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What inspired you to choose your current career ?

I’m torn between pursuing a career in film or graphic design. I’m currently taking filmmaking and photojournalism classes and genuinely love both, but I feel like I need to choose one path.

graphic-design film film-production director graphic-designer filmmaking photojournalism
Thank you comment icon even work as paparazzi until you can make a name for yourself and a portfolio to give you an opening to apply for camera operator positions, or behind the scene stills for the production company… the top positions in production photography would be stills for Film and TV Ads for whatever production you’re working on and stills for posters or digital media ads for the films and tv shows you’re working on. Eddie London
Thank you comment icon Even if you can only manage to get hired as a production assistant in the beginning, take it, or any other position you can get hired for. But particularly in production, as an assistant, it might be work that feels demeaning or beneath you but everyone needs to pay their dues to get their foot in. And, in production you’ll meet the specific people you need to who can easily hire you or recommend you to the right person to get lead positions on the production crew or even as 1st or 2nd AD, which will eventually lead to production manager, executive producer (if you have access to the funds), assistant director, director eventually, or help get you into the camera department, which has their own separate hierarchy on set and within their unions…. Eddie London
Thank you comment icon The broader your job ranges are, the more confidence union members have in you, as far as your skills, broad knowledge and ability to understand and do multiple different jobs on set…. For example, I worked as a referral for at least 5 years, 3 years of being just shy of 30 days and two years getting over 30 days on set before the put my application on the stack for membership consideration. During that time I worked as a stage carpenter, lighting electrician, grip, rigging grip, rigging electrician, stage lighting, stage rigging, camera assistant, assistant dolly grip and also Air Conditioning (AC) production electrician. Eddie London
Thank you comment icon When I was in the union and worked on set, most grips had only worked as grips, most electricians had also previously worked as a grip. However, if they worked as a lighting electrician, they usually had never done electrical rigging and vise Versa. For me, since I had worked for multiple departments and was good at my job compared to the majority, I had the people in charge of hiring from multiple departments calling me for set work and even on big days fighting over who gets me on set that day. And where I was, there was usually a hierarchy that went top to bottom - rigging electricians, lighting electricians, rigging grips, grips, AC electrical, carpentry. Eddie London
Thank you comment icon So even after I had my union membership, since I wasn’t locked in for the 9 month shooting season full time with any one department yet, I was able to take calls from all those different departments and then some to be able to fill my schedule to at least 2-3 days a week to 4-7 days some weeks because I had the ability to and was trusted to be able to hop departments and work each of the different jobs as well as any seasoned union member. Eddie London
Thank you comment icon I would agree. Pursue them both for as long as you need to until one or both of them becomes a full time career. Film productions and photography go hand in hand, even as a photojournalist on film and tv production sets, either taking behind the scene stills as an employee for the production company or as news media. There will always be a need for behind the scenes/ “making of” still photography and short videos… the film industry is a tough one to get regular work on and even tougher to stand out and make a mark… until you get to a place consistent or guaranteed work, I would apply for and take any openings either on the production/ crew side or taking behind the scene stills, Eddie London
Thank you comment icon But first and foremost, wherever you choose to work first get in on the IATSE referral list. That will get you jobs on set and each day that you work is one closer to getting your (typically 30) days working on set within a year, which is the only way to then be eligible to become a union member. In some states the union is mixed and offers multiple positions on set, in other places like LA, camera and electrical are separate unions from the set crew unions. And/ or within the IATSE union you can only choose one department and then have to stick with that position throughout your union membership. You usually can or are asked to jump around between department jobs as a referral. Eddie London
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Dr’s Answer

