assignment 1a-cohen

Assignment 1A- Lauren Cohen

Jeffrey Cohen

Production Manager, Marketer, VP of Marketing

Atlanta, Georgia

Phone interview

1. Can you briefly define your job to me?

Right now I am involved with a company called zmags, but I used to be a production manager for national broadcast stations like NBC, CBS and CNN. There I put together promotional campaigns and a lot of short marketing pieces for these companies.

2. How did you get started in this business?

After I graduated from Mizzou I actually worked as a marketer for an appliance company. Basically I was marketing toilets…but I created a lot of good work in the time I was there that allowed me to start working in the motion picture industry, with MGM studios. There I helped create some of the trailers for movies and helped market films like Friday the Thirteenth and Airplane.

3. How do you tell someone over you that you couldn’t accomplish an assigned task?

There have definitely been times where I could have taken the easy way out, but then I would have been fired. Telling someone you can’t get it done isn’t really an excuse in this industry. If you don’t, they will hire someone else who can. There are plenty of people ready to take your place.

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

It’s all about connections, and being a driven person. Also you need to remember the people you interact with and leave them with a positive lasting impression. If people like you and they think you have talent they remember you. Just be persistent and know that everything you do and expose is seen, so make good decisions and value your work.

Assignment 1A- Maison Harley

Arthur W. Smith Jr.
Production Manager, Coordinator, Supervisor
Orlando, FL

1. Can you briefly define your job to me?

The Production Manager provides support in the overall design and implementation of the production plan for the individual production. Responsibilities include preparing/managing/tracking/ and executing project and departmental production schedules, budgets, reports, deliverables-collection, and payments. Reconciles tracked costs with accounting actuals, and manage month-end and year-end accruals processes. Production managers also prepare deal memos for contract draft, and partners with legal to execute agreements. Another job is to negotiate third party production schedules and budgets for out-of-house productions. And finally to coordinate all elements and event-related logistics for on-site and/or in-house shoots, including: call/contact sheets, transportation, venue/location, set-up, crew/production personnel, equipment, releases, meals/craft service, artist/talent coordination, etc.

2. How did you get started in this business?

By networking with the right people, being in the military, and showing a work ethic.

3. How do you tell someone over you that you couldn’t accomplish an assigned task?

Well, you don't. Prior to getting the task we develop what we need to accomplish. Also find out what the short falls are and work on improving them (work on the weak areas and maintain the strong areas). This way you don't fail. Also, have three plans ready....the best one you know they want, the next best plan, and a plan we can live with.

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

You need to have a plan, that means you must work at first for FREE. Also you need to prove yourself and learn how to network, be dependable, reliable and responsible. When you don't know something tell people you don't know and are willing to learn. Come to work early and start working and be the last one to leave and ask your boss "is there anything else I can help you with.” These suggestions have worked for many, many, many students I have worked with and many of those students (over 350) are working, and some are famous!

Lucille Smith- Producer from Connecticut

I was assigned Connecticut, and for my interview I emailed back and forth with Lucille Smith.

1. Can you briefly describe your job to me?

I FREELANCE AS A PRODUCTION MANAGER/LINE PRODUCER. PRODUCTION MANAGERS OVERSEE, ORGANIZE AND MANAGE THE SHOOTING OF THE FILM WHICH INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

1. READ THE SCRIPT

2. BREAKDOWN THE SCRIPT AND DO THE 1ST PASS OF A SHOOTING SCHEDULE [SUBSEQUENT PASSES ARE DONE BY THE 1ST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR],

3. DO THE BUDGET, HIRE THE CREW & EQUIPMENT [WHICH INVOLVES NEGOTIATING CONTRACTS AND MAKING SURE YOU STAY WITHIN THE CONFINES OF EACH THEATRICAL UNION ]

4. WORK TO STAY ON BUDGET

5. OVERSEE THE WRAP OUT DURING POST PRODUCTION

2. How did you get started in this business

I GRADUATED COLLEGE WHERE I MAJORED IN PRE-MED BUT REALIZED THAT I REALLY WANTED A CAREER IN ENTERTAINMENT......MY 1ST JOB WAS AS EXECUTIVE AT THE ACTORS STUDIO . I THEN SEGUED INTO CASTING, THEN FILM PRODUCTION ACCOUNTING AND ENDED UP AS A LINE PRODUCER/PRODUCTION MANAGER.......

