Does anyone here work in the film industry?

[Member-275053]

[Todd Tomorrow]

I work in digital animation and effects for film, TV and commercials. Obviously if you want to work your way towards story-boarding or the art department you should have very strong drawing and design skills. It would be rare to impossible to switch from a completely unrelated industry into film, unless maybe you know people who make small independent films and then that would involve working for no or little money. The film industry is one of the most competitive industries out there and not that easy to get into. Be prepared to start out with woking for no money at first. If you work and are established in a related field like graphic design, it would be easier and you could send you portfolio to production, but remember that you have hundreds to thousands of competitors and you really need a talent to stand out (and/or connections)

[Brewski]

I worked in post-production(film) for 15 years, now I build the offers that are redeemed on Flixster/Ultraviolet

[Member-275053]

Originally Posted by Todd Tomorrow

I work in digital animation and effects for film, TV and commercials. Obviously if you want to work your way towards story-boarding or the art department you should have very strong drawing and design skills. It would be rare to impossible to switch from a completely unrelated industry into film, unless maybe you know people who make small independent films and then that would involve working for no or little money. The film industry is one of the most competitive industries out there and not that easy to get into. Be prepared to start out with woking for no money at first. If you work and are established in a related field like graphic design, it would be easier and you could send you portfolio to production, but remember that you have hundreds to thousands of competitors and you really need a talent to stand out (and/or connections)

I understand how competitive the industry can be (coming from a similarly competitive industry...architecture). I don't have any connections, so I will have to work hard and hope my talent as an artist can open some doors. Thank you for your response.

P.S. What films have your worked on? If you don't mind sharing.

[Member-275053]

Originally Posted by Brewski

I worked in post-production(film) for 15 years, now I build the offers that are redeemed on Flixster/Ultraviolet

Well, that's interesting. How did you get into the industry? What was your educational background or work experience? Why/How did you transition to your current position?

[Ben_UK]

I used to, but quit for a number of reasons. Ive worked for the BBC and Channel 4, and done some smaller indie films, but nothing "blockbuster" sized etc. Ive had a career change, but I still do some photography work on the side.

[Member-275053]

Originally Posted by Ben_UK

I used to, but quit for a number of reasons. Ive worked for the BBC and Channel 4, and done some smaller indie films, but nothing "blockbuster" sized etc. Ive had a career change, but I still do some photography work on the side.

What did you do in the industry? Was it film photography? What were the reasons you quit?

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by wormraper

yup, I do... but I don't know what tier you would count "fluffer" as

Damnit, I was going to say, "Does fantasizing about being Scarlett Johansson's PA count?"

OH well.

[The Great Owl]

I worked a 13-hour day as an extra in a major film production a couple of months ago, because a local casting company was asking for experienced trail runners, marathon runners, etc. I received a paycheck about a month later that I used to buy the Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman Criterion Blu-ray set.

I'm sworn to secrecy on the specifics for now, but I had an amazing time working in close vicinity with some major actors and observing a big movie production firsthand.

I'm glad that I fulfilled this particular item on my bucket list.

I would encourage you to get in touch with a local casting company and work as an extra if you are able to do so. While I wouldn't call consider it an entry into a film career in itself, it is a good way to observe the process of filmmaking.

[BobbyMcGee]

I know a lot of people who work in quality control for digital content and others who do post-production work (mostly editing).

I know a few people who are actors (not famous) and also a few others who work regularly as extras.

Finally, I know a number of people who are studying film production and are interested in entering into the field. Oh, I also know a few people who work regularly (and for some time now) as production assistants.

I am not in the film industry but I work at a location that has been used countless times in film and television. I have also worked while quite a few films and television episodes were filmed and have seen and met numerous famous actors (for what its worth).

While I love film and even have a degree in film (B.A. in Film Theory & Criticism) I don't find production work particularly interesting. Personally, I would prefer to do archival or restoration work. If I did enter into film-making, I could see myself doing post-production work. I also have a few ideas for scripts but I think I need to invest more time becoming a better writer before I explore that route.

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by BobbyMcGee

I know a lot of people who work in quality control for digital content and others who do post-production work (mostly editing).

I know a few people who are actors (not famous) and also a few others who work regularly as extras.

Finally, I know a number of people who are studying film production and are interested in entering into the field. Oh, I also know a few people who work regularly (and for some time now) as production assistants.

I am not in the film industry but I work at a location that has been used countless times in film and television. I have also worked while quite a few films and television episodes were filmed and have seen and met numerous famous actors (for what its worth).

While I love film and even have a degree in film (B.A. in Film Theory & Criticism) I don't find production work particularly interesting. Personally, I would prefer to do archival or restoration work. If I did enter into film-making, I could see myself doing post-production work. I also have a few ideas for scripts but I think I need to invest more time becoming a better writer before I explore that route.

I'm working on a "Scream"-like slasher script as well as some almost dialogue-less very depressing story about a woman and alcoholism, and I came to the same conclusion: I need to fix up a lot of my skills before I can finish at least the second one.

[Member-275053]

Originally Posted by BobbyMcGee

I know a lot of people who work in quality control for digital content and others who do post-production work (mostly editing).

I know a few people who are actors (not famous) and also a few others who work regularly as extras.

Finally, I know a number of people who are studying film production and are interested in entering into the field. Oh, I also know a few people who work regularly (and for some time now) as production assistants.

I am not in the film industry but I work at a location that has been used countless times in film and television. I have also worked while quite a few films and television episodes were filmed and have seen and met numerous famous actors (for what its worth).