If you can figure out a way to merge the two, then you'll have something unique to offer! Until then, try to pursue them both the best you can. And those two fields are not worlds apart. You can definitely apply concepts & strategies you've learned in one to the other. So, they can actually complement each other.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. Jennifer
Thank you comment icon I would agree. Pursue them both for as long as you need to until one or both of them becomes a full time career. Film productions and photography go hand in hand, even as a photojournalist on film and tv production sets, either taking behind the scene stills as an employee for the production company or as news media. There will always be a need for behind the scenes/ “making of” still photography and short videos… the film industry is a tough one to get regular work on and even tougher to stand out and make a mark… until you get to a place consistent or guaranteed work, I would apply for and take any openings either on the production/ crew side or taking behind the scene stills, Eddie London
Thank you comment icon But first and foremost, wherever you choose to work first get in on the IATSE referral list. That will get you jobs on set and each day that you work is one closer to getting your (typically 30) days working on set within a year, which is the only way to then be eligible to become a union member. In some states the union is mixed and offers multiple positions on set, in other places like LA, camera and electrical are separate unions from the set crew unions. And/ or within the IATSE union you can only choose one department and then have to stick with that position throughout your union membership. You usually can or are asked to jump around between department jobs as a referral. Eddie London
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Jennifer’s Answer

Hi Jennifer
You don’t have to choose between film and graphic design; instead, you can merge the two passions into a unique career. Many fields, such as advertising, marketing, and digital media, value skills in both areas. Encourage her to explore opportunities where you can apply your filmmaking skills to create compelling visuals for graphic projects or use your design skills to enhance your film projects. This way, you can enjoy both interests and carve out a distinctive niche for yourself in the industry. Both interdisciplinary skills are highly sought after and can lead to innovative and exciting career paths.

Best of luck,
Jennifer
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice, Jennifer. Jennifer
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Garima’s Answer

Hello Jennifer,

That’s a really great question! Personally, I’ve always wanted to be an artist. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been deeply passionate about everything related to art, and I’ve loved learning more about it at every stage of my life. This passion stayed with me, and I started exploring ways to turn it into a career.

Just like you, I’ve had an interest in both filmmaking and graphic design. The best part is that I didn’t have to choose between the two! I pursued a BA in Filmmaking and Mass Communication, which gave me exposure to both fields. On top of that, I took some online courses in drawing, animation, and UX/UI design to expand my skill set.

If you’re looking to explore both filmmaking and graphic design, here are some good options:

1. Visual Communication Design
2. Multimedia Design or Multimedia Arts
3. Film and Media Arts
4. Fine Arts
5. Filmmaking & Mass Communication

I hope this helps you on your journey! Wishing you the best of luck in finding a path that lets you explore both of your passions.
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! Jennifer
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Christopher’s Answer

I'd choose film if you had to choose one or the other.
It's a lot more fulfilling and it'll lead to more opportunities.

Plus, their is so much more cool stuff you can do as far visual fx and story-telling.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the advice. Jennifer
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Gregory’s Answer

Hi Jennifer of Omaha, I'm a retired cinematographer with over 50 years of experience. In the 60's my parents wanted me to study Electrical Engineering because I had an interest in electronics. But I also had an interest in photography because my father had a photographic darkroom in the basement which I used. I dropped out of EE and began courses in Mass Communications.

I remember watching TV when I was barely a teenager and some Disney nature documentaries, the NBC program Victory at Sea about World War II and a show called YOU ASKED FOR IT. That you never heard of these shows doesn't matter, for me they were a view into the larger world and struck me that someone had to film them.

I was drafted for the Vietnam war and ended up in California & Turkey making films for the USAF. Great additional experience. Upon discharge, I got a job at KYW-TV in Philadelphia and then at WNBC -- NYC.

While working as a freelance cinematographer I was able to travel to about 80 countries and 50 states. I had accomplished my goal of having cinematography as a career and travel on someone else's dime all over the world.

That's why I became a cinematographer and I still work on some pro bono projects that appeal to me.

