2 answers
Asher
Student
Agoura Hills, California
1
Question
Asked
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Film/TV/Entertainment Pros, how did you manage financially at the beginning of your career and do you have any advice?
I will soon be entering film school for producing, and I'm very excited. However, the film/tv industry is both gig-based and known for paying little during the beginning of a career. With the financial and time commitment of film school, I would like to know what I might expect for the beginning of my career.
So, how did you make ends meet and financially support yourself while you got started in the industry?
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
2522
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Asher !
Did you know that most of the students I give advice to want to actually know how their future will be ? I find that amazing. Although there are some definite things you can do, and not everyone is able to do them in this day and age, but first, never project into the future about your career. You are not supposed to know all the great opportunities that will await you. Plan only on being a dynamic, exciting filmmaker!
The one thing that wasn't hard to do when I was starting out was keep a good bank account with enough for 2 or 3 months to live on, just in case. The just in cases did come up. Back in those days, there was enormous amounts of temp work through agencies doing things like clerical work, so that helped out a lot to maintain the Just In Case bank accounts. But things are different today, greatly so.
Today, you have the option to work online for pay which is very convenient to supplement any gaps between projects. You may even find a project online to do online while you're waiting for your next on site film. This is a good situation to be in.
Really what you need to do now is focus on funding your Film education. If you're going to a University as a Film Major, apply for Federal Student Financial Aid including the Work Study option. You may be able to save some of your Work Study money to start that "what if" bank account for the future. Focus on everything about film and make very strong contacts in your film department (will help your future). If you are going to be a student at the AFI or the L.A. Film School, check to see if they offer Federal Student Financial Aid. There are also lots of scholarships and grants that you can apply for now and perhaps save some money from those, too.
Never give up, live and enjoy each moment of the present day. It's basically what I did. I was just happy for every play or film or video/TV production I got while I was training as an student actress. You have something good in your favor, too - you are only 38 miles from Hollywood ! I had to move cross country then 400 more miles and another 3,000 miles doing my career. I work local or UGC now as an older actress.
I hope this helps - the journey is the best part of show business (each project is a journey, actually) - and always think positive and know that you will have a unique career only you can do ! Best wishes !
Did you know that most of the students I give advice to want to actually know how their future will be ? I find that amazing. Although there are some definite things you can do, and not everyone is able to do them in this day and age, but first, never project into the future about your career. You are not supposed to know all the great opportunities that will await you. Plan only on being a dynamic, exciting filmmaker!
The one thing that wasn't hard to do when I was starting out was keep a good bank account with enough for 2 or 3 months to live on, just in case. The just in cases did come up. Back in those days, there was enormous amounts of temp work through agencies doing things like clerical work, so that helped out a lot to maintain the Just In Case bank accounts. But things are different today, greatly so.
Today, you have the option to work online for pay which is very convenient to supplement any gaps between projects. You may even find a project online to do online while you're waiting for your next on site film. This is a good situation to be in.
Really what you need to do now is focus on funding your Film education. If you're going to a University as a Film Major, apply for Federal Student Financial Aid including the Work Study option. You may be able to save some of your Work Study money to start that "what if" bank account for the future. Focus on everything about film and make very strong contacts in your film department (will help your future). If you are going to be a student at the AFI or the L.A. Film School, check to see if they offer Federal Student Financial Aid. There are also lots of scholarships and grants that you can apply for now and perhaps save some money from those, too.
Never give up, live and enjoy each moment of the present day. It's basically what I did. I was just happy for every play or film or video/TV production I got while I was training as an student actress. You have something good in your favor, too - you are only 38 miles from Hollywood ! I had to move cross country then 400 more miles and another 3,000 miles doing my career. I work local or UGC now as an older actress.
I hope this helps - the journey is the best part of show business (each project is a journey, actually) - and always think positive and know that you will have a unique career only you can do ! Best wishes !
Ah yes, I've heard it's a journey before. I suppose I have to submit myself to the naturally winding path of the film industry. Thank you for your experience and advice
Asher
You are very welcome, Asher ! Yes, let things unfold naturally !
Michelle M.
Nat Christian
Writer-Director
10
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Nat’s Answer
You are looking to the future to "produce" and also to make money.
Since in producing the is really no income until you sell or finish a project - and that could take a long time (sometimes very short, but realistically a ling time). Then you would simply need to work at a job . Get rid of all self-consciousness with any job and not let the job get you down.
Producing is putting the package and product together. Perhaps, so that you get a better perspective, take some "creative" (acting, writing, directing) classes as well?
Hope this helps.
Nat
Since in producing the is really no income until you sell or finish a project - and that could take a long time (sometimes very short, but realistically a ling time). Then you would simply need to work at a job . Get rid of all self-consciousness with any job and not let the job get you down.
Producing is putting the package and product together. Perhaps, so that you get a better perspective, take some "creative" (acting, writing, directing) classes as well?
Hope this helps.
Nat