3. How do you tell someone over you that you couldn’t accomplish an assigned task?

I NEVER HAVE......I JUST PANICKED, FIGURED IT OUT AND DID IT.........NEVER SAY YOU CAN'T DO SOMETHING

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

EMBRACE THE WORK [EVEN IF YOU HATE WHAT YOU'RE DOING]........MY MANTRA ANYTIME I'M ON A PROJECT WHICH PROVES TO BE POLITICALLY DIFFICULT IS: .....FOCUS ON THE WORK...TAKE THE HIGH ROAD.....LEAVE WITH YOUR HEAD HELD HIGH

Ron Huff Interview Anna Millman of ATLANTA

My State was Georgia and apparently Nickelodeon and Universal have moved their studios to Atlanta to get better tax incentives and lots of projects are being done there. I spoke with Anna Millman in Atlanta Georgia. She has been a Writer and a Producer for Turner Classic Movies, GameTap.com, TBS, and the Weather Channel.com since starting her career in 1994 she has received 6 EMMY nominations. She lives in Atlanta with her significant other and it was really hard to catch up with her.

Ron Huff: Thanks for doing the interview Anna. Could you briefly define your job to me?

Anna Millman: How did your get my number?

RH: From a Production database online for Georgia’s Production Professionals

AM: This is an awful strange time to call, I was in the middle of something. -Well I’ve done extensive work with the Weather Channel and TCM as a producer, but I’m currently laid off from work.

RH: Really?

AM: Yeah this business is challenging!

RH: How did you did started in this “business”?

AM: Well are you an LA or New York person?

RH: Uhh New York?!

AM: Well then you have to go to New York and work for about 5 years in whatever you can get into production wise there. In this industry 5 years in New York or LA is awesome for your resume. You could be crappy, but if you’ve worked in New York or LA-you’re “in”. If you make it there it opens doors! I started out with 3 different internships with Turner Broadcasting. They were really important in starting out. Internships are like Gold!

RH: really gold?

AM: GOLD!!!

RH: Well Anna, my next question is: How do you tell someone over you that you couldn’t accomplish an assigned task?

AM: If it’s your Boss, you got to them with “Strategies and Solutions”.

RH: What are those? Can I buy them?

AM: Sure, it’s going to your boss-because this person is “your BOSS” and telling them WITH TIME, this is what I’m up against and this is what I’m trying to do and they might add, alright try this also. You never want to present what can’t happen or what you’re not going to do, because this is “YOUR BOSS”.

RH: Wow! Well my last question is: Do you have any advice for a media student who is just staring out?

AM: Well, what do you want to do?

RH: I want to direct TV shows and movies.

AM: Really TV?

RH: Yeah.

AM: Well TV right now is like Law & Order and shows like that. So you’re gonna have to try to get in with one of those guys. Network and meet people and your internships are going to be the key that’s where you meet everybody you can! Be nice to everyone, because this industry is so small. I mean really small. Do not burn bridges! Do NOT! Some one your work over may be your boss some day and some one that is YOUR BOSS may be asking you for a jobs some day. The business is like that. Do really good work and make sure you have the right attitude!

If you are going to do an internship make sure it’s the best! Make sure it’s like NBC, or Oprah-whatever the best is! Go find the best don’t settle for like channel 71 or something go for the best this is your career!

RH: Thank you for the interview Anna!

AM: No problem! You should definitely check out Cynopsis online it is a daily Media Brief on what’s going on in the business. Make sure and check it out. Also check out my website AnnaMillman.com I made it myself and it the best website on the internet. If your class what’s me to come speak to the class I will-for a small fee.

RH: I’ll keep that in mind. So can I call you back with different questions from the producer’s class at my school?

AM: …

RH: Hello? -Must of left, well this is Ron Huff interviewing Anna Millman from Atlanta!

Aaron McKissick- 1st Interview

Assignment 1- Aaron McKissick

Linda M. Somma

Prod. Manager

Salisbury, MA

Phone Interview with Linda Somma on 9/10/09

Q) Can you briefly describe your job to me?

A) I work in pre-production putting together the gig, movie and location. I’ve worked in Italy. I do production management. I make sure things go smooth. This is a high pressure job.

Q) How did you get started in this business?

A) Marketing for architects, event organizations in Italy for actors, jazz festivals, production intern, and marketing communication. I just sort of fell into it.

Q) How do you tell someone over you that you couldn’t accomplish an assigned task?

A) Never do that! Find a way to do it. Find someone who can if you can’t solve the problem you get confronted with. Never lie on your resume. Be Honest! Look into it. They rely on you to get the job done.

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

A) Get as many internships as you can from people you respect and have much experience on set. You learn by doing.

Interview with Stephens

Kathleen McMurchie

MART 302 – Mehltretter

Due: September 15, 2009

Interview with Stephens – Denver, CO – September 10

1. How can you briefly define your job to me?

I basically handle all of the project – I do it all, from designing to producing. Some of the major things I’ve been involved in are print ads all around the Denver area. I also kind of cover all of the little details such as editing the work and putting it all together at the end…like I said, beginning to end.

