Assignment Goals:
Learn some "real world" information you don't always get in class.
Allow the class, and myself, to benefit from the information you find.
Assignment Due:
Post on blog by Sunday, April 8th, 11;59pm.
Assignment Details:
This assignment is worth a possible 5 points, including one point for the thank you note you will photocopy for me.
Follow the basic guidelines laid out in Assignment 1 to contact people.
This is the production war story interview. Find someone who does a job that interests you and ask them:
1. In your job, what are some challenges you have to deal with in relating to “production” people (they will likely know exactly what you mean, production refers to producers, location people, coordinators, assistant directors and pa’s). Another way of asking this is to question how a production person can best help facilitate this person’s job.
2. Can you tell me a war story, or a story of when something went badly wrong, or seemed like it was going to fall apart, but then ended up working out [or didn’t work out]. If the story relates to producing or locations, that is terrific.
3. Do you have any advice for a person starting out in the business, someone who is about to graduate?
Post the war story to the blog and email it to me with contact information if they do not want their contact information on the blog (for this assignment, many won't).
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Extra Credit interview and thank you note
Can you briefly define your job to me?
As a writer/producer my entails a number of activities; from the actual writing of the script to pulling together the crew and cast, attending auditions, renting equipment, preparing a budget, being on set all the time and generally making sure the project stays on course. I work with a partner (Susan Busa) and she's a writer/director so we cover every aspect of filmmaking.
How did you get started in this business?
I've always been a writer and after short stories, novels and plays, I decided I'd try screenplays. After working with my partner on a few of those, we decided to make a short film - that's how it all started with the film industry.
How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can't accomplish an assigned task?
Fortunately, since Susan and I work so well together on our own projects, I haven't had to tell anyone that yet.
Do you have any advice for a media student who is just starting out?
Be passionate about your project and don't give up. The key to great films are great stories. Always, always pay attention to the writing and the story. If that's in good shape, you'll make a great movie.
Best of luck to you.
George
My thank you note:
Mr. Ayres,
Thanks so much for your note. I will definitely be contacting you again later to get your input on other topics regarding the media circuit. Have a great day!
Acie Hardy
Monday, February 16, 2009
Assignment #1, Lindsey
Ash Bruce
Richmond, VA
1. Can you briefly define your job to me?
I am a freelance Production Coordinator and Producer for film and video productions.
----- I asked her if she ever traveled outside of Virginia to do work for film, etc.
I do travel out of town for work, but its for VA based production companies.
2. How did you get started in this business?
I got started in the biz by being a production assistant for a few years, having a positive attitude, and helping ANY way I could on the job.
3. How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can't accomplish an assigned task?
You don't, you exhaust all, all, all possibilities. Your boss would know what is possible and what isn't. One important aspect of my job is alleviate problems as they arise in a very smooth fashion.
4. Do you have any advice for a media student who is just starting out?
Always be willing to learn. Have fun at what you do. Be positive. Do whatever you can do to make the client happy.
Richmond, VA
1. Can you briefly define your job to me?
I am a freelance Production Coordinator and Producer for film and video productions.
----- I asked her if she ever traveled outside of Virginia to do work for film, etc.
I do travel out of town for work, but its for VA based production companies.
2. How did you get started in this business?
I got started in the biz by being a production assistant for a few years, having a positive attitude, and helping ANY way I could on the job.
3. How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can't accomplish an assigned task?
You don't, you exhaust all, all, all possibilities. Your boss would know what is possible and what isn't. One important aspect of my job is alleviate problems as they arise in a very smooth fashion.
4. Do you have any advice for a media student who is just starting out?
Always be willing to learn. Have fun at what you do. Be positive. Do whatever you can do to make the client happy.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Assignment 1 Manuel Bujosa
Matthew Wright
Content Producer
Interviewed by Manuel Bujosa
I am a content producer. My primary position is video editor. I design and edit programs, film and other media.
2. How did you get started in this business?
I went to film school and got a film degree in 1984. I worked with corporate video in the 80’s, then 8 years as a media arts instructor. Now, I am a freelance editor.
