5 Ways Military Service Prepares you for Hollywood

5 Ways Military Service Prepares you for Hollywood

5 Ways Military Service Prepares you for Hollywood

Tracy Thompson
Tracy Thompson
3 years ago

You volunteered for service in the military, and then decided it was time to pursue your dreams in La La Land. And guess what? Hollywood is recruiting you! They know you have a story to tell, and they can’t wait to hear it.

I always knew I wanted a career in entertainment, and as an Officer in the Army I was selected to be a principal actor in a theatrical commercial for the National Guard, directed by Antione Fuqua (Training Day). After this experience, I packed my bags and moved to LA to be a superstar. But I was one of millions with that same idea.

After years of trying to break in as a civilian, I finally realized that my military affiliation was my calling card. Little did I know how valuable my time in service would be in the real world. I know what you’re thinking, what does being a veteran have to do with being in the entertainment industry? Well, I’ve put together the top 5 ways that military service prepares you for a career in Film and TV.

5 Ways Military Service Prepares you for Hollywood

1. Life Experience

The military allows you to experience life like no other. From the time you step off that bus, you’re in a different world. The scenery is different, the rules are different, the people are different. Now, you’re different. And different is good! Film and TV are dying for something new - a breath of fresh air.

Of anywhere, the military is where you meet the most extraordinary people. After working side by side with some of the most eccentric, funny, rude, selfless weirdos imaginable, how hard can a writers' room be?

Most civilians only know people from their town, their college or their job. We know people all over the world - real life characters who can help influence your writing, acting or filmmaking.

I joined the Army at age 17 and my parents had to sign for me. I went from a college town in North Carolina to the sticks in Oklahoma. I almost lost it when I heard a teenaged soldier from Mississippi say he needed to go upstairs to get his “britches”.

My best friend in basic training was a late 30s Puerto Rican man who spoke no English, yet ineligible for the ESL program because he is American. In the male-dominated field artillery I trained alongside marines and was the only female in my class and, at times, my whole platoon. These types of experiences make for a great story.

5 Ways Military Service Prepares you for Hollywood

2. 7 Percenter

With only 7 percent of Americans serving in the Military, your unique voice is underrepresented. And at a time where diversity is more sought after than ever before, your military experience is a hot commodity.

How many civilians do you know who have willingly walked inside a chamber filled with poisonous gasses? Or jumped out of a perfectly working airplane? Yea, you may be a little crazy, but lucky for you, Hollywood loves crazy! It’s different, fun, unique and honest. These are the stories they want to hear - not only about your military service, but whatever story you’re dying to tell.

I was on set for a major commercial as a PA. This was only my second time working for this particular production company and I decided to wear a gaff-tape name tag plastered on the front of my Army PT jacket.

Not only did everyone know me by name, but they also knew I was a veteran. It became a conversation starter, with the Executive Producer taking interest in my story. At our next shoot, he introduced me to a network executive, not as his star PA, but as a writer.

5 Ways Military Service Prepares you for Hollywood

Behind the Scenes of WGA Veterans Writing Program

3. Veterans Writing Program

In such a coveted industry, it can be hard to stand out and get recognition. But as a veteran, you qualify for unique programs that are committed to serving those who’ve served. With organizations like United States Veterans' Artists Alliance (USVAA), Veterans in Media & Entertainment (VME), Arts in the Armed Forces (AITAF) and numerous other programs dedicated to preparing you to go from service member to superstar.

Of all the programs, my absolute favorite is the Writers Guild Foundation’s Veterans Writing Project. This competitive screenwriting mentorship takes emerging veteran writers and pairs them up with a team of working Film and TV writers who personally show them the ropes.

Over the course of a year, mentees with varying degrees of military service as well as writing experience, are led step-by-step through the writing process from concept to completed feature film or TV pilot draft.

After participating in this program, I gained not only an invaluable masterclass given by some of the best to ever do it, but also a network of mentors and peers that will help shape the trajectory of my writing career. Not to mention that having weekly meetings with Ashley Miller (Thor, X-Men: First Class) and Marc Klein (Mirror, Mirror, Serendipity) made me the coolest mom in the universe.

If you have served in the military - full time or reserve - and you’re serious about screenwriting, then this is definitely the program for you!

As a mentee, I had never completed a body of work. Now, less than two years later, I have completed two feature films, one TV pilot and 2 short films.

5 Ways Military Service Prepares you for Hollywood

WGA Veterans Writing Program Participants

4. Getter Done!

If there’s a way to make it happen, we will find it. The military teaches you how to do more with less. With resourcefulness comes reward. We look challenges dead in the eye and face them head on. Executives respect and embrace the sort of work ethic that comes from veterans, because they know they’ll get their money’s worth and then some.

