The Economist: What Georgia film worker shortage says about America (Atlanta: 2014, school)

[LynnHarris]

"Georgia’s film industry may be booming, but Georgia residents ought to worry about the state’s inability to produce workers who can build the sets, run the wires, or manage the sound for such films, says The Economist..."

Full Story: The Economist: What Georgia film worker shortage says about America - Atlanta Business Chronicle

[ATLJR]

Pay more. They then go on about how more people aren't starting careers in various industries, although there is a need. It's because the pay is horrible. Real wage growth in many of those industries has gone down. Those jobs will be filled as their pay goes up when there is a higher demand for people competent in those industries. I find it humorous that someone would complain about "not having enough workers" without looking at what they're doing to attract said workers. I know it's a broad generalization, but a young person getting into the film industry can only live off low wages for so long. Eventually they'll move into other industries or not move into that industry at all.

[BeyondInfinity]

Originally Posted by ATLJR

Pay more. They then go on about how more people aren't starting careers in various industries, although there is a need. It's because the pay is horrible. Real wage growth in many of those industries has gone down. Those jobs will be filled as their pay goes up when there is a higher demand for people competent in those industries. I find it humorous that someone would complain about "not having enough workers" without looking at what they're doing to attract said workers. I know it's a broad generalization, but a young person getting into the film industry can only live off low wages for so long. Eventually they'll move into other industries or not move into that industry at all.

You are exactly right. I was looking at a news station the other day and a Hiring Manager stated that he was having a hard time filling positions. The companies today do not want to pay anything. Who would take a $10/hour job to do highly skilled work? Not me!

I have noticed that over the past couple of years, companies are attempting to low ball the workers on pay and we are not biting but they scream that they can't find anyone to fill the positions!!! The ones at the top are so bright sometimes!

[ATLTJL]

How often do people come to this forum asking how to find work in the film world only to be told it's all about networking and who you know?

Well, that's not a reasonable way to fill a large need.

If they really need people to do these jobs, why don't they ever list them? I'm sure when the choice is brining in outside labor that you have to cover travel and lodging expenses for, they could provide a more than decent wage if they wanted to.

Plenty of Georgians could easily run wires, build sets, etc. I don't believe there's a shortage, I think the industry just expects these people to find them instead of vice versa.

I call BS.

[tikigod311]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

How often do people come to this forum asking how to find work in the film world only to be told it's all about networking and who you know?

Well, that's not a reasonable way to fill a large need.

Plenty of Georgians could easily run wires, build sets, etc. I don't believe there's a shortage, I think the industry just expects these people to find them instead of vice versa.

I call BS.

Excellent points.

I always look at the posts asking how to get in the industry and networking is always the answer. Sorry, that sucks. Especially when you may know nothing about the industry, but be skilled in the crafts they say they have a shortage of labor in. Are you just supposed to show up at a film festival and talk to directors about your woodworking skills?

The industry needs to change the way they hire, this isn't Georgia's fault.

[LynnHarris]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

How often do people come to this forum asking how to find work in the film world only to be told it's all about networking and who you know?

Well, that's not a reasonable way to fill a large need.

If they really need people to do these jobs, why don't they ever list them? I'm sure when the choice is brining in outside labor that you have to cover travel and lodging expenses for, they could provide a more than decent wage if they wanted to.

Plenty of Georgians could easily run wires, build sets, etc. I don't believe there's a shortage, I think the industry just expects these people to find them instead of vice versa.

I call BS.

I agree with all...

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by ATLJR

Pay more. They then go on about how more people aren't starting careers in various industries, although there is a need. It's because the pay is horrible. Real wage growth in many of those industries has gone down. Those jobs will be filled as their pay goes up when there is a higher demand for people competent in those industries. I find it humorous that someone would complain about "not having enough workers" without looking at what they're doing to attract said workers. I know it's a broad generalization, but a young person getting into the film industry can only live off low wages for so long. Eventually they'll move into other industries or not move into that industry at all.

Originally Posted by BeyondInfinity

You are exactly right. I was looking at a news station the other day and a Hiring Manager stated that he was having a hard time filling positions. The companies today do not want to pay anything. Who would take a $10/hour job to do highly skilled work? Not me!

