Assignment #1 - Susan Johnsen
Interviewed: Vincent Gonzales: Assistant Director, Production Manager, Producer
State: Colorado
1. Can you briefly define your job to me?
-Assistant Director for movies, T.V. and commercials
-Mainly involved with logistics.
-Responsible for organizing times, crew, and makes the call sheet.
-As a 1st AD he breaks down the script, schedules shooting.
-His job is to prepare, plan, then execute. He makes sure everything gets done on time and on budget.
-An AD expects the producer to have the money they need to accomplish the job. The producer hires him to execute the schedule on budget (keeping in mind that there will be adjustments).
2. How did you get started in the business?
-He moved to LA and worked for cheap or free.
-Started from the bottom and worked his way up.
-Did not know anyone who was already in the business, but with luck and perseverance was able to become who he is now.
3. How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can't accomplish an assigned task?
-He usually doesn't. His job requires him to be able to arrange whatever the director wants, and get whatever needs to be done completed.
4. Do you have any advice for a media student starting out?
-Decide what you want to do and start at the top. Find enough money and hire an experienced crew.
-If you want to be a director then do nothing but direct. If you want to produce, then produce. That way you build credits and experience.
-Set goals and share them with the people you are around. Then they know how to promote you and help you.
-Ask for help when you need it.
-Try to get a resume out with director credits.
-A good attitude goes along way. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes because you will be in them for 12 -16 hours a day.
I had a wonderful interview with Mr. Gonzales. He was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and showed genuine interest.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Music update!
We've updated out Gcast stream to include performances recorded this past Fall '09; including Dean Fields, Whiskey Tango Review, and more! Checkout the stream links to the right to hear more.
An Interview with Mr. Albert Moten Jr.
Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Albert Moten Jr. He is a film producer/director located out of Lousianna; particularly the New Orleans area. I leaned of him after visiting several various websites, he was listed as being a producer for a recent film. There were several questions that I asked him about in reference to his career and the film industry.
The first question I asked him was if he could define his job for me. He said that he is a Producer and Director for both independent and feature films. He also works for local PBS affiliates and even worked on a film that Jamie Fox won an Oscar for. Some other fun projects he has worked on include reality TV shows and the Superbowl.
I asked him how he got started in the industry and he said that he first became interested in film after taking a TV class in college. He went on to graduate with a communication degree specializing in video production. In 2003 New Orleans really boomed in the film world so he got his name published on a website and ever since then, that’s how he’s gotten his jobs. Its all about networking and getting your name out there, so once you get one job, it helps get you the next and then the next one after that.
I then asked him about how he would tell an employer that he is unable to complete a certain task. He said that it is absolutely essential to always be honest and upfront when it comes to working with films. He said that if you are not honest then you will never get a call to work for that someone ever again. He said that the first thing that he does when he realizes he cant complete a task is to immediately go to the boss and tell them. Don’t delay and immediately get to work on fixing the problem or getting help to fix it.
Finally, I asked him if he had any advice for a Media Arts student starting in the industry. He honestly gave me advice that I have never heard before but makes perfect sense. He said to start where you are. He said don’t move out to California or New York without any experience. Stay where you are, do internships, and then use networking to connect with someone in the popular film areas such as California and then you can move out there with a developed resume.
I really enjoyed talking to Mr. Moten and I learned a lot of extremely useful information.
by Laura Ryan
The first question I asked him was if he could define his job for me. He said that he is a Producer and Director for both independent and feature films. He also works for local PBS affiliates and even worked on a film that Jamie Fox won an Oscar for. Some other fun projects he has worked on include reality TV shows and the Superbowl.
I asked him how he got started in the industry and he said that he first became interested in film after taking a TV class in college. He went on to graduate with a communication degree specializing in video production. In 2003 New Orleans really boomed in the film world so he got his name published on a website and ever since then, that’s how he’s gotten his jobs. Its all about networking and getting your name out there, so once you get one job, it helps get you the next and then the next one after that.
I then asked him about how he would tell an employer that he is unable to complete a certain task. He said that it is absolutely essential to always be honest and upfront when it comes to working with films. He said that if you are not honest then you will never get a call to work for that someone ever again. He said that the first thing that he does when he realizes he cant complete a task is to immediately go to the boss and tell them. Don’t delay and immediately get to work on fixing the problem or getting help to fix it.