Staying up late and waking up early is nothing new. Our mental discipline allows us to push our bodies to limits that others may not. We are finishers. You walked how many miles with how many pounds of gear on your back? And you made it to the end.

Writing is much easier, trust me. If you can just channel that same can-do attitude when writing your first draft, directing your first film, or memorizing your first script, then you will be successful.

By simply finishing what you start, you’re already leaps and bounds ahead of most. And our pride compels us to want to do our best.

5 Ways Military Service Prepares you for Hollywood

5. Resilience

When we get knocked down, we get right back up. When we get chewed out, we shake it off. Being both mentally and physically tough comes in handy when you’re on the battlefield, but also when you’re in the writers' room, at an audition, or on set for 16 hours. When everyone else wants to quit, you’re only getting started.

And when you present your hard work, there’s people that will tell you that you’re not good enough. How many times did a drill sergeant tell you that? And how many times did you prove them wrong? This is no different.

Military training taught us that sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will never hurt us. Just remember that you’ve most likely been called every name in the book, so when someone tells you that your project needs work, work harder. Harder than everyone else, because you can.

Remember your first PT test? How long did it take you to pass or to max? To some it seemed impossible, and yet by the end of Basic/Boot Camp there was a major shift.

And that happened in a matter of weeks. How? By training every day until you got results.

It’s the same way in Hollywood. Your first draft or film will probably be your worst. But it’s also your motivation because you know that it only gets better from there. There’s no way around it, when you keep going, you get better, and the potential to accomplish any goal.

Programs Mentioned in this Article:

United States Veterans' Artists Alliance (USVAA)

Veterans in Media & Entertainment (VME)

Arts in the Armed Forces (AITAF)

Writers Guild Foundation’s Veterans Writing Project - Applications are now open for the WGA Veterans Writing Project! Click here to apply - deadline February 28th 2022.

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About the Author

Tracy Thompson

Tracy Thompson

Director, Editor, Producer, Production Coordinator, Screenwriter, Story Analyst

Hi Stage 32! I'm a Veteran Army officer with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, and over 12 years of experience in production, administration, and logistics within the entertainment industry. Self-starter, eager to contribute my diverse and innovative perspectives and skills to my...

Want to share your Story on the Stage 32 Blog?
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13 Comments on Tracy's Article

