Film Production Career Guide and Counseling

Question: Film production--how different is the quality of work between a seasoned cameraman and an amateur? I am coordinating a film project in collaboration with a top notch production company. I want to save money by hiring a cheap cameraman from a company who makes wedding videos (I'm in China and theres plenty of those kind of cheap local outfits) to do the filming and turning that film over to the production company to do the editing and post production. The alternative is to have that company do the filming as well as the editing and post production. The filming content includes shots of a school and student life at the school as well as individual interviews. I expect some sacrifice in quality by hiring a less qualified local, but I am assuming it will still be good enough to make a good project, especially with professional editing and post production. Is that a fair assumption? Any advice?

Answer: The big difference would be ...knowing your equipment and what it can do... and the bigger difference is framing shots to maximize the impact in relation to the storyline. utilizing light, subject placement on the background is another skill you only get from doing. Also aesthetic do they see like an artist....

Question: Is it possible to take both film production and psychology at University? Is it possible to take both film production and psychology at the same time at University? I'm planning to go to UBC (University of British Columbia), but I don't know much about the system as I'm not a Canadian. I want to study both Psychology and Film Production, because I'd like to make films using knowledge of Psychology. I checked UBC website and I see the word "double major". Does it mean I can take both?? I couldn't really find information I need... Could you please explain the system and whether it's possible or not. Thank you.

Answer: In the time it took for you to write the above you could have called UBC and asked them and gotten your answer. Does UBC offer both majors? If so, you can usually take both at the same time. Should you? That's another story. It depends on your dedication and the course load that you will need to carry. Psychology often requires a lot of lab work. Film production might require many hours of filming and editing your work. But if you are determined then go for it.

Question: How do I apply for a film production company? Im trying to get an intern with a film production company but I have no idea where to start. Can anyone help?

Answer: i would try researching on their website.

Question: What is the best way to get into professional Documentary Film Production? I am currently working as an editor in a tv station, and I am interested in starting a career in documentary film production. How can I make such a switch?

Answer: maybe ask your boss for information or speak to connexions, but they may just be for young people. Go down to your local library as they will have information on making career changes. sorry i haven't given you a straightforward answer :S good luck!

Question: What are some of the best schools for film production? I have good grades and test scores so i'd like to go somewhere respectable and with smart people. Also, I have tiny bit of experience - 9th grade movie making class, but will i need more to get into a good school for film production?

Answer: Unsurprisingly, New York University and University of California, Los Angeles, are the best ones. You don't need to do anything special class wise to learn film production (that's what going to college is for!), but if you express interest in theater, film, or directing you may increase your chances of getting into your choice major. You could get involved in your local youth theater group, take on an internship or job at your local television station, or find film or screen writing competitions for high schoolers. Good luck!

Question: what does a writer for a film production company do exactly and how much do they get paid? i want to work in film and i have talent and experience in journalism and writing. but what exactly does a writer do for a film production company? do they just write the screenplay? how does it work? and do they get paid a lot? additionaly, how much do special effects guys make? the guys who work on the special and visual effects? what about film editors?

Answer: Writers, special effects guys and film editors are technically all freelancers - you don't work "for" a production company, you work "on" a particular project - whether it be a film, a tv show, whatever. How much you get paid depends on the budget of the project. A screenwriter whose film is bought by a major studio is pretty much going to make a minimum of six figures. If they get involved in rewrites, etc, they can make more. Special Effects (physical effects in the movie or show) on a major project - $2-4 K a week unless you are dealing with major effects like explosions, etc. Film editor with good experience would get $20-30 an hour. Visual Effects (matte or CGI) at least $40 an hour. But keep in mind you rarely work 40 hours a week/52 weeks a year in any of these jobs.

Question: Will movie production companies accept a script from a person who has no background in film making? I have absolutely no history in film-making, nor do I have an educational background in film-making. Oh yeah, and on top of all that, I don't have any degree in writing. All I have is a very well thought-out script and a creative/vivid imagination. Also, I really do think I'm really good at what I do. Do you think a film production company would accept my script even though I have no history related to the business of film-making?

Answer: noNe. you have to know someone. its like playing the lottery when your unknown and sending it in.

Question: Do you know of any reputable Film Production companies that offer full time, unpaid internships around LA? I need to complete an internship as part of my graduation requirement. I am double-majored in film production and photography and i am looking for a good company to intern at. I am most interested in being on set as well as pre-production. If you know of anywhere that hires interns full time for only school credit (no pay) please let me know. Any websites would also be helpful. Thanks!

Answer: Get staff and faculty at your school (who know what they're doing) to get you the UTA job list. It's perhaps the most famous one, published weekly, and includes hordes of internships (don't worry, there are also hordes of applicants for each ;-) It's not published publicly, only circulated in emails. You can see an example here: http://filmandvisualculture.ucr.edu/internships/UnitedTalentAgency.pdf I also found a great overview of it on Variety: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117920155.html?categoryid=1613&cs=1

Question: What business major should I take in order to start/become the head of a film production company? I'd like to become a film producer and own my own production company, but where should I start major wise?