3. How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can't accomplish an assigned task?
I don’t do that. The only way this can happen is if a task needs to be completed in a matter of time in a location where I’m not available, but in my experience, there is always a way to accomplish a task. As an editor, I present solutions and sometimes tend to over-think the outcome. Problem-solving is a rule of thumb for producers.
4. Do you have any advice for a media student who is just starting out?
You have to have a genuine passion. If you find you don’t like learning new programs, don’t do it. You should enjoy doing it. Always stay up-to-date with the latest technology, Final Cut, Photoshop, Flash, etc. Learn the basics of videography. The best thing to do is to be well-rounded in audio, mixing, and software, and keep up with industry standards of designing.
Assignment 1 Ryan Phillips
Janet Lockwood
Director of Michigan Film Office
Interviewed by Ryan Phillips
1. Can you briefly define your job to me?
Yes I can, I run the film office with eight other employees under me. My job is to bring films to Michigan and make them see why there films should be done here. I encourage people to shoot here, and do whatever means possible to get that done.
Q. So if they need pictures of locations or anything around Michigan you get that for them.
A. Yes, I have multiple people who can do that for me with new digital technology so we can get back to them as soon as possible. Like I said the primary objective is to get the client excited to come here and shoot the movie. We offer the best incentives in the country right now, and I make sure they know.
2. How did you get started in this business?
I got very lucky and was in the right place at the right time. I started out as an actor in my childhood years and loved doing that. One day there was an opening though and I took it. I love what I do and am very happy with that. I have served for 17 years and am one of the second longest state film commissioners.
Q. So pretty much one day you where an actress and the next the director of the film commission?
A. “laughs” Yes that is pretty much it, like I said sometimes you really just have to be in the right place at the right time. I loved acting, but like I said before I love my job here, it’s great.
3. How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can't accomplish an assigned task?
Well my boss is the Governor who I work very closely with. I have never had to do that or met a task that I couldn’t do though. I mean sure there has been times where you have to tell filmmakers its not going to work because you do not a certain beach or mountain look they are looking for, but you can not really help that. Any task is doable you just have to find the right person or away around that obstacle. People are always there to help you out. I have never had to tell the governor I cannot do what he asks of me.
4. . Do you have any advice for a media student who is just starting out?
Yes, I have two points to make. The first is that you have to have true passion in this business and if you do not have that you really might as well stop now. If you have the drive and the passion you are set to go. The second is do not have a back up plan, and I know parents would hate for me to say that, but its true. If you have a back up plan you are going to run to it when things go wrong, and in this business things will go wrong. If you are in it, be into it the whole way. I say this because I loved acting and I had a backup plan and look where I am now “laughs” not that I knew I was going to be doing this or that I don’t love my job because I do, but if you are into it don’t have a backup plan go all or nothing.
Director of Michigan Film Office
Interviewed by Ryan Phillips
1. Can you briefly define your job to me?
Yes I can, I run the film office with eight other employees under me. My job is to bring films to Michigan and make them see why there films should be done here. I encourage people to shoot here, and do whatever means possible to get that done.
Q. So if they need pictures of locations or anything around Michigan you get that for them.
A. Yes, I have multiple people who can do that for me with new digital technology so we can get back to them as soon as possible. Like I said the primary objective is to get the client excited to come here and shoot the movie. We offer the best incentives in the country right now, and I make sure they know.
2. How did you get started in this business?
I got very lucky and was in the right place at the right time. I started out as an actor in my childhood years and loved doing that. One day there was an opening though and I took it. I love what I do and am very happy with that. I have served for 17 years and am one of the second longest state film commissioners.
Q. So pretty much one day you where an actress and the next the director of the film commission?
A. “laughs” Yes that is pretty much it, like I said sometimes you really just have to be in the right place at the right time. I loved acting, but like I said before I love my job here, it’s great.
3. How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can't accomplish an assigned task?
Well my boss is the Governor who I work very closely with. I have never had to do that or met a task that I couldn’t do though. I mean sure there has been times where you have to tell filmmakers its not going to work because you do not a certain beach or mountain look they are looking for, but you can not really help that. Any task is doable you just have to find the right person or away around that obstacle. People are always there to help you out. I have never had to tell the governor I cannot do what he asks of me.
