Assignment 1 Hardy

Susie Gaines
Film Commissioner for the El Paso Film Commission Office
Phone: 915-534-0698

1.) Can you briefly define your job to me?

I am responsible for bringing outside production into El Paso.

2.) How did you get started in this business?

I just kind of fell into it. I started out working at a hotel and then I started working gigs at a local theater.

3.) How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can't accomplish an assigned task?

I never had to, but I would describe the scenario to my boss and tell them the reasons why I couldn't get the task done.

4.) Do you have any advice for a media student who is just starting out?

Work as a PA on films and in as many different departments at a film office as you can.


Valerie Finch
Production Assistant
valeriesfinch@yahoo.com

1.) Can you briefly define your job to me?

I am a Production assistant/secretary.

2.) How did you get started in this business?

I started out by getting a bachelors degree in Radio/TV/Film and things took off from there.

3.) How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can't accomplish an assigned task?

I would just tell them the truth. It's always better to be honest than be dishonest. You don't want to fail because you didn't tell the truth about something you couldn't do.

4.) Do you have any advice for a media student who is just starting out?

Take as many classes as you can, check with the local film commission, network as much you can. It is very important to make some good connections in this business.


Carolyn O'hara
Make Up/Special Effects Artist
carolyn@hawgfly.com

1.) Can you briefly define your job to me?

I am a special effects make up artist in the film, tv, and theater industry.

2.) How did you get started in this business?

I learned how to draw fake tattoos in the Navy. 20 years later, a friend asked me to do some fake tattoo work for a movie and I've been doing it ever since.

3.) How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can't accomplish an assigned task?

First ask a lot of questions to make sure I was right in my first assumption. Then I would try to find out why I couldn't do it. Finally I would promise my boss that I will never do a job that I can't complete again.

4.) Do you have any advice for a media student who is just starting out?

Go where there is work.
Be prepared to work for free.
Be very easy to get along with.
Be talented.

Sanjay Patel
Actor
sanjay@pdlstudios.net

1.) Can you briefly define your job to me?

1. My company is responsible for the design and creation of motion picture and home entertainment marketing materials including: POSTERS, STANDEES, PRINT, OUTDOOR, MOTION GRAPHICS, COPY WRITING, and INTERNET ADVERTISING.

2.) How did you get started in this business?

2. Its a long story. To sum it up. I was offered a chance to work on a project. I did a good job and it was noticed by some important people and off I went.

3.) How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can't accomplish an assigned task?

3. I never say I can't.. that's the secret to working in the film industry.. you just make it happen.

4.) Do you have any advice for a media student who is just starting out?

4. Keep an open mind.. listen..really listen..do the best you can do..go the extra mile it will pay off in the long run. Think of hurdles as learning experiences and always stay calm.. and you will be okay..

Ellen Swetman
Freelance actress/Production crew assistant
ellenswetman@sbcglobal.net

1.) Can you briefly define your job to me? I work as a free lance actress, voice talent and production crew.

2.) How did you get started in this business? I was cast in some local theatre and then sought a talent agent, took a lot of classes and began working as an actress. Went back to college and received an Associate of Applied Science in Radio, TV, Broadcasting. I received a lot of production training and began working as a production assistant. Went to voice over workshops, produced a demo and began working as a voice talent. I’m also now teaching introduction to voice over for my San Antonio agent. A few months ago, I went to an Assistant Director workshop in Houston and hope to work in that capacity as well. I have also done some print work.

3.) How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can't accomplish an assigned task? I have never done that, but if the situation came up, I would probably tell him that I did not feel that I had the appropriate education or experience to accomplish the task and meet his expectations.

4.) Do you have any advice for a media student who is just starting out? Market yourself, don’t depend on someone else to do it even if you have an agent. Take as many classes and workshops as you can to diversify your talents. Be willing to work in a related job in order to get your foot in the door. Never let anyone tell you that you are not capable of accomplishing your goat.