2. How did you get started in this business?

Well I actually went to school at Mississippi State for marketing and ended up leaving to work in Savannah. I didn’t jump into producing design and photography until the past couple of years. It just sort of fell into my lap – things I love to do meshed well with things that I was good at and there you go!

3. How do you tell someone over you that you couldn’t accomplish an assigned task?

(She laughed when I asked this question) That’s really not an option in this business. It’s all about deadlines – especially when they’re expecting to go to print, press, or air on a certain date – I mean it has to be ready at that point, it’s not like you can turn it in a week late for 5 points off. It’s got to be done when you tell them it’ll be done.

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

Well since I entered the field pretty much by networking I would suggest that you stay in contact with as many people as possible. Don’t be afraid to make connections and call people up – just like you called me.

Assignment 1B, interview with Leif Ramsey

Adam Mefford

Assignment 1B

Interview

Leif Ramsey, leiframsey@southern.edu

Producer

SVAD Productions

Nashville, Tennessee

1) Leif manages a small business that was started in 2004. He works hand and hand with the local college in the school of visual art design. His business started in 2004 on the production of the feature film Secret of the Cave. Now he works on short films, documentaries, small projects, writing contracts, and proposals for clients.

2) He started out in this business by being a graphic designer and just got really interested in the field. Then he started interning on as many film projects that he could get in to and this led to his production agency.

3) He said there were two aspects to not completing a task and that is the business side and the money side. He would try to compromise with the person on how to accomplish the task in a different way and if it could not work, than he would simply say that his business could do it but with more time or more money which ever is needed.

4) The advice he had for me is to really do everything you can to get onto as many film sets and projects as possible. Intern and make connections with everyone, become their new best friends and this helps when they are looking for new employment or extra help.

Lindsey Sauerland- 1st Interview

Jennifer Barklage-Dietrich

Production Assistant/Release Coordinator

Can you briefly define your job to me?

Currently I work as a Production Assistant in Cincinnati on the MTV set of “Taking the Stage”.  A PAs’ tasks are often very miscellaneous, but require a lot of hard work. On a daily basis, I could do anything from picking up garbage on the set to getting coffee and lunch orders for my managers. I also help with the shows release by getting release forms signed. On the set, the whole crew uses “walkies”, which is especially very important in my role as a PA. We do a lot of communicating with our managers on them. Throughout the day we get many requests over the “walkies” and it might be from someone we’ve never met, but as PAs we do whatever we’re asked! Recently, I was also named a story assistant on the set and with that title I help write the story line of the episodes.

 

How did you get started in the business?

I am actually a teacher, but while I was in school I decided I wanted some part time work to make some extra money. My father works as a Director of Photography in the business and convinced me to get involved in production. He helped put my name out there and get in contact with other professionals in the field. The production industry is flexible enough that I am able to accept or deny projects and I am able to choose my own hours according to my schedule. I’ve been working in the industry for a little over a year and I absolutely love it despite the very long hours!

 

How do you tell someone over you that you couldn’t accomplish an assigned task?

Like I said before, as a PA you do whatever it takes to get your work finished. Our managers tell us, “Do whatever it takes to get it done, even if that means doing something ‘illegal’, just don’t tell us!” So, usually I follow that order and complete all of my assigned work! The only tasks I’ve had issues completing are having release forms signed by anyone who appears on the show. In that case, I first call other production assistants to see if they are able to help out and get it signed. On a very rare occasion if I still can’t get the release form signed then I will notify my production manager and ask what I should do next time or if there’s a better way I can accomplish the task.

 

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

I would tell anyone to get him or herself out there. Everything helps and nothing can hurt. Have your name and information posted to websites or passed along through people in the field. Be over-eager too. The lazy people who stand around are the ones that get let go and don’t make it in the business. Be willing to help out with anything and put yourself out there to do more than your asked. Do whatever it takes and don’t give up!

 

Barklage-Dietrich, Jennifer

Production Assistant/Release Coordinator

7977 Bearcreek Dr.

Cincinnati, OH 45249

(513) 675-2792

jenniferldietrich@gmail.com

Credits: MTV "Taking the Stage" Season 1 January 2009-May 2009 Story Assistant MTV "Taking the Stage" Pilot 2 October 2008-December 2008

First Interview- Keller Ridgeway

Spirit Productions, LLC
Elizabeth Gaylynn Baker
10 Rudy Rodriguez Dr.
Santa Fe, NM 87508
Primary: 505-216-5140
E-mail: goodfilms11@gmail.com
Cellular: 505-920-2015
Website: www.spiritpro.net
Credits: WHEN BUFFALO ROAM, Winner of the NY Int'l Film and Video Festivas; THE TRAIL OF PAINTED PONIES, Winner of White Sands Film Festival and Best Woman Director. Other credits and letters of references: www.spiritpro.net

After numerous emails and calls to different producers, one finally answered and this is what i got from her. I talked with Ms. Elizabeth Baker and tried asking her a couple of questions. To which she said she couldn't answer because she didn't know who i was. I explained that i was a University of South Carolina student who was interested in becoming a producer. After numerous attempts to get her to answer my questions, i finally took the hint that she wasn't going to answer them. She did give me some information on how she got started and things she has done to improve the film industry in not only New Mexico, but the rest of the United States as well.