Answer: Check out double majoring or combining a film major and a business minor or the other way around. Get the best of both worlds.

Question: What are the other courses can I take if I want to be a director aside from Video and Film Production? I want to be a director. I am inquiring about the film schools here in US, or in Canada. How much is the tuition for film schools in US$? What are the other courses can I take if I want to be a director aside from Video and Film Production?

Answer: Part of what makes going to film school so valuable is the contacts you make. So you want to attend the best film school in the region in which you hope to work, post-graduation. Know that some universities actually offer film as a major. Others put it under theater. With that said, the best film schools in N. America are: -New York University -University of California, Los Angeles -University of Southern California -Vancouver Film -The North Carolina School of the Arts -California Institute of the Arts -Columbia University -U Texas Austin -Florida State And tuition varies. For example, tuition at a school like NYU or Columbia is quite high. U Texas Austin and Florida State, because they are public (state supported) schools, are lower cost. You can check the web pages for each university to see how much it will cost. And of course, apply for financial aid, which will help. As for what courses to take: obviously, take courses related to film and tv production. Also take courses in media history and criticism, and in writing (scriptwriting, etc.) Beyond the obvious, you could take course in theater, and general education courses such as history, English, foreign language, math and business. All of these would make you a better director.

Question: What should i major in? i want to do something with film production? I want to make movies and like director and stuff like that but i dont kno what to major in ....like write the story line and make a movie would it be film production and cinematography...please helppp.

Answer: As an English or Philosophy major, you will read and write--all good skills for being in film. It will give you an appreciation for stories and plots. Plus your writing and communication skills will be fabulous! I even took a Philosophy in cinematography class!

Question: where is the best place or college to study film production? I am interested in Film Production, where is the best places to study?

Answer: UCLA has an incredible film school. Many Hollywood directors today graduated from there. Stanford also has a reputable film school.

Question: How do I start my own film production company (corporation)? I am not talking about a big studio, basically I just want to incorporate my business name and use it to develop film ideas for production. Would you do this the same way you would a regular corporation? Is there a website that you can complete the whole process from, and is it expensive? Thanks!

Answer: Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links. Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant: * The Complete Film Production Handbook, Third Edition (Book & CD-ROM) by Eve Light Honthaner * Film Production Management 101: The Ultimate Guide for Film and Television Production Management and Coordination (Michael Wiese Productions) by Deborah S Patz * The Producer's Business Handbook (Book & CD-ROM) by John J. Lee, Jr. I also posted links to some free articles in the source box. Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Question: How can you make an independent film production go smooth? I am the director, lead actor, producer, and overall, film maker of a new production called, ''Broken''! The cast and I are excited! But I noticed it wont be easy, the scripts done and how much of crew do we need for everything to go smoothly? Who do we need and what's their job? PLEASE help! ;D

Answer: The above poster is a bullshitter. You don't need three hundred people to make a, "real movie" whatever the fuck that means. In fact, I know people who have made great films with a two person crew (director, actor), and since the majority of what comes out of the "film biz" is of shit quality I doubt you need to take him too seriously. Just another producer that thinks he's God (what a surprise). You need to know what you're doing. Since you're doing all these jobs on set you really need to be well prepared. Research, research, research. You need to know how to direct actors, yourself included, you need to know how to set-up a shot, you need to know lighting, you need to know basically everything going on, and have an answer for any possible question. Read as much as you can, watch as much as you can, do as much as you can to be prepared for everything. Storyboard every single shot. Rehearse the scenes until you see them in when you close your eyes. And when all of you have every scene memorized backwards and forwards rehearse some more. It's not easy, but it's worth it if you're dedicated. Real filmmaking isn't a hobby, or a business. It's an art. Anyone that tells you different isn't to be trusted.

Question: Can anyone offer me an internship at a film production shooting in NYC? Can anyone offer me an internship at a film production in NYC? I want to make and produce or co-produce my own screenplays someday and I would like to get more experience in producing films. Anybody looking for and intern?

Answer: Go to NYC.gov and scroll down the page - the mayors office is offering internships with NYC production companies which also give you two years of job placement assistance. They just posted it so go fast and sign up!

Question: How do you copyright or patent the name of your own film production company? For instance, I know someone can't just open a film production company called Paramount or Universal Studios but if you start your own film production company and have a creative name for it, what actions do you need to do in order to make sure you have that right to that name?

Answer: Step one is to secure the services of a Trademark Attorney who specializes in copyright, trademark, and incorporation. When it comes to legal issues, don't rely on any "free" advice given by strangers on the internet, even mine. That said, before you get too far, you can easily do an internet search to find out if the name you want has already been taken. Then you want to know if you are allowed to register it and have a tax ID assigned to it. If you have a logo, that may or may not be copyrighted in connection with the company you are setting up, so again, check with the the legal expert you put on retainer. The key is to have documentation of some kind that establishes that you "own" the right to use a specific company name and a qualified lawyer will know exactly how to do that for you. And read the site linked to below... Brian Dzyak Videographer/Writer Los Angeles, California IATSE Local 600, SOC http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com