Contacts Are Worth It

I started extra work on films in November 2007 on a Lifetime movie called "Queen Sized". I then learned a lot about film and got to know a lot of the crew I worked with. So I asked them how they got crew and all had different answers. Then a few told me where production offices were for next films filming in town. So that's what I did for the next 2 years! Did extra work and learned more about filmmaking and met people who are now some great contacts. Also put resumes in at production offices and emailed resumes to production coordinators. Was looking for paid work to get picked up. I did get on a few indie gigs down south and learned a lot down there. I then finally learned about a year later than the only way to really get in film is by a contact.

Thursday, March 4, 2010, I got asked by a contact I met as an extra on a film to put my resume in a production office, and he'd put a word in for me. Friday, March 5, 2010 I get a call to do an interview. I go interview to be a VFX PA (Visual Effects Production Assistant). Friday, March 12, 2010, I am told that I got the job. It was all through a contact I got the job.

So anyone out there still struggling to get into the film industry, do not give up! Don't quit because it's so hard (it is). I've known people that have quit because it was so difficult. I've waited for 2 years of getting in and now I'm in. So the wait is worth it. You just need to learn how to make contacts. As I did, do extra work, crew on indie films for pay and no pay. Intern might not work for yourself, but it works for you trying to get somewhere. Work very hard and ask questions and they will see how bad you want to get into the industry. If you are an indie filmmaker then keep making indie films. Even if you don't have much to make it, keep doing it.

So one huge thing I have learned is: Contacts ARE worth it! You might think differently when trying hard and fail a few times, but do not give up. You will get there, so push to the limit and pass the limit and trust me... you will get where you want to be!

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