(and were afraid to ask)
The film and TV business is probably the most fun you'll ever have with your clothes on. True the hours are a little crazy, but EVERY job is new, different and exciting.
Where else could you share a donut with a Vampire, see a shoot out, watch two buildings explode into a fireball and five cars wrecked... all before noon?
Getting started working is a whole lot easier than you might imagine -- the problem, however, is the fact that if you have little or no experience (film school training or not) you will have to "donate" some of your time to be trained. Not a bad arrangement, when you consider you don't need a college degree to work your way up the ladder of success.
The film and TV technical crew part of the world is very different from the corporate and retail world you are probably overly familiar with.
Yes, you will have to do jobs like answer telephones, run projects around town, pick things up and a million other tasks. No brain surgery, just good old fashioned commitment to hard work. The payoff? A career and pay that few outsiders will ever enjoy.
Many BIG studio producers and development people began their careers in just such a manner -- as a Production Assistant.
Breaking in as a Production Assistant is not a "lay around" type job. To get anywhere (as in life) you have to put some time in the trenches. Give 110% and you will make it.
What's expected of a beginner?
Honesty
Be on time
Commitment to excellence
A cool head
What kind of money can you expect?
As a "newbie," little more than food and gas money. Of course, if you travel with the filmcrew, you will get accommodation. As you develop skills, you will get around $100-150 per day as a PA (Production Assistant).
How can I get started?
Take some free or intern jobs. Get your feet wet and see if this is your cup-o-java.
What next?
Join Crew Call and get PAYING Production Assistant jobs and work your way into specific craft positions. Did you know Grips and Gaffers make around $250+ a day on low budget (Less than $300,000) movies?
How do you move from a PA job another craft?
Watch, learn, and be helpful to those working in the craft. They will teach you the ropes.
What if I need to get paid NOW?
