Interviewing?

We all are interviewing in this industry!  ALWAYS we promote ourselves.

Yahoo posted this article yesterday about what to, and what not to do at an interview.  I thought it was relevant because I noticed one thing that I, myself, do.  

I preface my emails.  Which apparently is a big 'yuck' to employers.  I say things like "I spoke to 'blank' and they recommended I get in touch with you.  Im new to LA and..." bla bla bla.  This is apparently called 'Short cutting introductions'.

After reading this, it seems clear that you dont want to ever start an email doing something like that.  But hey, I didnt really realize I did it.  Maybe there is something you do and dont know it...

Check the page out 'Link'

Heres Some More Advice

When is it ok to talk about the people you work with to the public? Is it ok when the movie/show is wrapped? What about eleven years after?

That is what Tom Kapinos, runner of the show 'Dawson's Creek' way back in 1988 and current writer/producer for show 'Californication', waited. Kapinos is a successful writer for television and he recently chose to blast the four main stars of the show: Katie Holmes, James Van Der Beek, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams.

This is what he wrote:

"The experience was miserable," he continued about Dawson's. "But it was a four-year boot camp. It was like going to TV grad school and learning how to run a television show. Anybody on that show who could make a decision was allowed to run it at some point. I inherited the very awkward college years, and I almost ran the show into the ground. But I learned everything that I needed to know about how to run a show."

Then went to to elaborate what was the biggest challenge:

"It was the four monstrous actors at the core of it. They were very young, and they got very famous, and they made life miserable for any writer or producer on the show."

Now, I have had very interesting/personal experiences with celebrities. Some bad, some good. But I would never, NEVER, bring any of it to the attention of the public. No matter how big someone comes, no one should ever come out against another they work with. Its a respect for the actor and the craft.

This is the reason why I was so annoyed by whomever leaked the recording of Christain Bale during the 'Terminator: Salvation' shoot. It is an extremely close experience working a set. People have meltdowns and expect others to understand that they are simply trying to do their job to the best of their ability.

So, really... what I'm saying, is that I find it in poor taste to speak out against anyone you work with. If you feel the urge to vent. Vent to your spouse, mother/father, or bathroom mirror.... NOT the media. I think this kind of behavior is a sign of someone becoming so big headed, that they dont think their actions warrant consequences.

Online Job Hunting

When is it a good time to use Craigslist?  If you have never heard of the site, introduce yourself to a computer.  Craigslist is used for many things.  I use it for jobs.  Do I recommend it?  Not at all.

There are other job sites out there, ones specifically to help you find entertainment posts.  Craigslist, however is for everyone & everything.  

Two days ago, the owner of the restaurant I work at posted an open call for applicants to show up during a two hour window.  There were sixty people who came!  SIXTY!  Not only that, but of the people who came.... I mean, seriously, who wears tee shirts, shorts, and sandals to an interview?  Also, I think that when you spend the time applying for a job, you should be aware of who is already working at the establishment and whether or not you see yourself hired.  Meaning, all of the wait staff/hosts are under thirty.  Most under 25.  When much older people come in to apply at a tequila bar, its kind of silly (though not as silly as some of the outfits people wore to an interview).  

Now, I'm not being mean.  I totally understand that this economy is wretched and people are willing to take a step down from what they did last.  But really?  40's to 50's?  At a tequila bar? Realistically, they will not get hired.  Its a bar, the cliental is almost exclusively young people and people who like younger people.

And here is a huge recommendation..... ALWAYS BRING A PEN!  Employers watch for this!  And there must have been 20 people yesterday who asked me to borrow one.  And I said "no, Rite Aid is on the corner."

What does this mean?  It means that when you email your resume to a posting on Craigslist, expect to be one of one hundred applicants.  I do recommend checking it for open calls.  As ours went well yesterday (minus what is previously stated).  

And please, use judgement.  There are tons of scams (not to mention sex ads and now even a killer) on Craigslist.  Be careful not to get desperate and overlook the signs.

San Francisco's Good News

Well, the past few days I have been out of commission.  I took a trip from LA and visited my Dad and Mom in San Fran.  It was a great trip with great food and great company.  Here are a few pictures from the trip up north.

Miss Gracie the Pug

Dad and I (Top of the Mark)

We all know what that is....

Now there is  always related film news.  While up there I was called regarding a job!  Recomended by a friend! Then the very next day, was contacted about another!  Things may finally have begun to look up!

Internships

Right now the film industry is not the place for anyone looking to make a start (i.e. me).   There are few options for us budding filmmakers at this point.  1) make it huge with an amazing screenplay 2) Be friends with Jerry Bruckheimer or 3) work an internship that will help place you later on.

I went to a CAL State University.  One of the great things about going through college, is that if you do not land a job fresh out of college along side Jerry on Pirates 4, you can apply for an internship and see how that works out for you.  I recommend using your school (hopefully you went to one with strong background in film) and have them help you along your way.

A Bit Of Advice

I intended this blog for people who are interested in working the industry, and somewhat documenting my journey.  I have lots of advice, but so far... its mainly on what NOT to do or what HASN'T worked for me.  So, here is my first bit of advice for you all.  There will be more coming in the near future.

I am certainly not someone who understands what you have to do to get started in this industry.  But, instead, is someone who is struggling to figure out what one does to get a job if they don't know many in the industry.  The second part of that previous sentence is key, mind you.  If you don't know people in LA, who are working and can help you get started.... this town quickly becomes a lonely and depressing place where finding a job is very difficult.  

So, if you are like me I suggest setting aside a "going out" fund and meeting as many people as possible.  I tend to not drink during the week, and have found a good substitute if you are looking to go out, but stay sober - soda water and lime.  A good spot for this is a new bar/nightclub or a trendy restaurant on a sunday afternoon.  Going out, I've found, is very important.  You never know who you might meet.

I got some real advice yesterday defiantly worth sharing about finding jobs if you are having difficulty.  Read Variety and Hollywood Reporter.  If no one had told me these have job listings, I wouldn't have ever known.