While I love film and even have a degree in film (B.A. in Film Theory & Criticism) I don't find production work particularly interesting. Personally, I would prefer to do archival or restoration work. If I did enter into film-making, I could see myself doing post-production work. I also have a few ideas for scripts but I think I need to invest more time becoming a better writer before I explore that route.

Interesting. I wasn't aware that such a degree existed. How is it applicable to your current job?

[onyxbfly]

I've done security on a few music video sets. Nothing grand LOL. I would love to get into the tech side of things, stage hand, lighting etc

[noapologies]

I'm George Clooney

But, seriously there is an insiders thread, but its not very active.

https://forum.blu-ray.com/forumdisplay.php?f=61

[BobbyMcGee]

Originally Posted by AaronJ

I'm working on a "Scream"-like slasher script as well as some almost dialogue-less very depressing story about a woman and alcoholism, and I came to the same conclusion: I need to fix up a lot of my skills before I can finish at least the second one.

I have a science fiction script (set in the not too distant future) that I pitched as a class project and it was received quite well. I believe it has potential but I am stuck on a few plot points at the moment. I think if I work through it as a short story for a while I may be able to get them ironed out somewhat. Interesting thing about writing though is how apparent your shortcomings as a writer become. I still have a long way to go if I want to live up to the standard I've set for myself.

[BobbyMcGee]

Originally Posted by JWFORD

Interesting. I wasn't aware that such a degree existed. How is it applicable to your current job?

It does not apply to my current job. I have a number of routes I am currently exploring in regards to my degree. Most involve graduate school. I also have an opportunity to go in a completely different direction as well that does not involve film. If that happens, I am fine with that as well. I am o.k. with film remaining my primary hobby and passion.

As far as film-making goes, my degree did not provide me with the technical skills necessary to enter into production but I feel that, due to my degree, I have a solid foundation if I chose to go that route. Most of the technical skills I can learn on my own, seek advice from my friends, or take classes at a number of community colleges in my area. Learning the technical skills of film-making was never really a worry.

The only skill I would have liked to learn while at a four year university was screenwriting. But the upper division courses at my school for screenwriting were far too specialized (required too many pre-requisites) for anyone but a screenwriter major to enroll in.

[Member-275053]

Originally Posted by noapologies

I'm George Clooney

But, seriously there is an insiders thread, but its not very active.

https://forum.blu-ray.com/forumdisplay.php?f=61

Thank you, noapologies!

[Member-275053]

Originally Posted by krebszaoyad

It would be rare to impossible to switch from a completely unrelated industry into film

Would you like to explain to me how architecture is completely unrelated to set construction/design? As a matter of fact, all the job listings that I have seen thus far require a knowledge of architecture as a prerequisite. Furthermore, what you are saying is completely untrue. I asked for useful advice, this is not.

[CHEЯNOБLY!]

Originally Posted by JWFORD

I understand how competitive the industry can be (coming from a similarly competitive industry...architecture). I don't have any connections, so I will have to work hard and hope my talent as an artist can open some doors.

I have a degree in graphic design. I wanted to work on movie posters, ads and BD packaging. Long story short, I gave up graphic design. I came to the realization that the jobs that I wanted were few and far between, and that just about everyone in graphic design wants those jobs. Most graphic designers work on boring business cards and corporate identity design, and that wasn't worth if for me and I'd be miserable. Only the top 1% work on the fun stuff. I don't mean to discourage you, but keep in mind that the people you will be competing against will be the most talented 1% in the field. You will have to be able to cut your ties and accept that you don't have what it takes at some point if you can't find work. Architecture and set design are both artistic, but I doubt anyone will give you a job with no experience in set design...maybe some very low budget film. You are still young...look into additional schooling and work your ass off. Try to get into the best schools...if you can't then that might tell you something right off the bat. You can try to find work/volunteer as an assistant to a set designer, not designing anything yourself and doing menial tasks, but seeing what it is like and making connections and seeking advice.

[Member-275053]

Originally Posted by CHEЯNOБLY!

I have a degree in graphic design. I wanted to work on movie posters, ads and BD packaging. Long story short, I gave up graphic design. I came to the realization that the jobs that I wanted were few and far between, and that just about everyone in graphic design wants those jobs. Most graphic designers work on boring business cards and corporate identity design, and that wasn't worth if for me and I'd be miserable. Only the top 1% work on the fun stuff. I don't mean to discourage you, but keep in mind that the people you will be competing against will be the most talented 1% in the field. You will have to be able to cut your ties and accept that you don't have what it takes at some point if you can't find work. Architecture and set design are both artistic, but I doubt anyone will give you a job with no experience in set design...maybe some very low budget film. You are still young...look into additional schooling and work your ass off. Try to get into the best schools...if you can't then that might tell you something right off the bat. You can try to find work/volunteer as an assistant to a set designer, not designing anything yourself and doing menial tasks, but seeing what it is like and making connections and seeking advice.

Thank you for your response. I understand that the transition into the film industry won't be easy. I'm not naive. I have a plan to continue working at my current job until the end of this year, to save up enough money for a move to Los Angeles (about $10,000), while also volunteering on local projects. I live in Charleston, SC, where we have several theaters (i.e. Dock Street) and festivals (i.e. Spoleto). I could volunteer to help with set construction/design to gain experience. Once in L.A., I will look for entry level positions within the art department, such as art department assistant, storyboard artist, set decorator, etc. Once established, I will then go back to school to gain more knowledge of art and art history, so that I may begin my ascent as an art director. No offense, but a degree in architecture is different than one in graphic design. It's more specialized. But, I do wish you hadn't given up on your dream if that is what you truly wanted to do.