She moved to New Mexico a little of 20 years ago and has been producing films ever since.

When she moved out to New Mexico, she had one thing on her mind; making films. She also liked the producing aspect as well and ended up landing a production assistant job. From their she had to learn the ropes of a set on her on from odd jobs worked on the set. From there, she got a directing assistant job and worked her way up to becoming a producer. There was not the elaborate incentive plan that they have today. It was still a struggling film state just like every other state in the nation.

Not only did she help get the film incentives started in New Mexico, she also started a program that teaches you the ropes of being on a set, managing a set, and offers hands on practice, lessons, and tutorials on the "works" of working on a set.

The website is www.filmapprentice.org and it is a nonprofit organization that teaches you safety on the set as well as protocol.

She told me if i had any further questions to consult the website and it would tell me all i needed to know. I admire her enthusiasm to get this project started and teach kids, through apprenticeship, the ropes of filmmaking and working in film.

Joey Williams - 1st Interview

Here is my interview with Toni Carpenter. Her contact info is at the bottom of this post. She is listed as a producer/field producer on a website for the Jacksonville, FL Television and Film Commission. It was an exciting interview (for me). Her experience in the industry seems pretty unique, although I'm sure that is par for the course. She said her most common title(s) on a production is writer/producer or director/producer. Here we go:

Will you briefly describe your job?

I work mostly in TV, as opposed to film. I wear a lot more hats as a result, mostly for scheduling reasons. Recently, I worked on a series as a producer/director. My job consisted of a one paragraph description of an episode. My final product was 26 mins. and 42 secs. In addition to basically creating this episode from scratch I was also responsible for working with writers, getting locations, scheduling guests interviews, hiring crew, scheduling crew, paperwork edits, etc. Some shows are just a one day shoot, single camera. Each producer was assigned two separate episodes in a five day period. The series had a 6-8 week turnaround total.

How did you get started in this business?

Well I actually have a degree in broadcast production, but I wasn't able to find a job like that. I knew how to write, so I got a production job writing; but soon thereafter, I took sabbatical to have children. When they went back to school, I co-authored a book. My husband was in the [film] business, and he had a client come up that was notorious for doing things wrong; shooting first, scripting second. It was a charity job, and he needed a script, so I wrote it in a day and a half, and it was produced the following week. Non-linear editing had just begun, so that was great for me. I live for the edit.

I don't like movies unless it's a small, familiar crew. I'm not geared for commercials. I like TV productions, corporates, broadcasts; it's a client management thing that you have to get used to. In ten days, my husband and I are actually taking a two year hiatus to go sailing. I plan on doing a lot of writing.

Do you have any advice for a new media student?

It's just luck a lot of times, you have to be very flexible. I came in writing. Never discount the obnoxious writing classes. The work I did as a Producer/Director, my writers got half as much as I did for writing the first half of the show; the money is in writing as far as turnaround. You can get in as a writer writing opens, closes, tags, etc. You can fix bad scripts. I often rewrote scripts well into the night. For me, writing was the best way in. PA is a pretty easy in, but then you have to find another way to bring yourself out of that level, and that can be hard. As a writer, its assumed that you have brains. I have never looked at my PA's as anything other than PA's. IF you are at all technically inclined, lighting is a much better track. I frankly hire people who know what there doing. I know if I'm getting what I want. I'm lucky I'm married to a great lighting and shooting husband. I'm spoiled because of that. As a producer, the best thing is to find those people who do the work the best they can. Pay them the best. Honor the 10 hour work day always. Work hard, treat them with respect. And lastly, understand the hierarchy. If you have a problem, go as close to the top as possible right from the start.

Carpenter, Toni Garcia

Wolf Creek Films, Inc.

Jacksonville, FL 32211

(904) 910-7372 (mobile)

toni@wolfcreekfilms.com

Field producer, producer. HGTV, Lifetime, PBS, Travel

Channel, DIY Network.

