How hard it is to get film work/jobs (low end)? (Industry: apartment, wages)

[simon22]

So I'm considering moving to L.A. soon, I'm just curious how hard it is to get low end film work. I don't expect anything amazing, I just want some sort of film work even if it's bottom of the barrel. I have a Bachelor's in Film and lots of relevant experience.

[HarryKerry]

Even with your experience, in these times, it will be VERY difficult. That's why so many of those trying to get into film are waiters and waitresses, and they are VERY unhappy because they would rather be in the studios, not at the restaurant serving. You are better off knowing someone who is already INSIDE somewhere because coming in from the cold just won't cut it in most cases.

Remember, should you get a low-end job you will be treated like crap, but you have to do EVERYTHING they say and tell you to do and do it successfully and make your ambitions known. Moderator cut: vulgar If you can't do the most menial non-film related task of changing their baby's diaper without complaining or sobbing or shouting, "that's not my job or why I'm here," then they will never trust you with a position on a film project. And you had better have another job to supplement the low wages for 60 hours per week in the low-end jobs in the Film Industry.

Moderator cut: vulgar

[yamota]

I have a friend who manages an apartment building but in his spare time he works as a grip or best boy on movie sets. It don't pay squat, the only thing he gets from it really is the experience and the opportunity to be on a movie set with all the hot chicks.

[30STM]

try central casting. the pay minimum wage. they have work for extra's Loads of competition.

[simon22]

Cool, so I should have no trouble finding bottom of the barrel work?

[Ceece]

Originally Posted by simon22

Cool, so I should have no trouble finding bottom of the barrel work?

You may have trouble, nobody knows you, or who will think what of you. You will just have to try it and see.

[disgruntled la native]

One of my good friends is the son of fairly prominent people in the entertainment industry. Like, people who made it and have won Oscars and Emmys. He's interested in breaking in. Well, they have him working 60-70 hours a week as a gofer. And he had an in. Even that gofer job is tough to get.

[Jebby]

I don't work in film, but know quite a few people who do or did (including the wife). Office jobs at studios are very attainable with a degree. If you want a position working on set, it will be a little (or lot) more difficult. Most I know who work on set, are skilled tradesmen who design and/or build sets. A job doing filming, audio or acting would be extremely hard to get. As with any industry, just try to get yourself in, develop your skills and play your cards to slowly get into a position that you want. Apply for jobs and if you don't get any takers, try to get an internship or temp work so that you can make connections. Many studios have associated temp agencies that they use. Once you have an in, work hard, make connections and try to get gain some leverage (learning specialized skills, ect) that you can use to encourage them to hire you on. In other words, don't become a permanent intern. A studio (or any company) will sometimes try to do that to you if you let them.

[laysayfair]

Originally Posted by simon22

Cool, so I should have no trouble finding bottom of the barrel work?

Yes, you will have trouble. There are many more people who want "bottom of the barrel" work than there are jobs. A thousand of "you" arrived in LA this month and a thousand more of "you" will arrive next month. Expect trouble.

[SlowMotionApocalypse]

I know someone who has been an extra for a few decades. Lately he has been collecting cans while waiting for the phone to ring.