How to Get a Job in Hollywood

Getting a job in Hollywood takes a certain kind of James Bond like mentality. What this means is, that it takes a keen sense of timing, intelligence, knowledge and experience. So, coming up with ways to get the job is extremely important and the other element is to keep getting the job until you retire. Below is an example that has been written as a story to purposely take you on a journey from one man's perspective of what it took to get a job in Hollywood.

It was a cool and crisp winter morning in Hollywood, California. No rain, but nice. We had a meeting in the production office where I explained that due of the lagging recession, it won't be easy to get professional people to work for free, but it was important they knew we were not receiving any funds and it was for the kids. Simply put.

One thing while making this commercial that caught me by surprise was that NOT everyone cared about helping needy children to build a better future. I presumed everybody would help children no matter what. I was wrong.

First off, to all you movie makers or commercial makers, tell people the truth. Tell them you can pay them or you can't. Tell them what it's for. Tell them your vision, no need to hide it. Be creative. If you are writing and directing be unique and create your own style. Also, think of the costs involved. You will have to stretch the boundaries. Again, all they can tell you is NO.

Great news!! The script was approved by the client and now the fun starts. Who, what, when, where, how and why. Yes, these are questions that will repeat often (even when I sleep) until we're done shooting.
I was taught, if you're not going to pay your movie crew decent, then you better feed them well. So, one of the first things I did was get on the phone to restaurants.

Starbucks coffee a must, restaurants serving breakfast, grocery stores and the important thing about it was...it had to be free. Donated. But, more on this later.
I have been blessed and privileged to have been involved with over 75 different projects ranging from film to TV, I knew the lists of items that needed to be completed.

LEGAL: Location agreements, disclaimers (for talent), deal memo's, ownership, etc.

EXTRA'S CASTING: Since we had quite a few, ranging from 8 to 17 and of all races, we needed someone to handle this.

COSTUME DESIGNER: Important aspect for this commercial. Everyone needed to be dressed in their future desired occupation or dream to be. Doctor, policeman, professional athlete, etc.

LOCATION: Where are we going to shoot that will not require permits, distraction to the public, kids and/or have sound issues. Since we don't have the funds we have to be creative.

1ST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (AD): I think of them as the captain of the ship. You will need a good AD to move your production along and help you make your day. In our situation, we had two 1ST Assistant Directors because one had to do some pick up shots for a movie and could not make our second day of the shoot.

PRODUCER: Somebody competent and knowledgeable and knows how to keep the crew motivated. If you are directing, you will need someone in this position. Stay away from people who like to shout and create senseless issues.

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR: Without one...good luck. This person should know where to go, how to get it and be well organized. From scheduling to dealing with all departments, with whatever is needed. They must be knowledgeable with each department and know the procedures. This includes union rules.

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY (D.P): Just don't pick anyone. This can easily get out of hand if you both have different visions or one ego is bigger than the other. A D.P and director should work as a team. Spend as much time with him before the shoot, get to know each other. Chemistry is important. Don't take it for granted.

DIRECTOR: Experience is a plus. Come prepared with what needs to be accomplished and be prepared to change course in a split second. From script, to camera angles. a director needs to be confident and it would be appreciated if he knew what every department does. I say this, due to mutual respect. Every department has a job to do and every department is a part of the process so making a shot-list for department heads is a good way to begin your game plan.

SOUND: No sound, no commercial. Hire someone that owns their own sound equipment that contains wireless mic's. Make sure they have used that equipment before and after every take that's a keeper, make sure sound is good. On a no-budget, or small budget, the last thing you need in your life, is that the sound did not work in one of your scenes.

EDITOR: A good editor can make or break you. Seriously, have an editor that likes you and likes the project, They are creative people. They should be motivated and know how to work as a team. Notice how I have mentioned the word TEAM more than once on this day.

VISUAL EFFECTS: Very expensive if you don't know how to do it yourself. Although more and more companies are getting into it and one can probably find a good deal out there. Yes, we have visual effects on this commercial and if I didn't have a relationship with professionals in this field, it would not have been in the script or I would have allocated more time to shoot the sequence and work out the details in post production with my editor.

CATERING: Not much needs to be said here, just have plenty of good food around to keep everybody happy.