Chris Hadloch- Production Coordinator

I played phone tag with Chris for about a week before I could get him on the phone for a substantial amount of time to do this interview. He told me to get used to it. This sort of thing is a way of life in the film industry. As a Production Manager he spends most of his time on the phone, organizing the schedule, budget, and crew for his upcoming projects. He described his job as basically an intermediary for the crew and has to keep everyone on track and in line for the shoot.

How he got started.

Chris told me his start in the buisness was a mix between luck and hardwork. While in film school he took every internship he could get his hands on and constantly tried to network, which he stressed was the number one factor in getting jobs. While doing an internship he impressed an AD how put him in touch with one of his friends who was a producer, while he didn't get a job right away, he stayed in touch and eventually his persistance landed him PA jobs on a consistant basis.

How to tell someone above you that you couldn't accomplish an assigned task?

That's something you never want to have to do, but in my expierience, it's inevitable that something will go wrong. The key is to not admit defeat, instead work around the problem and come up with solutions that will make you look like a problem solver and an asset instead of the other way around.

Any advice for a Media Student trying to land their first job?

Like I said before, NETWORKING. Along with hardwork to get you noticed, networking will play a key roll if you want to land a job. Start off with an internship, or if you're lucky you can get a PA gig and get paid, but whatever you do, don't dissapoint. It is important you make a really good impression. Start some conversations, make some contacts and work your butt off.

Andy Pcolar

Sydney Thomson - Production Manager Chicago, IL

I recorded our interview, here is our conversation. There is an error on the video. It says producer, but should say Production Manager. The video is password protected. The password is below.

Video Link

password: MART

Caroline O' Brien 1st Assistant Director

1. Caroline works as a 1st assistant director, he main duties are too read the script, find out the elements(actors, props, etc...) Also she had the responsibiliy of finding out what order the scenes will go in and help the director coordinate and communicate with the actors and various departments
2. When I asked Caroline how she got started in this business she stated that it was really by accident she was in telecommunication before she got involved in media but she lost her job in telecommunications and when visiting her family got cast as an extra in a movie then got a job as a PA and did alot of indie films starting out.
3. Answering the 3rd question she stated yes she's had to do that, but when doing so she had to explain that some of the expectations from the director were just unrealistic wither it be not enough crew or the budget will not allow for something to be done.
4. When asking what advice she would have to for someone trying to get started in business and she answer just to know what you want to and if you don't know how to do it don't be afraid to ask someone who know how to do it to teach you, she said people are flattered when you ask them to teach you something.
   

Alexander A. Garcia – Producer

Alexander A. Garcia – Producer

1. Mr. Garcia is television and film producer based in New Orleans, he defined his job to me as just having to get all the elements together, the money, the equipment, crew, everything. He also stated that his job involve working with the accountants and others managing the budget. He also stated that his job somethings involves babysitting some of the crew, wither he's working on feature making sure that actors staying around the set or working on a television show or commercial making sure everyone is on point. He also stated that to do this job you must have multitasking skills.
2. Mr. Garcia stated to me that he got started in the media business by producing concerts for local bands, booking venue's for bands to play. He also worked with a production company for a number of years. Also he worked as a casting assistant on the movie called "Pride", worked on numerous short films to start out.
3. Mr. Garcia answered yes when I asked him the 3rd question and when on to say that while working on something their are certain things that you might be expected to do but you have to be realistic about your abilities first and even more important you have to be realistic about your budget most of all you may not have enough money to complete all you want to do so that means making some hard decisions and telling certain people that some things can't be done.
4. When I asked Mr. Garcia for any advice he might have for someone like me trying to get started in the business he told me first and foremost figure out what you want to do and focus on that goal. Next he told me get some internships, and don't be afraid to work for free, research, practice your craft, and build some contacts.
   
   -Jimmy Preston
   

1st project: Interview with Cynthia Felde PM

I am a Production Manager. I do mostly commercial work. Here's how I get hired: A client. let's say Rebok, hires an advertising agency who in turn hires a Production Company, who hires me. By the time I'm hired, the Producer, Director and DP are already on board. As a PM (Production Manager), I hire the rest of the crew and put all the equipment on hold. I am given a budget and must make the numbers work within or preferably under budget. The PM is with the project from Pre-Production until the film is processed and transfered or the video goes to the editor. When the shooting is over, I wrap the job, which means I gather all the invoices / payroll / petty cash and actualize all the numbers into a final actualized budget. That's it in a nutshell minus all the drama, personalities and stress that ensues along the way.

How did I get started?

I went to school for Film and Communication at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Upon graduation, I started working in the Commercial and Film industry in Canada. A few years later I moved to Texas and started over again. I worked on a few jobs as a PA (Production Assistant) and quickly moved up as I already had the skills.

How do you tell someone over you that you could not accomplish an assigned task?