Finally, I asked him if he had any advice for a Media Arts student starting in the industry. He honestly gave me advice that I have never heard before but makes perfect sense. He said to start where you are. He said don’t move out to California or New York without any experience. Stay where you are, do internships, and then use networking to connect with someone in the popular film areas such as California and then you can move out there with a developed resume.
I really enjoyed talking to Mr. Moten and I learned a lot of extremely useful information.
by Laura Ryan
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Brainwriting
This looks like a neat way to brainstorm. Please read the blog post (click on the first word of this post to get there) and we will try it during the class where we brainstorm ideas for our clients.
Lauren Ford's Assignment 1
Lauren Ford
Assignment 1
State: GA
Interviewed: Nicholas Lee - 1st AD, DGA member
Worked on: Miss January, Mao’s Last Dancer, Next Day Air and much more.
1. Can you briefly define your job to me?
1st AD on features. Comprised of two main things:
-Creating schedule for filming based on the process on breaking down the script to the most basic elements of the scene (location, time, actors, etc.) and determining when filming will happen.
-Day to day running of the set, helping in the process of filming. Making sure people are where they need to be at the right time.
2. How did you get started in the business?
Was a wayward student. Student life wasn’t for him so he didn't get into the business by studying it.
His sister who used to work in the commercial industry got him his first job and he worked under an AD and he just kept getting one job after the other and working after that until he had made a name for himself with a nice body of work.
3. How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can't accomplish an assigned task?
It's a process of presenting the alternatives. Saying no is hard, so it's best to come up with different ways of doing something instead of just saying you can't do it. In this business nothing is actually ever impossible unless its dangerous. It’s best to get a group of people to help you say that. If it’s in the heat of the moment sometimes you have to stop because it’s dangerous and you need to figure out another way.
4.Do you have any advice for a media student starting out?
It's all about the process of getting involved. Find your way onto a movie set. Start out as an intern then get a job as a PA. Get an idea of what departments do and attach yourself to a department you want to work in. If you get one job it will lead you into a new one and that’s how you continue to work in the business. Making a contact is helpful because there may be a lot of people working in media, but it’s a small world and a tight knit group of people. Show up on time and have a smile on your face and you’ll be running Paramount in a few days .
Monday, January 18, 2010
Assignment 1: Professional Interview.
State: Oregon
Interviewed: Rocky Garratto: DP, Operator, Editor, Grip, Location Scout, First AC, Still Photographer
By: Bobby Sutton
For my interview I contacted Rocky Garratto, who was kind enough to accept my interview request and gave me more information about the business then I could process. I was constantly trying to write down notes and reminders about what he had to say about working in the industry. Below I will answer the 4 questions we were given to ask, and then follow up with the rest of the great advice and insights I received.
1. Can you briefly describe your job(s) for me?
Depending on which size market you're working in it can be to your benefit to be a jack of all trades or a specialist. According to Rocky, in smaller markets, it is better for you to have multiple skills, be versatile and be able to do many jobs. In larger markets this may be looked down upon as they tend to favor specialist who do one job extremely well over someone who can do many jobs adequately.
Rocky picked up his many job skills as he worked in the industry. Working as a grip or other jobs onset most people work 12+ hour days for a feature film, 10 hour days for commercials.
Jobs behind the scenes are more flexible hour wise but still require dedication and lots of time to complete. Editing is one of such jobs, where you are able to work on your own schedule but you have to do whatever it takes to make deadline.
Rocky explained rates to me as you have your usually day rate, what you are paid for a full days worth of work, then you have your half day rate. Anything under 6 hours usually equals a half day. When you work for a half day, you may be paid your half day rate plus some extra depending on the budget or hours worked. Many times someone will contact you for a job and offer you a rate under your usual rate and it is up to you to accept it or turn away the work.
2.How did you get started in the business?
I was amazed when Rocky told me that he didn't go to school to get into the biz, instead he went to someone who worked in the biz and offered to work for him for free, fixing equipment or doing whatever needed to be done around the shop. Then as time went on Rocky was hired to work on sets or on location, learning new aspects of the job as he went on, even picking up and learning how to edit on his own.
When I asked him how did he find about new jobs to continue his work he informed me that word of mouth is a powerful tool in the industry. If you do a good job, people will remember that and will spread your name. He also stressed that Work makes Work. Meaning that the more work you accept and complete the more work will come your way, because people will see your work, and people you work for will know they can count on you to do a good job so they will be more likely to work with you again.
