2 answers
Paige
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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What are the pros and cons of film industry careers?
I would like to pursue a career in the film industry as a film director or film producer. I know a few things about the industry, but I would like to know more. How would I find the budget to make a film at the start of my career? What platforms could I use to promote my movie? How would I support myself by pursuing a career in this industry?
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2 answers
Leslie Bloom
Director/Producer/Assistant Director
14
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Leslie’s Answer
HI Paige! Your question of pros and cons is very broad. The biggest pro is; it's very rewarding to see your work in a finished product. The biggest con is; it's very hard to get a job that leads to a career.
Supporting yourself while writing and saving for your films is a question I can help with. I got a job at a photo studio that had an in house filmmaker and went out on all his shoots. Then I got hired on a 2nd unit for a feature film and moved to LA with a few contacts. It's helpful to live in an area where there is a strong film community or move if production is your passion. If you are a storyteller, find a 2nd job interests you the most; camera, editing, sound, set design, locations, wardrobe, working with the equipment, production office, etc. There are tons of jobs on a show and every department has entry level production assistants. Working as a PA in a department will get your feet wet and introduce you to protocols of production. You may find that your entry level job was not a good fit, but it will give you access to other people and get your name out there as a PA. Work very hard and make sure everyone knows it. They will want you on their team on the next one. Rinse and repeat until you find the area that fits you.
I wanted to be in camera, but my path led me into the Director's Guild of America as an Assistant Director. I thought, this isn't what I wanted, but I learned all the ins and outs of production from that position and worked side by side with great directors and now I am directing and telling my own stories. See Woodstock or Bust! Thanks and Good Luck.
Supporting yourself while writing and saving for your films is a question I can help with. I got a job at a photo studio that had an in house filmmaker and went out on all his shoots. Then I got hired on a 2nd unit for a feature film and moved to LA with a few contacts. It's helpful to live in an area where there is a strong film community or move if production is your passion. If you are a storyteller, find a 2nd job interests you the most; camera, editing, sound, set design, locations, wardrobe, working with the equipment, production office, etc. There are tons of jobs on a show and every department has entry level production assistants. Working as a PA in a department will get your feet wet and introduce you to protocols of production. You may find that your entry level job was not a good fit, but it will give you access to other people and get your name out there as a PA. Work very hard and make sure everyone knows it. They will want you on their team on the next one. Rinse and repeat until you find the area that fits you.
I wanted to be in camera, but my path led me into the Director's Guild of America as an Assistant Director. I thought, this isn't what I wanted, but I learned all the ins and outs of production from that position and worked side by side with great directors and now I am directing and telling my own stories. See Woodstock or Bust! Thanks and Good Luck.
Brandon Dang
214
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
Question: How would I find the budget to make a film at the start of my career?
Answer: This would depend on the size and production. When creating a film budget, you have the account for EVERYTHING, from the cost of equipment, cost of renting out an area to film the production, set piece, the cost of the actors, and many more. You have to take into account everything that will need to be paid, at first with an estimate, and then with an actual value. It will be hard to determine, regardless of the level of film production (though smaller scaled films are easier).
Here are some links to help you out:
https://www.wrapbook.com/blog/how-to-create-a-film-budget
https://filmlifestyle.com/film-budgets/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/schuylermoore/2019/04/13/the-importance-of-film-budgets/?sh=47a19e4f27f5
Question: What platforms can I use to promote my movie?
Answer: Just using any social media platform you can would be good. If you are just starting out, I would try to ask friends and family to help promote it on their social media, and then hopefully it can spread out more and more to other people. Something you can try to do is ask a more well established person in the industry to promote it, or ask for tips in how to promote it.
Answer: This would depend on the size and production. When creating a film budget, you have the account for EVERYTHING, from the cost of equipment, cost of renting out an area to film the production, set piece, the cost of the actors, and many more. You have to take into account everything that will need to be paid, at first with an estimate, and then with an actual value. It will be hard to determine, regardless of the level of film production (though smaller scaled films are easier).
Here are some links to help you out:
https://www.wrapbook.com/blog/how-to-create-a-film-budget
https://filmlifestyle.com/film-budgets/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/schuylermoore/2019/04/13/the-importance-of-film-budgets/?sh=47a19e4f27f5
Question: What platforms can I use to promote my movie?
Answer: Just using any social media platform you can would be good. If you are just starting out, I would try to ask friends and family to help promote it on their social media, and then hopefully it can spread out more and more to other people. Something you can try to do is ask a more well established person in the industry to promote it, or ask for tips in how to promote it.