In two words, you don't. There is no room for failure in this industry, if you make a mistake, you fess up immediately, so it can be remedied. If you don't know how to do something you say so right away. Everything about the Commercial world is about time and money. You don't want to cost the production either.

Some advise, you never take a job you are not equipped to do. There is nothing worse then screwing your production team because you are in over your head. Your job as a PA, which is where you would start, is to make your PM and Coordinator's job easier, there is nothing worse then having to micro manage someone who should know their job. You may want to volunteer your time on low budget films or music videos to cut your teeth and learn the ropes. Unfortunately, now is a bad time to enter the job market in the production world. The downturn in the economy has seriously hurt our industry, even seasoned PA's are having trouble finding work.

-Karmen Kaufmann

Katie Perry Project 1-Interview

Shawn Prouse
Production Manager
Colorado

Can you briefly define your job for me?

A production Manager is a person who is the head account on the shoot. They monitor the budget and how affects each apartment. You are supposed to be below budget or on budget but not over. They say this is the money we have and make sure everyone stay is budget. I also do a few other things like manage the crew.

How did you get started in this business?

I started out as a Production Assistant then I worked in production with being a grip to an Assistant Director. A Production Manager is type of person who has a deep understanding with this industry. I basically decided that I have spent enough time doing other job and I should start and change my position in life and I just did it. This is not a job you can put an application in for or study for, you really need a lot experience in film.

How do you tell someone over you that you couldn’t accomplish an assigned task?

I will tell you this, in the film business there is no such thing as NO. You have to try everything in your power to reach the goal unless it is unsafe. I do not know if I have never said No, I have always found a way to make it work. Also if you say no, you will not have a job much longer because someone else will say yes. When it comes to work you should always be able to work it out.

Do you have any advice for a media student who is just starting off?

You need to have thick skin and a strong mind for this line of work. The smallest people on the crew can be the most powerful. Treat everyone the same. If you are a good communicated and you can tell good people from bad people and build strong relationships you will make it in this business. It is all about who you know. You will always work in the film business and if no one knows you will not get hired. Find someone who is in the business and work for them…free…I want to be your apprentice. Start now when you are school so you a ready when you get out of school. Meet people give up time and see if you like it. You also will be making contacts.


Payton Dunham
Line Producer
Colorado

Can you briefly define your job for me?

The job of a Line Producer is to figure what the budget is. You are brought on very early to look at what the cost of living is, cost of crew. I look at all pre production and ask do we have enough money. I can also make adjustments if I need to. I will take out some extras, or big scene like blow ups of there is no way it can fit into the budget.
Production: Line producers takes the budget and works at hiring all departments or I try to visualize it all to make sure we can stay of budget. It’s a day by day, week by week process. I have my account break it down every other day so I can see what is going on. If one department is over I figure out what to rearrange to stay on budget. This is why I like this job, I get to see the overall picture of the production.
Post: tax and accounting. Make sure we have record of everything spent. Lets the state know about how many people or hotels rooms used for incentivizes, it helps get money back from the state.

How did you get started in this business?

I worked my way as a location scout to the location manager, which I still do time to time.

How do you tell someone over you that you couldn’t accomplish an assigned task?

I would try to come up with alternates and not just say I can’t do this but say A is going to be hard to accomplish but we can do this and this instead and would these work. Don’t just say NO say here is an alternative.

Do you have any advice for a media student who is just starting off?

Become an intern, just get on set…work for free and start learning now. Work on everything and watch everyone. Don’t just focus on one part because you might of thought you want to be in one department but by watching people find out this is not the right department for you.

Assignment 1B: Interview with Justin T. Dybowski

I interviewed Justin T. Dybowski, a production assistant in Charleston, South Carolina. He currently works on the set of Army Wives and was kind enough to give me a chance to interview him.

1.) Can you briefly define your job to me?
“I am a production assistant on set. Basically my job requires me running base camp, which means I basically make sure that the actors are where they need to be at the appointed times. I also make sure that every one is quiet on set when were recording. I also make sure that in between shots the actors are in hair and make-up.”

2.) How did you get started in this buisiness?
“In high school I knew that I wanted to work in film. After Graduation I attended Trident Technical College in Charleston and majored in film. Then I heard that they were filming a television show in Charleston and decided to go for it”

3.) How do you tell someone over you that you couldn’t accomplish an assigned task?
“Well, when someone gives you a task the most important thing is that you do your best. If the task is unreasonable then them. If the task deals with someone else the person over you wants you to talk to and there’s a message that you need to relay to the person as soon as possible.”

4.) Do you have any advice for a media student who is just starting out?
“Yeah, take any job you can get. Its possible to make it up the food chain but don’t be afraid to start out at the bottom. I started out driving vans and getting coffee and now I’m a productions assistant. So it is possible to make it to a high position”

Interview With Darren Demetre by Trey Murphy

Line Producer

OMPA, DGA

Can you briefly define your job to me?

