Assignment 1: Smalls

New Jersey Interviews

Justin Galler-Writer/Producer/Director

Q) Can you briefly describe you job to me?

A) As a freelance writer, producer and director I really have several jobs – first and foremost, I’m an entrepreneur and small business person. That means I’m a combination CEO, bookkeeper, salesman and cleaning person, all before I tell you about the production part. My production business is in two parts – one is “work-for-hire,” that is, contract production services where other people hire me to create a “sponsored film.” The other part is development – that is, creating ideas that I can sell to broadcasters. The distinction is important, because I don’t own or have any rights to the “work for hire” films and videos I create, while I retain some ownership of the projects I sell to television.Anyway, the writer/producer/director part of the job is pretty much the same in either case. There are many definitions of a producer, but the one I prefer is that you are a specialized kind of project manager. You must organize, schedule, budget and manage a production from beginning to end, including selecting and hiring the right people for the various crew and talent jobs. The director is responsible for the creative vision and quality of the project, and has a large organizational responsibility as well. Working with the Director of Photography, the Director designs and selects the shots and performances that the editor will then assemble into the finished program. (Some of the best advice I ever received was that every director should spend some time as an editor – learning to “shoot for the cut” is invaluable.)

Q) How did you get started in this business?

A) I was a journalism student at the University of Iowa and wanted to be a writer. One day someone asked if I would help out on a documentary film, and I said yes. After realizing how much more fun production was than writing, I was hooked for life.

Q) How do you tell someone over you that you can't accomplish a task?

A)It’s always important to be honest (politely, of course,) both with your supervisor and yourself. No good supervisor wants you to fail. Don’t be shy about asking questions about the best way to accomplish the task. Then, one of two things will happen: the supervisor will realize the problem with the situation, or, you will find out that you can actually perform the task with the new information.

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

A)This is, by and large, still an apprenticeship-based industry. Get an internship or entry-level job with an organization that is in a part of the business you think you like – (post-production, sound production, studio or location, corporate or broadcast, etc.) Be humble, but not wimpy. Keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth mostly shut, unless there’s a problem to solve. Work toward the success of the enterprise – film or video production is the closest you’ll ever come to “team art.” Be ambitious about learning the details of the business, and network, network, network. Success in this business (like much of life,) is not only about being excellent – it’s about letting people who can help you know you’re excellent. And never forget – ultimately it’s all about the story.

Gerald F. Dey-Producer/Partner

Q) Can you briefly describe you job to me?

A)No, not briefly. LOL As the source for my companies 'single source accountability' I feel that I am able to wear any hat that is required. If a job needs to be done, that I can't handle, I feel I should find someone that can do it. Personally, I strive for excellence, perfection is for God. I like to work with people that share that outlook. Without rambling, what a producer does is a closely guarded secret. We are ready, willing, and able to do whatever must be done. Versatile and scalable.

Q) How did you get started in this business?

A) I went to work for a Mom & Pop shop called Audio Visual Productions in the late 70's as a PA. We did industrial motion pictures in 16mm. There were no PC's at that time. Bolex cameras, 6 plate flat bed Moviola editing machine, and animations/titles shot on an Oxberry Media Pro. Production work today is a whole different tool box. The basics remain mostly the same.

Q) How do you tell someone over you that you can't accomplish a task?

A) As a business partner, pretty much everyone that hires us is our boss. I reserve the right to refuse a job that I know up front can't be done by my company. The trick is to ask enough questions about the job to figure out what's expected. If you are working in a structured situation, the same holds true. It is better to admit up front if you don't think you can do something. Many times it is very expensive or impossible to do a second take. Better to swallow your pride and keep the respect of your associates / boss for doing so.

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

A)Plenty. -Don't be a diva.-Learning never ends. You have two ears and one mouth.....listen twice as much as you speak.-The whole world of production is always in flux. Keep your thinking flexible.-Watch 'Dirty Jobs' on Discovery. -After you have it 'in the can', don't be afraid to experiment.-Visit Home Depot / Lowes all the time and learn to be a fifty cent engineer.-Learn what needs to be new and what doesn't. Shop eBay.-Know the difference between duct tape and gaffer tape! And where to use each! LOL-Never be afraid to mentor. Hoarding knowledge is just wrong.-Always use spell check.

Brian Jude-Producer/Director/Vice President

Q) Can you briefly define your job to me?

A) I am the VP of Creative Affairs of DigitalCafeTour.com - a company that produces live concert & stand-up comedy videos, mainly for internet distribution, but we've recently gotten into Video On Demand courtesy of Verizon FiOS as well.I produce and direct nearly all of the content, as well as maintain our social networking sites (MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter). I also oversee all aspects of prep, production, and post production.As a business owner, I also am always on the look out for new sources of income as well.I also have another production company, Dragon Rider Productions, which began as an indie company designed to produce on feature film, until other smaller projects started to pop up, and other potential features were added to the plate as well. That one project has since been temporarily shelved, as DCT has been taken up most of my time, but we are working on creating a separate "DCT Cinema" program that might bring the film back into the green light after all.

Q) How did you get started in this business?