4. . Do you have any advice for a media student who is just starting out?
Yes, I have two points to make. The first is that you have to have true passion in this business and if you do not have that you really might as well stop now. If you have the drive and the passion you are set to go. The second is do not have a back up plan, and I know parents would hate for me to say that, but its true. If you have a back up plan you are going to run to it when things go wrong, and in this business things will go wrong. If you are in it, be into it the whole way. I say this because I loved acting and I had a backup plan and look where I am now “laughs” not that I knew I was going to be doing this or that I don’t love my job because I do, but if you are into it don’t have a backup plan go all or nothing.
Interview
Janet Lockwood
Director of Michigan Film Office
Interviewed by Ryan Phillips
1. Can you briefly define your job to me?
Yes I can, I run the film office with eight other employees under me. My job is to bring films to Michigan and make them see why there films should be done here. I encourage people to shoot here, and do whatever means possible to get that done.
Q. So if they need pictures of locations or anything around Michigan you get that for them.
A. Yes, I have multiple people who can do that for me with new digital technology so we can get back to them as soon as possible. Like I said the primary objective is to get the client excited to come here and shoot the movie. We offer the best incentives in the country right now, and I make sure they know.
2. How did you get started in this business?
I got very lucky and was in the right place at the right time. I started out as an actor in my childhood years and loved doing that. One day there was an opening though and I took it. I love what I do and am very happy with that. I have served for 17 years and am one of the second longest state film commissioners.
Q. So pretty much one day you where an actress and the next the director of the film commission?
A. “laughs” Yes that is pretty much it, like I said sometimes you really just have to be in the right place at the right time. I loved acting, but like I said before I love my job here, it’s great.
3. How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can't accomplish an assigned task?
Well my boss is the Governor who I work very closely with. I have never had to do that or met a task that I couldn’t do though. I mean sure there has been times where you have to tell filmmakers its not going to work because you do not a certain beach or mountain look they are looking for, but you can not really help that. Any task is doable you just have to find the right person or away around that obstacle. People are always there to help you out. I have never had to tell the governor I cannot do what he asks of me.
4. . Do you have any advice for a media student who is just starting out?
Yes, I have two points to make. The first is that you have to have true passion in this business and if you do not have that you really might as well stop now. If you have the drive and the passion you are set to go. The second is do not have a back up plan, and I know parents would hate for me to say that, but its true. If you have a back up plan you are going to run to it when things go wrong, and in this business things will go wrong. If you are in it, be into it the whole way. I say this because I loved acting and I had a backup plan and look where I am now “laughs” not that I knew I was going to be doing this or that I don’t love my job because I do, but if you are into it don’t have a backup plan go all or nothing.
Director of Michigan Film Office
Interviewed by Ryan Phillips
1. Can you briefly define your job to me?
Yes I can, I run the film office with eight other employees under me. My job is to bring films to Michigan and make them see why there films should be done here. I encourage people to shoot here, and do whatever means possible to get that done.
Q. So if they need pictures of locations or anything around Michigan you get that for them.
A. Yes, I have multiple people who can do that for me with new digital technology so we can get back to them as soon as possible. Like I said the primary objective is to get the client excited to come here and shoot the movie. We offer the best incentives in the country right now, and I make sure they know.
2. How did you get started in this business?
I got very lucky and was in the right place at the right time. I started out as an actor in my childhood years and loved doing that. One day there was an opening though and I took it. I love what I do and am very happy with that. I have served for 17 years and am one of the second longest state film commissioners.
Q. So pretty much one day you where an actress and the next the director of the film commission?
A. “laughs” Yes that is pretty much it, like I said sometimes you really just have to be in the right place at the right time. I loved acting, but like I said before I love my job here, it’s great.
3. How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can't accomplish an assigned task?
Well my boss is the Governor who I work very closely with. I have never had to do that or met a task that I couldn’t do though. I mean sure there has been times where you have to tell filmmakers its not going to work because you do not a certain beach or mountain look they are looking for, but you can not really help that. Any task is doable you just have to find the right person or away around that obstacle. People are always there to help you out. I have never had to tell the governor I cannot do what he asks of me.
