Assignment 1 Kette. Nevada

Matt Skurow
Website: http://www.skurowenterprises.com
Phone: 702-478-8118
746 Pomegranate Ct., Henderson, NV 89014

1. Can you briefly define your job to me?
-I am a film director/writer/producer. My company still handles some t.v. and local video projects.

2. How did you get started in this business?
-I started out in the I.A.T.S.E union as a video utility and worked my way up the chain. Learning every job that I could. I was fortunate enough to have some great people who were accommodating to my eagerness to learn. Eventually I worked my way into a production truck doing tape, slo-mo, then graphics, AD and finally into the directors chair. It was mostly live sports and I hated it, too much pressure. I left video all together and went and worked in theatre for a while. I worked my way up the ladder there too and became a lighting director/designer. One year I went to a film festival and had an epiphany. I believed in my heart that I was a film director. Knowing nothing about how to work with actors I changed directions again and went to film school at 30. I started a production company and have been making films ever since.

3. How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can’t accomplish an assigned task?
-At this point the only person over me are the films financiers. In this business there is no such thing as "can't". If you are unable to do an assigned task it is a matter of lack of knowledge or lack of resources, sometimes both. If you can't do something you either need to learn something or get some help. Don't be afraid to ask for it. A boss will be more inclined to offer assistance to you than to reassign a task. Learn to gauge your time and resources, they are your two greatest tools. I believe that part of my success in both the union and in stage lighting came from my tenacious curiosity to learn. I would tell my bosses that "I don't know how to do that but I am willing to learn" The magic is in the later part of that statement. I was willing to learn any and everything. One must become accountable for his/her actions. That means if you promise that you will do something you should do it to the best of your ability. If you can't then you have to be honest and live up to it. There were many nights were I worked off the clock to finish projects that I had committed myself to. In the end, in live and in any business, you are only as good as your word.

4. Do you have any advice for a media student who is just starting out?
-Follow your passion. Explore new ideas and new ways of doing things. There are really no rules as far as what you can accomplish. You are always working for yourself even when you are employed by someone else. Learn to be organized and manage your time well. Set career goals for yourself, big ones and small ones but also be open to new opportunities. Never let fear dictate your actions. Some of the best things in life happen when we risk. Be honest, with yourself and to others. Once you find the area that you like become an expert by studying everything you can, know it inside and out backwards and forwards. Most of your work will come by word of mouth and your reputation. If I can give you one word that will forever change your business success rate it would be the word "Tenacious". Never give up, no matter what. It is possible to exhaust your obstacles with determination. Determination comes from within. Always define yourself. Be kind, you will work with and re-work with the same people over and over. Talk to everyone you can, everyone is approachable even if it's not obvious at the moment. Fear is an illusion. The greatest thing you can bring to this business is you. Your ideas, your outlook, your heart. Learn from those before you and then become more. Lead don't follow. Integrity is everything and karma plays a big role in all that we do.


You are very welcome. Thank you for choosing me to help you. If I can be of any assistance in the future please do not hesitate. We all are here to learn and help each other. Best of luck to you in all that you pursue.


Chris Anderson
anderson-chris@hotmail.com
Home (702)-731-1046
5948 Willard St. Las Vegas, NV 89122

1. Can you briefly define your job to me?
-My job right now is assisting those producers or coordinators. I'm only Producing low budget projects. When I do work on a project I make sure that things are in order and that I am working with people who know their jobs and get what needs to be done, finished. I'm talking about permits and leases for places that we would like to shoot.

2. How did you get started in this business?
-I got started to in this business during college. I have a degree and a minor from a University from the midwest. After I graduated I relocated to Hollywood and networked my way into a PA position.

3. How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can’t accomplish an assigned task?
-Wow, good question. I ask for help. I also give alternative solutions just in case nobody can deliver on what my higher ups want.

4. Do you have any advice for a media student who is just starting out?
-My advise to someone starting out in this business is NETWORK. What I mean by that is get a notebook and start collecting all the business cards that people give you. Then under the card write a lil note stating when you met that person and how you met them. You never know when you might need someone with there job skill. Don't forget to live your life to best you know how. If someone asks for help and YOU are able to help them then you should try. When your working and someone asks who can work late and pick up an extra day you raise your hand first. I always say that "take all the hours you can get cause they are not always there". The higher ups will notice who the good workers are and who the slackers are. They will want to higher you again because that makes them look good.

Jefferson Richard
jefferson@torchlightent.com
Phone: (702) 732-2827
3960 Howard Hughes Parkway, Suite 500,
Las Vegas, NV, 89169

1. Can you briefly define your job to me?
-I am a film line producer. I supervise the entire production of the film

2. How did you get started in this business?
- I started out as a musician and actor and eventually moved into production as an n assistant director, production manager, and then line producer.

3. How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can’t accomplish an assigned task?
-I have an expression to break the news. I say, “Hmm, we’re a little bit screws (or stronger depending on the relationship) here. That lightens the news.

4. Do you have any advice for a media student who is just starting out?
-Don’t give up. If you’re in it for the money go do it somewhere else.


Skip Burrows
Producer
Las Vegas, NV
www.skipburrows.com

1. Can you briefly define your job to me?
-My main focus (or job) if you were to give it a title is - Line Producer. It is my responsibility to read the script, break it down as far as I possibly can, compare my calculations with the rest of the department heads and report those findings back to the Executive Producer and/or the Money Producers/Backers. Once the budget is approved; then I am the watchdog over the entire production to insure that we meet our goals (budget) on money, time and daily work. Time is money and money is time. Both are equally important as the Labor costs, talent and locations are all directly affected. I know this a very brief summary of my job, but if you have any further questions, I will be happy to expand on the above definition of my job.

