmmaking, he or she will never be a successful filmmaker.
If one is less interested in the "creative" side (although, really, all sides are creative), and wants to focus on the technical, they still must know how stories are told and how to communicate with others, they still must understand the jobs of all the others involved in production, in order to participate in this very collaborative business.
One should also study very carefully -- and with the guidance of qualified instructors -- film history and criticism. Every successful revolutionary, independent, avant garde filmmaker was first a devoted student of his or her predecessors. We all stand on the shoulders of others. To dismiss Hollywood genre filmmaking and the dreaded "formulaic" approach to filmmaking is naive, but many students seem to think they're going to change the world -- without first understanding it. Can't happen.
Finally, as others have implied, don't get into this business for the money, but for the love of it. - Bob Kalsey
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