As a line producer I oversee the film from financing on. I help to come up with the overall game plan for the film, round up the crew, find production areas, arrange schedule, budget everything, etc. I usually don't go into post, occasionally I do, but most of the time I just go up until post and help setup everything for post.

How did you get started in the business?

When I was in my second year of college I switched my major from Engineering to Radio, Tv, Video, and Film. I grew up in, and still lived in the Bay area at the time. I got an internship with Francis Ford Coppola's production company American Zoetrope and was later brought in by Roman Coppola to be a production assistant on Francis' Dracula.

How do you tell someone over you that you couldn't accomplish an assigned task?

When I find that there is something we can't do I usually try to propose an alternative for it. For instance, I'll say something like "We can't use a helicopter for this shot, but maybe we can go up onto that building and shoot it from there." It's all about presenting another option. People respond negatively when you simply say "no," but respond much more positively when you propose an alternative and show some flexibility.

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

The more work you do the better. Intern. Work on your friend's videos or your own videos. Try to get some work as a production assistant on larger films. It's one thing to work on a 15 person crew for a student video, but it's another to get into the middle of everything and actually see how the studio system works.

Interviews - Rose Schiano

LaTrelle Creel

 

Can you briefly define your job to me?

 

“I am a freelance accountant for various producers and work on pre-production pricing. Right now I am working on a reality show for TLC that is going to be shot in Columbia, SC and also do work with Mad Monkey in Columbia, SC.  I was brought from Jacksonville, FL by Mad Monkey temporarily to work on a few projects and have been here ever since.”

 

How did you get started in this business?

 

“ I went to a school in Orlando, FL for audio engineering and took a production class there that I loved. After that I became a Production Assistant and learned how the accounting for the projects was done. It is different for each company but for the most part I learned on the job and enjoyed working with different people and projects and became a freelancer.”

 

How do you tell someone over you that you couldn’t accomplish an assigned task?

 

“ If I ever feel like something that the producers want to do is not possible or is too big of a task, I try to come up with an alternate way to do it. In film you create the impossible.”

 

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

 

“ Work hard and learn to manage you money really well. Also, it is amazing what you can do if you set your mind to it. “

 

 

 

Nick Furris

 

Can you briefly define your job to me?

 

“ I am the owner of Spectrum Films Production Company in Jacksonville, Florida and am the Senior Producer and Director. I have multiple projects that are going on right now and some of them I am directly involved in and the others I am overseeing. Also, I am working on new potential projects. I am up every morning by 5 am and am answering emails by 5:30 am.  I get to the office by 9 am and begin my day.”

 

How did you get started in this business?

 

“ I was working in a restaurant in New Jersey while I was in High School and the owner of the restaurant used to work on the Production of concerts and I began to help him and learned that I loved Production and wanted to develop a future in that business. I went to Rutgers and then interned on 60 minutes and got my first taste in television. “

 

How do you tell someone over you that you couldn’t accomplish an assigned task?

 

“Well, can’t isn’t in my vocabulary so I would never say that I cant do something. I would simply tell the person in charge that I am not sure what they are asking me to do, but that I am willing to learn and then I will be able to accomplish it. My willingness and eagerness would carry me through.”

 

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

 

“ Make sure that this is exactly what you want to do because it is a tough business but is very rewarding and everyday is a new adventure.  Also, follow your dreams and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Make yourself available to companies before you graduate and intern. There is nothing like on the job training.”

 

 

Shane Douberly

 

 

Can you briefly define your job to me?

 

“ I am the owner of an animation motion production house called Dripsblack. I am a creative writer, illustrator and animator and have a partner that does the same.  I am more of the creative writer and illustrator and my partner is more of the animator and technical buff. However, we each enjoy both aspects of the business.“

 

How did you get started in this business?

 

“ I went to a school in Manhattan for illustration and painting. A band approached me at one point and wanted me to do a music video for them using my illustration skills and they wanted me to do an animation. I realized that there was this whole new world where I could take my drawings and make them come to life. I then became an animator and joined up with another guy to start our own company.”

 

 

How do you tell someone over you that you couldn’t accomplish an assigned task?

 

“ Don’t think that something can’t be done. What I would do is talk to the person and explain to them your issues with the task and try to come to common ground about what to do.”

