For those in the NYC area, how can I get in the film business? I try applying for jobs, networking and still am having issues getting in the film business.
Screenwriting : Screenwriting, Networking, Learning by Josiah Bhola Hillaire
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If you haven't already tried searching through the Job postings give that a try, Josiah Bhola Hillaire.
https://www.stage32.com/find-jobs
Keep plugging away!
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There is a labor strike, so forget feature & tv production work.
Lots of commercials shoot in NYC (I see grip trucks at least 3x a week), but advertising world is similar to other dream jobs- you have to figure out how to network and enter these circles. I don't know your finances or physical location now, or your filmmaking skills. (If you are in NY right now and know how to operate hiDef cameras, or drive a cube truck or grip, you could've worked NY Fashion week).
if you just want to be a writer, I would get a steady square full-time job and write on the side until you can make a living off writing.
I hear Soap tv shows filmed in nyc hire non-union writers but the pay sucks.
But again, you need to network with peers but at least you're in New York where there are more opportunities
Anyways this is a bad time/bad year for lots of show biz creatives, execs, support staff.
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Or you could get a camera and put yourself in the business.
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I used to find freelance work through Mandy.com back in the day. You'll earn crap wages, if anything, but that's how you network and eventually find much better jobs.
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Josiah Bhola Hillaire you never said what you mean by "getting into the film business?" Doing what?
I was an assistant to a big time Hollywood producer and he didnt care about my education. The guy who interviewed me asked me if I can drive a stick shift (Boss was a car collector and expected assistants to move his cars).
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The few people I know in NYC are teaching and theatre while things are quiet. Start reaching out to smaller theatres perhaps. Start socialising with these people.
Build a network.
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Hi @Josiah! I second Dan MaxXx on what you mean how you want to break in. Are you trying to write? Then you can be using Stage 32 to submit to professionals and feedback. If you're looking to be an assistant at a production company, I would check out entertainmentcareers.net. If you're looking to work on a crew - entertainmentcareers, Stage32, Mandy, and Craigslist (though be very careful with this last one). Production assistants on set, much like any other job, are all about who you know and the more crews you work on the more people you'll meet. Also keep connecting with people here and in private groups in New York as a way to keep your ear to the ground. When I was in college on the east coast I would PA in NYC and Philly and every gig I found was online, started off getting paid nothing or minimum wage and if you prove yourself on one set you can quickly get recommended for another through your supervisor. Hope this helps!