A)I started in college as a broadcasting major, music & film minors. I took an internship under Michael Uslan and Benjamin Melniker - the executive producers of all of the Batman films since 1989. I had a personal connection to Uslan and had a gut feeling it could lead to something. I even turned down an internship with HBO that would have easily led to a decent job. The office manager, Tom Walker, thought I was nuts for taking it.Tom & I became very close friends very fast. He's also a musician, and I became an immediate fan of his music.Right before graduation, I got a call from Tom's predecessor, who needed a parking P.A. for a feature film she was coordinating. That job led to other P.A. and craft service jobs in the NYC indie film scene, and then I started to move up the ladder to A.D., U.P.M. and Line Producer jobs.After juggling freelance film gigs and temp jobs for about five years, I got married and realized that lifestyle would not bode well for starting a family, and I put together Dragon Rider Productions with another friend, Richard Legon.After a few years, I offered Tom Walker my services to shoot a concert film for his band, Friday's Child. We produced it together, and put some sample clips on the internet. Realizing the power of web video for indie music, we formalized our joint forces and created DCT. The rest is history - and if I'm lucky, it'll be legend.

Q) How do you tell someone over you that you can't accomplish an assigned task?

A)I'm sorry, I'm not going to be able to answer that one.But seriously...In the indie film scene, you're taught quickly that things must be done when they need to be done. At the same time, the schedule never stays the same for very long. Therefore, you're expected to not fail in your tasks, but when it happens, you need to approach it professionally and logically, own up to your limitations, and do what you can to help facilitate whatever needs to be done - i.e. find a replacement whom you trust, etc. Sometimes this happens if you're on a job and are offered a better job - it's understood that you have to take the better job, but it helps to find someone to take your place.

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

A)The industry is changing rapidly. Stay ahead of the curve. Know where your industry will be next year, in three years, and in five years. Forget ten years, because you can't possibly know that.Take a few business courses - you never know when you might need it! (I wish I had that education!) If you don't have a mentor who has done what you want to do, find one, and follow their advice - until you no longer need them. You can never toot your own horn as loud as someone else tooting it for you.Treat people with respect, regardless of their rank. Always put yourself in others' shoes.I learned the most about producing by doing craft service. A happy crew will do much better work than a tired and hungry crew, and will be willing to work for you again and again.There are many people out there who will make you false promises. Don't believe anyone who can't prove themselves to you and provide at least three references. Never pay someone to get work or money for you. Let them work on commission. If they can't get themselves the funds to pay their phone bill, they can't get you funds for your project, etc.Above all, blaze your own trail. The road less traveled can make all the difference - and there is no traffic jam on the extra mile!

Ben Bencivenga-President/Producer/Writer/Director

Q) Can you briefly describe you job to me?

A) I am a writer/director/producer by profession who owns a media production studio just outside of Philadelphia. I manage the day-to-day operations of the studio while still actively practicing my craft of 30 years- writing, directing and producing all forms of electronic media- television, radio, web, corporate communications and digital marketing.

Q) How did you get started in this business?

A) While getting my MA in 1979, I began working as a radio disc-jockey at several local NJ radio stations. At one time, I was on 3 different stations using 3 different names. While getting my MA, another student in grad school was working for a new broadcast TV station group. She introduced me to the owner who hired me as a news photographer. I worked my up to director of news programming, then production manager, then program director.

Q) How do you tell someone over you that you can't accomplish a task?

A)There is only one way to tell a superior that you can’t accomplish a task- that you are not qualified to complete the task. Other than that, there are no acceptable reasons- except illness or personal issues. If the task is part of your job description or in your area of responsibility, there should be no excuses.

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

A) Four things- focus on your strengths and aim for a career that is realistic based on your demonstrated talents, abilities and education. Find an internship with a company that meets the criteria of your strengths, talents and goals. Look at the current state of media and communications and develop a plan to market your talents and strengths to firms that match your desires and strengths. Internships let employers see what young people have to offer and most allows interns to develop their strengths and talents. Lastly, don’t aim for positions that you are not qualified for or those that require specific skills and talents you do not possess. Know your abilities at this point in time, learn your craft and focus on the attainable.

Michael O’Haggin-Media Producer

Q) Can you briefly describe your job to me?

A) I define myself as a media producer. When I meet a client I hear their idea and gauge how much I think it will cost to shoot. Then I make a proposal and go over casting with the client. I have a small business that does stuff for local television stations and the web. I have also done promotions for HBO. I primarily work by myself that way I keep more money in my pocket. But, when I need to I do hire people, like an audio or lighting crew. I do about 80% of the work myself.

Q) How did you get started in this business?

A) I started out in a tv class in high school. Then I joined the Air force where I became a Videographer. Next I went to Rutgers to study photo video, and got a job at Riverview Studios. I was an editor and shooter there, and got a cooperate view of the business. As I was working I kept in touch with people and networked which has brought in work for me. I credit the Airforce with helping me get started.

Q) How do you tell someone over you that you can't accomplish a task?

A) One time I had a client that took his own video shots and wanted me to use his footage to make a documentary. I looked at the footage and it was not shot well at all. So I knew that could give the client what they want with just the video that I was given. With clients I try to be respectful, but also straightforward with them. So, I told him nicely that I could not do it with what I was given.

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

A) My advice would be to get a lot of exposure, take jobs where you work for free and low pay (like a PA), get to work early and work hard and long, exchange info by networking, get in with local production companies, get experience which is valuable for moving to the next level, learn the business from all angles, market yourself, make a demo reel, bite off what you can chew to build credit, make trailers for your film ideas, do not forget the reason you got in the business.