2. How did you get started in this business?
-Ironically, I got into this business totally by accident. Literally an accident put me in the trade. I had an auto body shop in Las Vegas in the early 1980's and when the T-bird was involved in an unscripted accident on the set of VEGAS. I was called upon to get the car repaired and ready to complete that episode. The Producer on the show, Aaron Spelling and his right hand man, Line Producer, E. Duke Vincent thought that I gave an outstanding effort and offered me a job with the production team, which in turn they forwarded my name on to other crews. I then worked my way into Universal Studios and finally out in the open market as a free lance Special Effects Coordinator, which led to doing other jobs and finally into producing.

3. How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can't accomplish an assigned task?
-The words "NO", "CAN'T", "WON'T", "NEVER" or any other definitive negative do not exist in the Media Industry. It is the "Can do's" and "Let's give it try" persons that succeed. So, to say to your "boss" - "that ain't gonna' happen" is grounds for termination. Rather than take a negative stance, seek "options." Rather than say no, say, "can I have a minute to think that over and get back to you. OR Could we possibly seek another solution. OR Let's explore a couple of other options." And I am sure there is always some sort or resolution or at least an alternative to a no. If one street is closed, there has to be another one open, maybe not in the direction that you were originally headed, but at least you are still moving to reach your goal. Seek options rather than a dead end.

4. Do you have any advice for a media student who is just starting out?
-Love what you do and do what you love. If you can't take the time to learn your job, no matter the pay, then you are in the wrong profession. If you are good at your job and strive to achieve without complaining and with a good heart, people will notice you and offer more open doors. What a person lacks in talent they can make up for in enthusiasm and persistence. NEVER BE LATE for any work call. Do what you say you are going to do when you say you are going to do it. Never blame anyone else for your mistakes or shortcomings. Be willing to accept mistakes as a learning tool and do not make that mistake again. Police yourself, speak from a point of reference that can be checked and verified, never assume anything - NEVER! Be willing to accept new people on their willingness to participate and cut those loose in a hurry that do not meet the bare minimum - even relatives. A tattletale never has time to do their own work - police yourself and tolerate with a minimum those who try to dissuade or redirect you into a direction that you know is incorrect. WORK HARD, PLAY HARD, WORK SMART, PLAY SMART, TAKE NO UNCALCULATED CHANCES and DO NOT FAIL TO LOOK AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY WITH AN OPEN MIND.

Enough of the lecture: BE YOURSELF - BE REAL - BE YOURSELF ALL THE TIME, PEOPLE WILL RESPECT YOU FOR YOUR HONESTY.

I hope this helps you get the best grade you can and go forward with a clear understanding of what you really want to achieve with your life. You only get one life.

Michael Billings
Billings Production Services
325 South Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 471-7469
ShowWizard@aol.com

1. Can you briefly define your job to me?
-Writer, Director, Producer, Locations, Casting, Fireman, Answerman, Do All, Know All, Be All. While big projects have different departments and heads and assistants and interns and such..... most projects don't have the budget or manpower to provide such liberties.....

Perhaps the greatest gift in this business is that of "creating." Which can be either writing or doing visual creations.... could be with makeup or wardrobe..... but in the beginning there needs to be a vision of what we are doing... and that vision typically comes from the writer.... or creative person/director. So doing that and knowing how to create and being good at it then allows one for greater experiences and opportunities.... such as watching over your creation, either as a director or as a producer or both.

When I'm hired on as a producer, one cannot just leave at home that ability and excitement of constantly creating. So it is a blessing and a curse at the same time. Many people take offense to new ideas or expansions of their own ideas... and yet others enjoy and thrive off that growing experience. From the producers standpoint, it is about time and money. Getting it done and getting it done as well as you can when it is due.

From a directors standpoint, it is like a chef, adding elements to spice up the cake..... from changes with a script or idea... or on/off screen talent.... or music... sound effects... visual effects.... editing..... even packaging... it all sets a tone and moves a project.


2. How did you get started in this business?
-I was forced into slave labor and am still trying to get out. Don't do it. Don't go there.
Music was the force behind my introduction to television, film and stage. Writing music, jingles, and then being asked to put visuals to the music/jingle... and then............. everyone has a different road or avenue.... there is no one set way.

I wrote music, had some ideas for some Levi commercials, and was introduced by execs to some ad agencies that might have an interest, and one thing lead to another...... moving to Los Angeles... that was perhaps the biggest thing was giving up my home and comfort zone and moving down to the Big City.

And I would never recommend it to anyone. Life is too short to go thru such stress and politics.

3. How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can’t accomplish an assigned task?
-This is tough. I think it is better to always have a positive outlook.... and push for getting anything and everything done... however, as you or one gains knowledge and experience... you can't help but look at someone and tell them that can't be done. My job as say an Assistant Director or Producer is to tell them how we can do certain things and work to see about making things happen within the time frame and within the budget..... and for me, every project is like an opening night... the curtain must open at such a time and everything must get done before that curtain opens.

People who supervise you should know their jobs and have some more experience than you, so I think mostly what they are looking for is enthusiasm and persistance... the will to give it all you have up to curtain time, if that makes any sense.

I remember when I first started out, I was so overwhelmed with everything..... but having department heads and working as a team and relying on your team members really can help with all of that stress and pressure. Having schedules to work to.... check points...... and let others review your product or progress....

You only learn more by doing more and being involved with more..... and if it is in your blood, you'll work 24/7 on a project because you need to do it. You'll see how things can become so driving, ideas of adding value to a task or element or project... you'll see it, you'll feel it. It just becomes you. If it doesn't, then this perhaps isn't the best road for you to travel on. If that makes any sense to you.

4. Do you have any advice for a media/film student who is just starting out?
-Don't give up. Don't be afraid to learn. Don't be afraid to grow. Enjoy it all.