"It's not what you know, but who you know..."

M

MelonDome

First let me say I enjoy this forum very much. I appreciate all the experienced film makers like Mr. Knightly and Mr. Vincent giving me advice.

Let me tell you a little bit about myself.

Im still a young buck. Currently 17, will be 18 in March. I dont want to go into my whole life story, but basically I have had a passion for film since the age of 7. I was born and raised Long Beach California... very nearby to LA.. My greatest quality is Public Relations. I can make friends with anybody. And everybody loves me. (Not trying to sound like a dick, im just good with networking)

I have taken every possible art class involving film at my highschool... film analysis, video production, theatre, drama, and even president of my own film club.

I have done such a tremendous amount of research, and have talked to many many people. So I am smart enough to know that it is not so much of what you know, but who you know in this industry. Mostly connections.

Now here is my question for you guys. My ultimate advantage in my opinion to make it into this industry is thru internships... yes, internships. I have already done 1, and I got another lined up for me in January with students from New York coming down to LA. So far my first at my first internship, I worked as a production assistant on a commercial. I was able to make relations and attain everyones' phone numbers at the end, so I thought it was a good start.

My question is. Once I go to college next year and I start doing my general education,what if I DROWN myself in internships with all these studios and production companies. DO you think, that this would work to my advantage and ultimately pull me into the industry? Because I would make so much relations with so many different people? I figure by the time I get out of film school, I am set to go.

Am I being too confident about this? advice? Opinions? Thanks
 
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It's good to see that by "who you know" you mean relationships that you have created, instead of "who you know" as in your uncle's third cousin is Spielberg. You seem determined. Good luck.
 
Can I just suggest rethink your core ethos?

Because although I'm sure it's possible build and keep a career just on "who you know"... my understanding of the industry is it only really loves people who can consistently make money.

Now, the truth is... when it comes to making money from movies, it isn't who you know... it really is WHAT you know.

I think your career plan is a sound one... but what's the point of getting into the Hollywood system if you've got nothing to offer when you get there?
 
I apologize clive for the misunderstanding. What I mean to say is, in a generalization standard, "it is not ALWAYS what you know, but who you know"...

I have alot to offer in the "system", however, in order to make my entry, I must use another form of acceptance other than my experience and passion.

Clive you may be the most gifted film maker in the world, however, that doesn't mean you will make an easy entry into Hollywood. Thus, the reason I was explaining above, that developing a means of public relations can give a better lenient for entry.
 
I think the operative word would be ONLY.. as in, it's not ONLY what you know, but who you know.. because you do have to have a clue what you're doing, but if you don't network with anyone you'll, more likely than not, never get a shot. ;)
 
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