4. . Do you have any advice for a media student who is just starting out?
Yes, I have two points to make. The first is that you have to have true passion in this business and if you do not have that you really might as well stop now. If you have the drive and the passion you are set to go. The second is do not have a back up plan, and I know parents would hate for me to say that, but its true. If you have a back up plan you are going to run to it when things go wrong, and in this business things will go wrong. If you are in it, be into it the whole way. I say this because I loved acting and I had a backup plan and look where I am now “laughs” not that I knew I was going to be doing this or that I don’t love my job because I do, but if you are into it don’t have a backup plan go all or nothing.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Assignment 1 Stepp
Bill Kelman
8650 Rio Grande Blvd. NW
Albuquerque, NM 87114
Primary: 505-404-0116
E-mail: Bkelman@aol.com
1. Can you describe your job?
Many things, Location Manager, which finds and maintains locations for movies, making sure people aren’t pissed after crew leaves.
Line producer, keeps budget for movies and helps to make sure everything moves along.
Commercial Director, Writing Consultant on Feature Films overseas.
2. How did you get started in the business?
My parents were involved in Community Theatre, and helped paint sets. I went to college at the University of Wisconsin, took a film class, and liked it. I remembered my work with the community theatre, and wanted to keep doing that sort of thing. I started taking more film classes, started working for the local PBS affiliate. I then studied under a Broadway Lighting Designer and moved to L.A. as a PA for ABC Sports on the weekends.
3. How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can’t accomplish an assigned task?
Just give them the facts, and try to rethink a new solution with the boss. Just be straightforward and sit down and talk to them. If they’re any good, they should know if an assigned task is undoable anyway.
4. Do you have any advice for a media student that is just starting out?
While you’re in college, work on as many productions as you can, and try to get experience overall. A lot of times student productions don’t know what they’re doing, and try to learn as much from your mistakes as possible. Try to work in as many different areas as you want, volunteer if you have to, and just get something to put on your resume. I also worked for a lot of trade publications and was a freelance journalist for a while.
5. So you did work overseas. Does the globalization of everything help that? What with the internet and teleconferences and such?
There’s a lot of work overseas, and some of them really like Americans, and they go to us for a lot of help. A lot of writers of foreign films just can’t make dialogue like the Hollywood system is used to, and they often need consultants to give them a hand. It’s a good market.
8650 Rio Grande Blvd. NW
Albuquerque, NM 87114
Primary: 505-404-0116
E-mail: Bkelman@aol.com
1. Can you describe your job?
Many things, Location Manager, which finds and maintains locations for movies, making sure people aren’t pissed after crew leaves.
Line producer, keeps budget for movies and helps to make sure everything moves along.
Commercial Director, Writing Consultant on Feature Films overseas.
2. How did you get started in the business?
My parents were involved in Community Theatre, and helped paint sets. I went to college at the University of Wisconsin, took a film class, and liked it. I remembered my work with the community theatre, and wanted to keep doing that sort of thing. I started taking more film classes, started working for the local PBS affiliate. I then studied under a Broadway Lighting Designer and moved to L.A. as a PA for ABC Sports on the weekends.
3. How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can’t accomplish an assigned task?
Just give them the facts, and try to rethink a new solution with the boss. Just be straightforward and sit down and talk to them. If they’re any good, they should know if an assigned task is undoable anyway.
4. Do you have any advice for a media student that is just starting out?
While you’re in college, work on as many productions as you can, and try to get experience overall. A lot of times student productions don’t know what they’re doing, and try to learn as much from your mistakes as possible. Try to work in as many different areas as you want, volunteer if you have to, and just get something to put on your resume. I also worked for a lot of trade publications and was a freelance journalist for a while.
5. So you did work overseas. Does the globalization of everything help that? What with the internet and teleconferences and such?
There’s a lot of work overseas, and some of them really like Americans, and they go to us for a lot of help. A lot of writers of foreign films just can’t make dialogue like the Hollywood system is used to, and they often need consultants to give them a hand. It’s a good market.
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