Abul Kaish Ansari
Business Development/Sales, Marketing/PR
It will be great service for everyone. Thanks for this awesome opportunity
3 years ago
Abul Kaish Ansari
Business Development/Sales, Marketing/PR
Thanks
3 years ago
Tracy Thompson
Director, Editor, Producer, Production Coordinator, Screenwriter, Story Analyst
Indeed!  It's my pleasure to share.
3 years ago
Frances A. Cheever
Screenwriter
Great article! Thank you Tracy ;-) I would love to chat with you about military service and Hollywood. Please take a look at my website to see what we're doing, and let's see if you want to do a follow-up to this article on how to get our talents noticed, and our "Boot" in the door ;-) MajorAcheever.com. / SqueakyReelProductions.com
3 years ago
Jerry Smith
Author, Screenwriter, Videographer
   I like the article about our military. I back them 100%. I’m wondering why you’re limiting people’s experiences to the military.    If you want life experience, try living in the streets of NYC for 4 years fighting the drug war in the 1970s like I did. I fought and bled in the streets where law enforcement avoided back then. Just wanted to let you know there are many who served who are not in the military.
3 years ago
Tracy Thompson
Director, Editor, Producer, Production Coordinator, Screenwriter, Story Analyst
Arial Burnz I'm so happy to share!  I hope to see you in some of the upcoming events soon :)
3 years ago
Jerry Smith
Author, Screenwriter, Videographer
That wasn't a question; just a statement. Hense the 'no question mark'. 
3 years ago
Howard Nash
Producer
Very inspiring!
3 years ago
Abdur Mohammed
Screenwriter
Thank you for your service. Very inspiring article. 
3 years ago
Abdur Mohammed
Screenwriter
Yes it was - I did 12 active in the Navy. Been on the other side of the writing coin though - paid for programs, learned through trial and error, and usually experience very, very expensive lessons with zero headway...that's not true, I have a final draft of a pilot that is too ambitious for everyone (see videos in profile if you are curious). All the same, your article sent me the spark I needed. Thank you for that.
3 years ago
Tracy Thompson
Director, Editor, Producer, Production Coordinator, Screenwriter, Story Analyst
Thank you for taking the time to read.  Hope it was informative!
3 years ago
Toby Tate
Author, Screenwriter, Producer, Graphic Designer, Musician
Thanks for the awesome post! As a former U.S. Navy vet, I have used that experience as a basis for many of my novels and screenplays. It makes a difference when you can write with first-hand knowledge. After leaving the military, I worked as a contractor for two years, and then spent the next ten trying to break into the music industry. I went back to college and got my degree in English and then spent five years as a journalist at a daily newspaper. The breakthrough came when I got my first novel published. Seven published novels later, I turned to screenwriting and had to begin the learning curve all over again. After a dozen screenplays, I was able to get one optioned. I am also co-producing and we are currently looking for a director. All of this thanks to eight years in the military!
3 years ago
Karen E Ross
Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Voice Actor, Actor
What a fantastic blog! Great points, valuable resources, and it really gives hope to veterans who are looking to use their skills in creative ways. Personally, as someone who was raised in the DC area and trained with military and law enforcement people, I cannot agree more. I've been saying for years that so many facets of production really do function similar to the military, including utilizing the hierarchy within your crew. I also deeply appreciate your point about resilience. So much of what we do in this industry requires you to take what you've been given and make the most of it, and that only happens when you don't let the resistance stop you. Thanks again for this, Tracy Thompson!
3 years ago
Tracy Thompson
Director, Editor, Producer, Production Coordinator, Screenwriter, Story Analyst
Thank you Karen!  Following the chain of command is another great point as well as respect. 
3 years ago
John Heavey
Screenwriter
I’m a 10 year UK veteran, unfortunately the veteran program is only for US vets currently but I keep trying to break in, onwards and upwards
3 years ago
Tracy Thompson
Director, Editor, Producer, Production Coordinator, Screenwriter, Story Analyst
Thank you Melissa!!  Very valuable information 
3 years ago
Melissa Milich
Illustrator
John, please consider applying to New Musicals veterans program So Proudly We Hailed.  Any veteran from any nation is welcome to apply:  www.nmi.org/veterans
3 years ago
Melissa Milich
Illustrator
Fantastic article Tracy!  Go Navy!
3 years ago
Great article! Inspired me to look for a minority program like this. Who can I contact or ask about it? My mail is carinagiusti00@gmail.com I am trying to help my 16 years old daughter, she is a first generation being born in USA, I  from Argentina. We speak spanish at home. She is an actress & a writer. She is almost done with  a monologue book for Actors since she experienced that the monologue books were not what she wanted when she was a beginner actriz. Now, she has been a guest start at Bunk’d, disney show & many Commercials, Short films, feature films 
3 years ago
Philip Sedgwick
Screenwriter, Filmmaker
This is all so true! Seven years in the Navy during arduous circumstances taught me all about the work around! You learn to perform miracles with what's on hand. And there's something to be said for discipline! Not only that, at film festivals none of the vets will be wearing scuffed shoes on the Red Carpet!!!
3 years ago
Philip Sedgwick
Screenwriter, Filmmaker
Love being on set with vets. They are also vigilant looking to head off Murphy's Law at the pass!
3 years ago
Tracy Thompson
Director, Editor, Producer, Production Coordinator, Screenwriter, Story Analyst
Haha, you are absolutely correct!
3 years ago
Seantelle White
Director, Screenwriter
Thank you so much for this article! I am a vet  in the VRE program. I appreciate the links to resources for us!  
3 years ago
Tracy Thompson
Director, Editor, Producer, Production Coordinator, Screenwriter, Story Analyst
Hi Seantelle, my pleasure.  I didn't realize you are also a vet!   I hope you apply to the program :)
3 years ago
Thank you @ Tracy Thompson for this article! I too am a Veteran, although I got injured in boot camp and did not complete my term, that's why I  really don't like to share that part of myself because other people don't look at myself the same as someone who spent years in the military. However,  everything you said here is the absolute truth, especially getting up early and staying up late to get the work done
3 years ago
Tracy Thompson
Director, Editor, Producer, Production Coordinator, Screenwriter, Story Analyst
Hi Tiffany!  Everyone's journey and path is different.  Do worry about what others think, you're still very special for signing up!  
3 years ago
Scott Marshutz
Producer, Documentary Filmmaker
Great article! I recently applied to get into WGF's Veterans Writing Project and crossing my fingers I get in. Onward and upward.
3 years ago
Tracy Thompson
Director, Editor, Producer, Production Coordinator, Screenwriter, Story Analyst
Hi Scott, thank you!  The program is such a game changer.  I really hope you get in!
3 years ago
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