I have noticed that over the past couple of years, companies are attempting to low ball the workers on pay and we are not biting but they scream that they can't find anyone to fill the positions!!! The ones at the top are so bright sometimes!

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

How often do people come to this forum asking how to find work in the film world only to be told it's all about networking and who you know?

Well, that's not a reasonable way to fill a large need.

If they really need people to do these jobs, why don't they ever list them? I'm sure when the choice is brining in outside labor that you have to cover travel and lodging expenses for, they could provide a more than decent wage if they wanted to.

Plenty of Georgians could easily run wires, build sets, etc. I don't believe there's a shortage, I think the industry just expects these people to find them instead of vice versa.

I call BS.

Originally Posted by tikigod311

Excellent points.

I always look at the posts asking how to get in the industry and networking is always the answer. Sorry, that sucks. Especially when you may know nothing about the industry, but be skilled in the crafts they say they have a shortage of labor in. Are you just supposed to show up at a film festival and talk to directors about your woodworking skills?

The industry needs to change the way they hire, this isn't Georgia's fault.

Originally Posted by LynnHarris

I agree with all...

Yes. Excellent, spot-on points from all of you.

[joey86]

Originally Posted by LynnHarris

"Georgia’s film industry may be booming, but Georgia residents ought to worry about the state’s inability to produce workers who can build the sets, run the wires, or manage the sound for such films, says The Economist..."

Full Story: The Economist: What Georgia film worker shortage says about America - Atlanta Business Chronicle

Originally Posted by ATLJR

Pay more. They then go on about how more people aren't starting careers in various industries, although there is a need. It's because the pay is horrible. Real wage growth in many of those industries has gone down. Those jobs will be filled as their pay goes up when there is a higher demand for people competent in those industries. I find it humorous that someone would complain about "not having enough workers" without looking at what they're doing to attract said workers. I know it's a broad generalization, but a young person getting into the film industry can only live off low wages for so long. Eventually they'll move into other industries or not move into that industry at all.

Originally Posted by BeyondInfinity

You are exactly right. I was looking at a news station the other day and a Hiring Manager stated that he was having a hard time filling positions. The companies today do not want to pay anything. Who would take a $10/hour job to do highly skilled work? Not me!

I have noticed that over the past couple of years, companies are attempting to low ball the workers on pay and we are not biting but they scream that they can't find anyone to fill the positions!!! The ones at the top are so bright sometimes!

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

How often do people come to this forum asking how to find work in the film world only to be told it's all about networking and who you know?

Well, that's not a reasonable way to fill a large need.

If they really need people to do these jobs, why don't they ever list them? I'm sure when the choice is brining in outside labor that you have to cover travel and lodging expenses for, they could provide a more than decent wage if they wanted to.

Plenty of Georgians could easily run wires, build sets, etc. I don't believe there's a shortage, I think the industry just expects these people to find them instead of vice versa.

I call BS.

Originally Posted by tikigod311

Excellent points.

I always look at the posts asking how to get in the industry and networking is always the answer. Sorry, that sucks. Especially when you may know nothing about the industry, but be skilled in the crafts they say they have a shortage of labor in. Are you just supposed to show up at a film festival and talk to directors about your woodworking skills?

The industry needs to change the way they hire, this isn't Georgia's fault.

Originally Posted by LynnHarris

I agree with all...

Originally Posted by aries4118

Yes. Excellent, spot-on points from all of you.

I just wanted to quote more people than Aries just did.

[Tryska]

I kind of have to disagree with the wage point. Skilled craftsmen make much more than $10 hour. Now you may need to start there as an apprentice, but you still have the potential to make much much more than that, if you are willing to put the sweat in and learn a craft.

Plus, considering that these will be in demand jobs in another 10 years, since there is a shortage now, supply and demand states that pay would only go up until demand is met.

I think Ft. Mac should have a satellite trade school or something on it. Gives TP folks to hire, and gives folks in the surrounding community an opportunity to learn.

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by joey86

I just wanted to quote more people than Aries just did.

Copycat!