Everyone in the nation keeps talking about how all of Detroit’s Auto workers are either layed off, lost their job or are in danger of losing their jobs. We are in the midst of an economical crisis here in Michigan, and what people outside of the state don’t realize is that IT’S AFFECTING US ALL. Not just the autoworkers. I’m frustrated AS HELL that I can’t find a career job, as I can’t move any further up at my current job, and who doesn’t want to grow with a company? I like learning new things.
I keep hearing big things about the Film Industry here in Michigan and I want in damn it! I was an extra on the set of Whip It, just to see what being on a film set was all about. I have no desire to be an actress. I’ll never be able to stay that skinny. What I want is to just be a part of filmmaking in some small way. Since I was eight years old (By age eight, I KNEW that I had a good life story!) have dreamed of writing my memoir, then writing the screenplay, and then winning the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. I mean, a girl raised on welfare can dream, right? Hillary Swank took her trailer park ass all the way to the Oscar stage, so why can’t I?
Here is what you film studio people need to know about me:
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I’m a die hard movie fan. I promise you I will never tire of movies and I will always be impressed by good acting and good writing, etc.
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I managed the bussiest movie theate in the country in 1997.
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If you hire me, I will forever be indebted to you, and will promise to run errands for you without bitching. I won’t mind, I like getting out of the office.
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I’m a people person, and I can get along with anyone.
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I’m not afraid to talk to anyone or say no to anyone. I’m bold and assertive as hell when I need to be. Trust me, I’ve had to cut off drunk famous people while working as a waitress.
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I have experience in all sorts of fields besides the entertainment industry. I’m not posting it all here, but trust me, my experience and life experience is good enough.
Take that negative crap elsewhere, Fiona. I used to work on movie sets, and although they’re great jobs, not everything requires a boat load of “experience” Production assistants have damn important jobs, but honestly, a monkey could do some of the things I did on set.
Don’t let a lack of contacts discourage you, I didn’t either when I was starting out. I got my first break one day by just giving my actor friend a ride to an audition. She didn’t get the part, but I ended up talking to the writer/director for half an hour and got a job as set decorator and prop manager. I was totally wet behind the ears, but I was a fast learner and willing, and that’s all they cared about.
Doing extra work like you’ve already done is another fantastic way to make contacts if you play your cards right. Making a good impression goes a really long way on set. When I was a lowly PA and actors would be rude to me…a few months later I’d be assistant directing on a new production and would give the producers my recommendations on who would work well and who wouldn’t…and they listen to that. Name of the game, take every opportunity to talk to anyone on set, even if they seem unimportant. They could have a much bigger job on the next picture and they will remember YOU.
Also, I know you’re not into facebook, but it’s you might give it another look. It’s a great way to network and best of all, learn people’s real names! (I can’t tell you how important that is) The last industry job offer I got was actually through facebook.
Good luck! I think you’d be great. Ever thought about editing? Not hard to learn, and you get to sit at a nice quiet desk…. I got totally burned out on running around a set for 12 hours a day.
By: Jen512 on March 4, 2009
at 10:35 PM
Jen512 – I knew you had some experience in the industry .. but had no idea you were so into it. I want to do ANYTHING on set. Editing sounds fantastic, so does script reading, hell, even being the assistant in the damn office. I’m one hell of a fast reader … so I could pile through scripts. You are so right about networking … I was an unpaid extra on a stupid crap local movie but my partner in my scene was working on another film called Whip It and within a week I was on that set. And yes, Fiona did come off a little negative, but who knows, maybe she was just having a crap day. As for Facebook I’m there, but under another name. Can you email me some more info offline? I’d love to hear about all of your experience on films.
By: thegirlfromtheghetto on March 4, 2009
at 11:33 PM
Jen – You would have died if I let Fiona’s last comment go through. What is wrong with society these days … can’t people just relax and enjoy? Thanks for your input.
By: thegirlfromtheghetto on March 5, 2009
at 1:31 PM
Haha, I knew she was a negative troll! I’m working on an email to you right now, and hopefully it will be helpful =]
By: Jen512 on March 5, 2009
at 1:53 PM
My two cents GG
Since you’re obviously a writer why not tout yourself as a ’script girl’ ie reader. Unpaid to get yourself on the ladder.
Then write a (low budget) script and pass it to the connections you make.
Prepare to be successful and prepare to relocate. He said.
http://old.oscars.org/nicholl/fellows/2000quarterfinalists.html
I tried.
http://thrillfiction2009.blogspot.com/
By: A.Jaye on March 5, 2009
at 6:30 PM
I think your ambition and determination if you keep that rolling will get doors opening for you. Its all just a matter time and patience, and of course the right random opts passing your way. I think good people recognize good people, and you’ll get invoted in.
I too am working my way into cracks and such, and its a process for sure.
I was out west last year and made some contacts that has helped me a bit here. I was ready to move back out of Michigan after tending to personal reasons brought me back here in the first place… I still miss Cali and Arizona, but as of recent I came across a lot of research and trends, yada yada… and see something here in MI- at least for now. I believe in the power of network, and I have helped others as they have helped me. Link with me if u would like- one never knows. I came across your site by researching info on “Daisy Tells a Secret.” One thing leads to another as they say.
As for what the rude stuff was from that other girl… it was more than likely frustration in her. I have seen this. I have felt it as well- but I wouldn’t attack another for their inspirations. That would be too karmatic! Everyone has a right to follow ambition, nothing wrong with it. So cheers honey!
By: Angeline on April 1, 2009
at 11:58 AM
Angeline – I’m glad you are back in Michigan. I think there are going to be a lot of breaks for all types of film workers here in Michigan and I hope you can get your big break. I just wrote a recent post on saving the Michigan Film Industry … please check that out. I will come check out your myspace page soon and thank you for commenting here!
By: thegirlfromtheghetto on April 2, 2009
at 9:19 AM
Don’t know whom to contact but had a idea so came across you. Where do the people eat while onset the studios? I own a catering business and would be happy to service the studios here in MI.
You don’t have to post this I was just wondering if you knew a contact that maybe I could talk to Thanks in advance Brenmarie
By: BrenMarie on June 13, 2009
at 10:22 PM
Bren – There is a website thru the state of MI. They recently changed it, but if you browe Michigan Film Industry you can find a website to sign yourself up. Good luck.
By: thegirlfromtheghetto on June 14, 2009
at 9:15 AM
Fiona – Of course there are people with more experience. I have some, as I used to major in Telecommunications at Michigan State and worked on a tv show on campus. I was just writing a fun post about wanting a job in the industry. I just need a break. Life is all about who you know way more than what a person has done. Trust me, I deal with that in my own life daily.
By the way, after your last rude comment, your off this blog. You can’t handle talking like a big girl with normal grown ups, and today I have no tolerence for idiots who blather on rudely here.
By: thegirlfromtheghetto on March 4, 2009
at 7:55 PM