3.How do you tell someone over you, you can't accomplish your job?
I dreaded asking this question personally because I felt like not finishing a job is never an option. Still I asked it and had my beliefs confirmed by Rocky who said that, he has never missed a deadline, instead he does whatever it takes to get the job done on time, even if that meant he had to work at an editing desk for 24 hours.
4. Do you have any advice for a media student starting out?
Rocky's advice to me was to find someone working in the industry and go to work for them. Work for free if you have to. Watch and learn how professionals do their jobs, and work hard. Find internships, and continue to work with them. Get your name out there, and start working.
It also takes a special kind of person to work in this industry. You have to work bizarre hours, you won't work 9-5, M-F. You don't know when the next pay check will be coming in and you have to be able to work long hours.
You have to know that this what you want to do and you have to be willing to do whatever it takes to make it.
You won't always get your usual asking day rate, so get used to working for less than you want.
Aside from these four question I learned a lot from my interview with Rocky.
One thing I found interesting was the position of still photographer on a film set. A still photographer goes around the set, taking pictures of the cast and crew as they work. These pictures will be used to promote the film in magazines and other publications when the producers want to build a buzz for the film.
You could also be the behind the scenes videographer who documents the behind the scenes action for extras. Working these jobs you are allowed to control every aspect of what you do form , scenes of video, shot composition, scripting and audio. Also you don't have to work all day or everyday the film is being shot, only as long as you need to document the behind the scenes accurately.
I had good time talking with Rocky and was shocked when I saw we had been on the phone for 30 minutes when it felt like we had only been talking for 5. He gave me a lot to think about and gave me a greater understand of the industry I hope to work in once I graduate.
State: Oregon
Interviewed: Rocky Garratto: DP, Operator, Editor, Grip, Location Scout, First AC, Still Photographer
By: Bobby Sutton
For my interview I contacted Rocky Garratto, who was kind enough to accept my interview request and gave me more information about the business then I could process. I was constantly trying to write down notes and reminders about what he had to say about working in the industry. Below I will answer the 4 questions we were given to ask, and then follow up with the rest of the great advice and insights I received.
1. Can you briefly describe your job(s) for me?
Depending on which size market you're working in it can be to your benefit to be a jack of all trades or a specialist. According to Rocky, in smaller markets, it is better for you to have multiple skills, be versatile and be able to do many jobs. In larger markets this may be looked down upon as they tend to favor specialist who do one job extremely well over someone who can do many jobs adequately.
Rocky picked up his many job skills as he worked in the industry. Working as a grip or other jobs onset most people work 12+ hour days for a feature film, 10 hour days for commercials.
Jobs behind the scenes are more flexible hour wise but still require dedication and lots of time to complete. Editing is one of such jobs, where you are able to work on your own schedule but you have to do whatever it takes to make deadline.
Rocky explained rates to me as you have your usually day rate, what you are paid for a full days worth of work, then you have your half day rate. Anything under 6 hours usually equals a half day. When you work for a half day, you may be paid your half day rate plus some extra depending on the budget or hours worked. Many times someone will contact you for a job and offer you a rate under your usual rate and it is up to you to accept it or turn away the work.
2.How did you get started in the business?
I was amazed when Rocky told me that he didn't go to school to get into the biz, instead he went to someone who worked in the biz and offered to work for him for free, fixing equipment or doing whatever needed to be done around the shop. Then as time went on Rocky was hired to work on sets or on location, learning new aspects of the job as he went on, even picking up and learning how to edit on his own.
When I asked him how did he find about new jobs to continue his work he informed me that word of mouth is a powerful tool in the industry. If you do a good job, people will remember that and will spread your name. He also stressed that Work makes Work. Meaning that the more work you accept and complete the more work will come your way, because people will see your work, and people you work for will know they can count on you to do a good job so they will be more likely to work with you again.
3.How do you tell someone over you, you can't accomplish your job?
I dreaded asking this question personally because I felt like not finishing a job is never an option. Still I asked it and had my beliefs confirmed by Rocky who said that, he has never missed a deadline, instead he does whatever it takes to get the job done on time, even if that meant he had to work at an editing desk for 24 hours.
