Filmmaking / Directing : Work In The Big Cities by Andrea Henriquez

Hi, Yea I know that feeling. Would love nothing more then to be in LA. If you already live in the US then it may just be a matter of time until you can find a new job. If your outside the US (like me) its a much more difficult process. You could also approach the companies direct, sometimes showing how motivated and enthusiastic you are can really pay off.

Thanks, Tony! Will keep that in mind. I never thought of approaching them in person because I always feel like it's strange to walk in uninvited, but it's something I'll keep in mind :)

I've been in LA for about 8 years now bouncing around between camera, editing, directing, and more recently, sound. There's definitely a lot more competition out here and and you'll probably have to start out as a PA unless you know people out here or have amazing reels. There's also the issue of getting into a union if you're hoping to work in one of those other positions on network shows, assuming you're not already union. If you want to be in a bigger city, just move. Things happen quickly out here. A lot of times I get asked to work on stuff with only a day or 2 of notice. Have some money saved up and hopefully no debt.

Thanks Ed! Not union yet... it's not really necessary when living in Florida, but I'll have to look into it once I can make the move. How do you go about networking in such a big place with so much competition? Can you just hit up people via E-mail or is that not a thing? Or better yet, where should I consider going if I wanted to network? Is there a "hangout" place to keep in mind? I'm really looking forward to moving! I'm excited for a new adventure and to work somewhere where I can actually be surrounded by the type of production I'm interested in. I don't mind if it's PA work for a while, but I'll still be working hard to prove I can do more :)

Is FL a right-to-work state? I wanted to get involved with comedy projects and do some writing/performing so I took classes at Upright Citizens Brigade theater and stand-up classes at some other places in LA. Hardly anyone else in those communities had camera, lighting, or sound gear, so when I bought some I started getting more and more work. Not sure where you would go to meet a concentrated group of people working in talk shows or drama. A few years ago I started taking a few classes at UCLA Extension and have gotten a little work from people I've met there too. Most of my gigs come from personal recommendations. I've never just emailed anyone out of the blue unless they posted that they were hiring for something I could do. There are job boards on Facebook too and I've been going to things for editors and motion graphics people and sometimes they talk about camera stuff there. Look up DMALA (Digital Media Artists L.A.) and LACPUG (L.A. Creative Pro Users Group). There are probably groups out here for camera and sound people. I should look into that.

Yes, Fl is a right to work state. But honestly, there's not a whole lot going on here. Until they pass some type of film incentive, there probably won't be. At least in Orlando, which is where I live, there's not a ton. Thanks for your advice! I'm checking those pages out for sure!

Hey Andrea we actually had a webinar on this exact topic. https://www.stage32.com/webinars/How-to-Move-to-LA-and-Work-in-Entertain... hope that helps!

Thanks, Shannon! I had no idea!

Currently paying for job access on StaffMe....have found 0 Gaffer/LD/Electrician/Grip jobs through it. I would suggest not wasting your time there. Indeed seems to have jobs that are just links to other sites. Mandy dot com or Craigslist perhaps.

Thanks, JD! I've noticed it's kind of hard to find stuff on StaffMeUp but honestly I thought it was just because of where I live. Haven't checked Mandy in a while, I'll give it another try. I used to not find things there ever but again, probably because of where I live lol

I'd think there must be stuff going on at Nickelodeon studios, etc? The question is how to get in there, who to ask.

I was under the impression that Nickelodeon wasn't shooting here anymore. I used to work with a lady that worked there for a few years and told me they moved the studios out of Orlando. But maybe somewhere else and I haven't heard about it... I'll have to ask around :)

Universal? They don't have a backlot and sound stages just for tourists.

Yes, Universal still does production stuff. The soundstages are still in use. The last time I went they were doing "La Voz Kids" but I know they've been doing more since then. And Disney has Yellow Shoes Productions too. But as compared to other places, there's not a lot so the competition is crazy.

If Florida is non-union, you need to find a way to get on set and find out who is doing the crew hiring. A long shot would be getting "cast" as an extra and chatting up some of the crew while there, talk to the ADs, etc.