How do you find people to work with?

P

Ph0toN

I've been searching and reading stuff on this forum for a couple of days now and I'm learning a lot, but I'm not finding some of the answers that I'm looking for.

Part 1:

As someone with no real experience other than "backyard" (for lack of a better term) film making, how do I get experience? The answer to that question I would assume is "work with others who have experience."

Well, how do I go about finding these experienced people who are working on films that will let me hang out on their sets and learn from them? Or even a step down from that, how do I find others like myself who have no experience that would be willing to collaborate with me? I'm sure there's probably lots of both of those types of people on this forum, but I don't see a sub-forum for meeting others to collaborate with or learn from.

I would jump at any chance to do anything that will give me experience. I don't even care about pay. I just want to gain experience whether it be working as a grip or gopher or just getting people coffee. To me being on an actual film set as a grip is a hell of a lot more experience than working 100% by myself in my house with a digital camera and vegas studio.

Part 2:

Let's say I go take some crap job and work my butt off all year long to save 10 grand and get the equipment to make a film. So I've got my 10 grand and I've got my equipment. Then what? Where do I find people to work with to make my film? 10 grand in my pocket and all the equipment in the world means nothing if I've got nobody to work with and don't know where to find them.
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
Well, I don't know where in Texas you are, but on MeetUp.com there are 25 Meet Up groups related to film within 100 miles of Houston. - Get out there and network.

You should also check out Mandy and Craigs List. - Work for free, meet folks, learn things, put together that list of people with whom you might want to work.

Get in touch with the TX Film Commission. http://governor.state.tx.us/film
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
As others have said, meetup groups and craigslist.

There is always work to do on a set. I would not approach it from "let me HANG OUT on your set" If you want to get closest to the action, and eavesdrop on some of the most productive conversations taking place, try to volunteer to slate and log the shots. The only people closer to the action is boom op and camera op.

Ph0toN said:
I've been searching and reading stuff on this forum for a couple of days now and I'm learning a lot, but I'm not finding some of the answers that I'm looking for.


Well, how do I go about finding these experienced people who are working on films that will let me hang out on their sets and learn from them?
Click to expand...
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Thanks for the quick replys! I did a facebook search for texas film and came up with a ton of pages and groups. None of them seem to be extremely active, but it's a start. I'm actually located pretty close to Dallas and it seems most of what I've turned up so far is closer to Austin and Houston, but I've always heard Dallas has a fairly active film scene.

@gpforet, thanks for the advice. I'll make sure not to use that phrase when talking to anyone.

My entire goal at the moment is to both network and learn how things go down from the producers and directors perspectives, as those are the two things I want to do. I know being a gopher really wouldn't give me much perspective on those two but I figure it would at least give me opportunities to chat with people a bit and get to know them. I can learn a lot from reading books and forums, but it will never be the same as watching and talking to people who are actually doing what I want to do.
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0 Downvote
Have you any friends who are into filmmaking? That's one place. But considering you possibly don't have that option:

People often overlook their friends. Do you have a good friend who, for no other reason than they are your friend, who might help you? You don't have the option of being picky because of thier lack of experience because you are in the same boat. Explain what you are trying to do and see if they would be willing to help you. For all you know, you might just find a good crew person or better yet: another newbie filmmaker.

-- spinner :cool:
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
i didnt read all the responses so sorry if i repeat, but i would look for some sort of film club or something in your area. and instead of working your ass off for a year to make 10 grand for equipment, i would recommend spending your time learning a skill like writing, editing, lighting, or whatever and looking for other to fill the other positions. i just think it would be more valuable to be a competent member of the film making team instead of having a bunch of gear. after all, you want to make a film not start a rental house, right? unless of course you want to be a cinematographer or camera man, then, sure, go out and get the appropriate tools. That would make it easier for you to find work. if i was looking for a crew i would find a cameraman with a camera, a sound guy with recording equip., and editor with an editing suite- you get me?

good luck
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I think this question has a million potential answers, and each one may be just as good as the next. So, I don't think there's any one way to do it, just a bunch of good ideas that can work. That being said, here's what worked for me.

College Campus.

I've really enjoyed working with college students. In my experience, they've all been eager to work, serious about their craft, dedicated to it, and yet still have fun. And if you think there's a lack of talent, you're just working with the wrong people. There are TONS of really talented, really dedicated college students out there, and it's your job to network with them. Networking can take time, and it isn't always a bowl full of roses. Stick to it.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
- Go to a (short) filmcourse: that way you'll get to know other people who are interested in filmmaking.
- Help others out with their project (like mentioned before). Just browse the mentioned sites.
- Use the internet to find people who want to work with you.
- Ask your friends.
- Use this forum ;)

Good luck!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top