ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXNewbie lover of film desperately looking for long-term work in Film/TV even if it's expenses only. Could anyone assist me, please?
9 years, 3 months ago - Ishaan Gurung
Hello fellow members of shootingpeople.org! My name is Ishaan and currently employed as a Retail Assistant in the faraway-ish lands of Surrey. Being twenty-two, I'm starting to realise that i'm at that stage in my journey where I have two options to choose from: follow my dreams of working in the film industry or be stuck with a job I have no passion for. Having only recently fallen in love with films, I'm aware that experience isn't my strong suit, however as a Retail Assistant, I've amassed a large amount of customer service and administration experience which would make me an excellent candidate for an entry-level position. I've even got my own equipment (nothing boast-worthy): Canon 1200D, shoulder rig, tripod, Rode microphone, mountable LED light, various lenses ranging from wide-angle to telephoto. I have knowledge of After Effects: shot and edited a rough forty-nine second chase sequence (with 1200D and stock lens), a little bit of experience with Photoshop and Premier Pro. My education in Communication and Culture has helped me greatly when it comes to exploring meanings in films whether it be from the story, characters or even camera placement. I get a great deal of accomplishment when I watch a film and "get" what it's trying to say; relish coming up with wild theories. My A Level in English Language and Literature has also bolstered my script writing ability.
I've scoured various sites such as UnitList, ProductionBase, Indeed and TalentManager- to no avail. Therefore,I would greatly appreciate any advice or tips (or maybe even placements) as to how to get started. And please, feel free to ask me any questions regarding film (I would happily discuss Pulp Fiction with anyone :D). My instagram: instagram.com/ish.grg and vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user48695316
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9 years, 3 months ago - Dan Selakovich
Ishaan, working "long term" limits your options. But working for free--anyone will take you I would think. If you want to work "long term," I would suggest a distributor or production company. Don't screw around with the small guys. Try to get into a big house. There are many production companies in Britain that are run by big name actors and directors with production deals at studios. (Think Richard Curtis level). If you want to work in post, that's even easier. Found out which sound houses do large films and try to get into those. Leave out what equipment you own anywhere large you apply. They won't care. Don't expect anything but office work, but do tell them you want to work there to learn, and will do anything. During any downtime, hang out with the right people. For example, at a sound house you might ask the dialogue editor or sound EFX editor if you can sit with him/her while they edit. Most editors I know (including myself) are pretty open to teaching a bit unless they are on a really tight deadline. Think big. I don't know how much money you have, but the longer you say you can give them, the better.
Response from 9 years, 3 months ago - Dan Selakovich SHOW
9 years, 3 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
The job title you're looking for is 'runner'. It's the bottom rung, the first step, and where just about everyone started in film! The hours are brutal, the pay sucks, but you're working in film and seeing how it all works and finding what department you want to move into. Sites like this one, filmandTVpro, production base etc list runner roles - be prepared to jump in at very short notice, maybe a few days tops. It's the job where many people decide they don't want to work in film after all, but those who stick it out can learn everything :)
Response from 9 years, 3 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW
9 years, 3 months ago - ADRIAN SCOTT
Hi Ishaan, we're a 'small' guy (just in case you don't want to screw around with us lol). We offer work experience all the time and have some real projects you could make a difference on either shooting or editing. Get in touch if you want to screw around with us enquiries@mellow9productions.co.uk and we can have an initial chat. Check our instagram/mellow9productions and do your due diligence on us. Kind regards and keep it Mellow9
Response from 9 years, 3 months ago - ADRIAN SCOTT SHOW
9 years, 3 months ago - Dan Selakovich
Sorry, Adrian, didn't mean to offend. I just meant that moving up is a difficult thing. Having large film credits, even as a P.A. or runner will take you farther, faster. Any experience on any film is good, though.
Response from 9 years, 3 months ago - Dan Selakovich SHOW
9 years, 3 months ago - Ishaan Gurung
Hello folks! I apologise for the late response, currently juggling moving houses, work and containing my excitement from the positive responses and tips I've received, for which I am very thankful!
Adrian, I am ecstatic in particular - after reading and re-reading your post - and can't wait to get a ton of hands-on experience with your team, having watched your guys' shorts, behind the scenes and documentaries it honestly seems like a great place to sink my teeth into.
I will send an email asap to the address provided above. I truly appreciate the opportunity Adrian and, if I may, keep it Mellow9!
Response from 9 years, 3 months ago - Ishaan Gurung SHOW