paying the rent

[Leslie Farquharson]

Hello. I'm registered to attend Los Angeles City College's Cinema Program starting in the Fall of 2006. I'd like to specialize in cinematography. My question is: How does one pay the rent? Is it possible to find steady work in the film industry when you have to climb the camera crew ladder? I have the feeling that I will have to live a 'double life' as a English teacher (current job) and find film work on the side. How can one transition to full-time film work? Is it even possible?

[David Mullen ASC]

Well, production work is rarely "full time" -- you work freelance, project to project, so some years may be busier than others. I probably work only six months total out of the year. So I assume by "full time" you mean "work often enough not to need another part-time job to pay the bills."

 

Sure it's possible, but it takes time, years of building up credits and contacts. It's like a snowball rolling downhill, gaining momentum and size.

[Leslie Farquharson]

Hello. I'm registered to attend Los Angeles City College's Cinema Program starting in the Fall of 2006. I'd like to specialize in cinematography. My question is: How does one pay the rent? Is it possible to find steady work in the film industry when you have to climb the camera crew ladder? I have the feeling that I will have to live a 'double life' as a English teacher (current job) and find film work on the side. How can one transition to full-time film work? Is it even possible?

 

Thanks for the reply, Mr. Mullen.