 

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

 

“It is so important to know your history and know what you are good at and build on that even further and sell yourself. You have to know what has already been done and who did it. Also for animators it is extremely important to be able to draw and to understand light and form and to practice drawing from life. You can always learn the software later and many times if you are creative enough an employer will be more willing to teach you the software if you have the talent already. “

 

 

 

Assignment1A-Robertson

Merry Dunning

(Producer)

1. Can you briefly define your job to me?

The question is simple but hard to answer because every project has its own needs. I am basically the facilitator of everyone involved in a project. I often do conference calls with the advertising agency and the clients in order to hear what they want out of the project. I hire the Director of Photography and a local Production Manager and along with the Director we scout possible locations that meet the clients needs. One of my main jobs is to “babysit” the Director. I arrange their flights, car rental, take them to lunches and dinners and try to keep them happy. I hire a local production assistant to help scout locations and do castings and I feed all of the information I gather to the Production Manager. I often have to manipulate people and use them for their resources as much as I can before I have to put them on the clock. At the shoot, I monitor everything. I continue to babysit the Director, ad agency and the client. If we need to expand the budget, I am in charge of getting the overage form agreed upon and signed. I stay on the job, keeping all lines of communication open and flowing until the film transfers to the ad agency.

2. How did you get started in this business?

I’ve been doing this for over 20 years. I started as a Location Manager on a movie in Florida and worked my way up from there. I went from being a Celebrity Assistant straight to a Production Manager and then to Producer. I have been back and forth between Production Manager and Producer ever since.

3. How do you tell someone over you that you couldn’t accomplish an assigned task?

That language doesn’t really apply in this industry. You can sometimes give alternatives and try to re-bid things , but it’s all about back and forth communication and knowing what you can and cannot do depending on budget, time, etc.

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

Have a Plan B that has nothing to do with this industry because you never know when the industry is going to be bad. “It’s feast or famine.” You have to know how to save your money. Only use what you need to live and always keep enough money in your bank account to cover at least six months worth of expenses.

Interview with Greg Koronowicz (Production Manager )Assignment 1A Rose

Can you briefly define your job to me?

“The production coordinator / production manager pretty much have the same job as far as getting things ready for production as far logistics goes, …getting the crew together , locations , everything you need to get a production to function. The difference is the production manager deals with the estimated budget established by the producer. Typically I’ll be handed a budget and have to work within those numbers; bring in crew, locations, equipment , catering …every little piece you need offset , I’m in charge of. The production manager is one of the first doorways towards the director.”



How did you get started in this business?

“I got started in school….I went to school to be a director because I always wanted to direct films. I had taken a lot of film classes and business classes. A lot of people make a mistake when they get out of film school. They think they can be a director, its quite the opposite. You really have to earn you way up and pay your dues. I started out as a production assistant and got to see what each department does. It was mainly experience in the field that got me to where I am now.”



How do you tell someone over you that you couldn’t accomplish an assigned task?

“Well you hope that never happens. You try to make everyone happy and provide everyone with what they are asking for. If it does come about, own that mistake. Don’t push it off on someone else. Fix it and make it right.”



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


“Get your feet wet, jump in as a production assistant. Its not a glamorous job but everyone does it. You will know exactly how a productions runs. You will soak up a bunch of information and you wont even realize that you have it. Try to get on with a commercial, they are quick and easy and are over and done with in 4 days. Work in the office, you will know exactly what happens up until that point of shooting.”

Assignment 1-Victoria Salters

Can you briefly define your job to me?

My title is Operations Manager so if something causes my production company not to operate it is my responsibility to correct that. A bit different from Coordinating and of course I’ve done that.

Complete responsibility for the office management including receptionist, bookkeeping, AR/AP/ payroll, sales tax reporting, staffing, vendor selection and negotiation, invoicing, preparation of the financial statements, purchasing and inventory management, travel coordination, production budgeting, meeting/event planning, and general office maintenance management.

Production responsibilities include the following:

· Research and maintain tape library, stock footage and music searches.

· Direct media contact and coordinate all press releases.

· Maintain all customer and client relationships through continuous creative contact.

· Perform voice-over session direction and provide edit direction as necessary.

· Conduct location scouting and necessary negotiations, releases, secure and manage all functions, including international locations.

· Serve as a Producer/Production Coordinator as well as provide creative input, research and coordination for scripting, wardrobe, props, and styling.

· Coordinate talent, casting, auditions, negotiations, talent releases and database management of all talent sources.

· Production still photography.

· Perform a variety of PR responsibilities at sales and convention events.

How did you get started in this business?

Recommendation from someone he trusted.

How do you tell someone over you that you could not accomplish an assigned task?

Whenever possible with a how can I make this better attitude and or other options.

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

Internships are a good way for a production company to start to feel they can trust you. Be will to be good at something less glamorous than being on location all the time. For instance production accounting, office work etc... Working part time or freelance.

I may be contacting you further into the semester for other class assignments if that's okay.

Sure, good luck.