4. Do you have any advice for a media student starting out?
Rocky's advice to me was to find someone working in the industry and go to work for them. Work for free if you have to. Watch and learn how professionals do their jobs, and work hard. Find internships, and continue to work with them. Get your name out there, and start working.
It also takes a special kind of person to work in this industry. You have to work bizarre hours, you won't work 9-5, M-F. You don't know when the next pay check will be coming in and you have to be able to work long hours.
You have to know that this what you want to do and you have to be willing to do whatever it takes to make it.
You won't always get your usual asking day rate, so get used to working for less than you want.
Aside from these four question I learned a lot from my interview with Rocky.
One thing I found interesting was the position of still photographer on a film set. A still photographer goes around the set, taking pictures of the cast and crew as they work. These pictures will be used to promote the film in magazines and other publications when the producers want to build a buzz for the film.
You could also be the behind the scenes videographer who documents the behind the scenes action for extras. Working these jobs you are allowed to control every aspect of what you do form , scenes of video, shot composition, scripting and audio. Also you don't have to work all day or everyday the film is being shot, only as long as you need to document the behind the scenes accurately.
I had good time talking with Rocky and was shocked when I saw we had been on the phone for 30 minutes when it felt like we had only been talking for 5. He gave me a lot to think about and gave me a greater understand of the industry I hope to work in once I graduate.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Contest: possible prizes and extra credit if you enter
South Carolina Educational Television (SCETV) is hosting a contest entitled The College Access Challenge.
The competition is open to all college students in South Carolina, undergraduate and graduate students alike. The concept is pretty simple. Students make a short video, three minutes or less, explaining why prospective college students should consider an education beyond high school. The winners of the contest will receive great prizes from Apple, including MacBook Pros with Final Cut and iPod Touches. The contest is a partnership between us (SCETV) and the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE). All the details can be found on the contest site: www.collegeaccesschallenge.org.
The competition is open to all college students in South Carolina, undergraduate and graduate students alike. The concept is pretty simple. Students make a short video, three minutes or less, explaining why prospective college students should consider an education beyond high school. The winners of the contest will receive great prizes from Apple, including MacBook Pros with Final Cut and iPod Touches. The contest is a partnership between us (SCETV) and the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE). All the details can be found on the contest site: www.collegeaccesschallenge.org.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Assignment One - Producer Interview
Talk to at least one production professional in one of the following positions: PM, POC, AD.
How will you find someone?
1. look on line: find sources for the film professionals in your assigned state. Try major cities' film office/commissions
2. Write to at least 5 or 6 production people and ask if you can interview them
3. interview the first to respond - if you have not heard back in two days, try five more. YOU HAVE LITTLE TIME to complete the assignment and the most challenging part is finding someone to interview.
State up front that you are a student looking for a short interview.
Do NOT conduct the interview via email unless they ask.
Do not talk for more than 15 minutes. Take notes.
Let them know the interview will be posted on the class blog and you can include or not include their name and company name as they wish.
Ask the following:
1. Can you briefly define your job to me?
2. How did you get started in the business?
3. How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can't accomplish an assigned task?
4. Do you have any advice for a media student starting out?
Send a thank you note, blind copy me if you are emailing it, or photocopy it for me if you mail it. This part is 2 points of the assignment.
Post your interview on the blog, include your name at the top. Read all the other blog posts, because questions on the exam can come from the material. Not nit picky questions, but overall themes.
How will you find someone?
1. look on line: find sources for the film professionals in your assigned state. Try major cities' film office/commissions
2. Write to at least 5 or 6 production people and ask if you can interview them
3. interview the first to respond - if you have not heard back in two days, try five more. YOU HAVE LITTLE TIME to complete the assignment and the most challenging part is finding someone to interview.
State up front that you are a student looking for a short interview.
Do NOT conduct the interview via email unless they ask.
Do not talk for more than 15 minutes. Take notes.
Let them know the interview will be posted on the class blog and you can include or not include their name and company name as they wish.
Ask the following:
1. Can you briefly define your job to me?
2. How did you get started in the business?
3. How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can't accomplish an assigned task?
4. Do you have any advice for a media student starting out?
Send a thank you note, blind copy me if you are emailing it, or photocopy it for me if you mail it. This part is 2 points of the assignment.
Post your interview on the blog, include your name at the top. Read all the other blog posts, because questions on the exam can come from the material. Not nit picky questions, but overall themes.
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