Good luck, follow your heart and perhaps find a career that satisfies your creative impulses.
Best of Luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing! Jennifer
Thank you comment icon love it !!! carla varisco
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Kim’s Answer

Hi Jennifer,

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a professional artist, so I was an art major in school and thought I'd be a painter or a ceramicist and dropped out after two years and moved from Maine, where I grew up, to Minnesota. I ended up going to commercial art school to be a graphic designer because it was the closest creative thing I could think that would offer me a way to earn a good living doing something creative. Back then, in my city (Minneapolis), there were lots of jobs because desktop publishing was brand-new, and there were lots of big companies here like 3M and General Mills. At my technical school, we took all kinds of courses, and I discovered that my favorite subjects were typographic design and layout, so that's how I chose graphic design.

It's great that nowadays there are so many more ways to research professions. Hopefully there are some filmmakers, photojournalists, and videographers here who can give you some specifics about their career paths that might help you get closer to a choice. You might also think about conducting informational interviews in your area. One of my artist community friends, Bart Vargas, is a sculptor and college art professor in Omaha, and I bet he'd be willing to give you some tips. His website is bartvargas (dot com), and he has a contact page where you could reach out to him.

Good luck with your investigation!
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! Jennifer
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Jude’s Answer

As a child, I often felt like I didn't quite belong anywhere. Now, I'm studying computer science, but it doesn't ignite my passion. However, when I ventured into script writing, I found my true calling. I've always loved watching movies and brainstorming ways to enhance them. It was through screenplay writing that I discovered my true potential and passion.
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Quantise’s Answer

Good question! I would say when I was in high school, my love for advertising! Love studying ads, graphic design and knew wanted to get into advertising. This led me to pursue a degree in marketing. The best decision I ever made. I knew I wanted to pursue a trade that I was excited and passionate about. It fit my personality and allowed me to exercise creativity. Also, something I knew I wanted to do for the long haul. I would say you should also pursue your passion. Know matter, you wanted to get involve in a career you can see yourself in for the next 50 years. Especially if you're thinking of pursuing college/university (major financial investment). Here is a free https://www.123test.com/career-test/. Also, take a look at WE CONNECT THE DOTS https://www.we-connect-the-dots.org/ an amazing site that helps young people with their career trajectory. Hope this helps!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice! Jennifer
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carla’s Answer

I was in your same shoes...at the time I was torn between opening a boudoir studio and becoming a news photojournalist. Wildly, the decision was made for me when I finally got my break at the biggest paper in my state. The way I saw it I loved being a photojournalist and I would do it until I retired and open the studio later. I am still shooting for wire and papers but I am saving my money to open my studio next year. As a woman...hey, when I was coming up this was mostly a man's job. You have to have thick skin. When I look back on my career and the things I was able to do even I am shocked that I have done so much. I embedded with the military and went to war zones. You have to be able to shoot a gang member in the morning and the Governor of your state in the afternoon. Being good with people and interested in them is a plus. I've photographed 4 presidents. I even spent the day with Arnold Schwarzenegger. I spent the day with the Klan, the Pagans, Special Forces, Eagles NFL and even photographed Nascars Dale Earnhardt fake strangle Rusty Wallace. You have to be able to take command of the assignment/situation ....to completely fading into the background. For me - I had to stop wearing make up....looking like a girl...mainly because in situations where you are trying to blend in...if there are 50 men and you.... you don't want too much attention...lol. I learned to be a tomboy and it's the best thing I ever did. You literally have to be able to shoot every sport. Every. Single. Sport. You get really good at the things you thought you could never do. It is a beautiful and competitive career. I have been in every weather situation. I have been on every field. I have been neck deep in water at Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita with bodies. I have seen people die in front of me. I have seen kids do the same. I have had to cover more funerals than I wanted to. It is heartbreaking ... I have been punched in the face. Spit on. Screamed at. Car wrecks, plane crashes, train wrecks, fires, explosions, bombs.... It is an amazing profession. You get what you put into it. And it isn't easy. At all. And let me just say if this is a hard job then it is twice as hard for a woman -- that isn't to discourage you, at all. I have loved every moment of it. But I would not have lasted if I didn't make myself resilient. I wasn't born that way and had to transform to not only make it in the business but to last in it. These are my truths from being in the business over 25 years. I wish you nothing but love and luck !!! Let us know what you decided !
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