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Hello All,

 

I began my college career as a cinematography major. Once I wandered my way into the advanced cameras dept. I never looked back. Now, in the third year (of a 5 year plan), I have dropped the cinematography concentration and am a general film/video major. I find myself wandering around these forums or reading camera manuals trying to absorb as much as possible, instead of doing homework. School has ever really been my bag, and as far as what I can still learn as an A.C. I feel can only come from more hands on experience. The only reason I see to stay in school is possible future networking opportunities, and ready access to odds and ends for my ditty. Is a degree something people really value in an A.C.? Would a job at say, a rental house be more beneficial? I dont expect to get paid work right out of the gate, but I'll work just to get my name out there. Is there some sort of craigslist that's more reliable and specified for A.C. work? Also, I've attached my resume. Any feedback on what else to include or how to improve it is infinitely appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance for responses!

A.C._Resume.pdf

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Hello All,

 

I began my college career as a cinematography major. Once I wandered my way into the advanced cameras dept. I never looked back. Now, in the third year (of a 5 year plan), I have dropped the cinematography concentration and am a general film/video major. I find myself wandering around these forums or reading camera manuals trying to absorb as much as possible, instead of doing homework. School has ever really been my bag, and as far as what I can still learn as an A.C. I feel can only come from more hands on experience. The only reason I see to stay in school is possible future networking opportunities, and ready access to odds and ends for my ditty. Is a degree something people really value in an A.C.? Would a job at say, a rental house be more beneficial? I dont expect to get paid work right out of the gate, but I'll work just to get my name out there. Is there some sort of craigslist that's more reliable and specified for A.C. work? Also, I've attached my resume. Any feedback on what else to include or how to improve it is infinitely appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance for responses!

 

Sam, if you want to be an AC for a career (or even advance to DP level), save your money on school and read THESE books:

 

http://www.amazon.com/What-Really-Want-Set...4756&sr=8-1

 

http://www.amazon.com/Camera-Assistant-Com...mp;sr=1-1-spell

 

http://www.amazon.com/Camera-Assistants-Ma.../ref=pd_sim_b_2

 

http://www.amazon.com/Grip-Book-Third-Mich.../ref=pd_sim_b_4

 

http://www.amazon.com/Script-Supervising-F...ref=pd_sim_b_32

 

 

 

 

Then just jump in and start working (the books will help you learn how). Schools are focused on developing Writers and Directors, not ACs.

 

Check in regularly to http://www.realfilmcareer.com for the most up-to-date information about where production IS happening so that you know where to go to find work.

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Where'd you get your hands on a Scarlet?

 

When I first put this resume together all I knew about RED cameras was word of mouth so I wasn't sure If i was working with on the One or Scarlett at the time. I figured that one out pretty quick (duh). I had that on there as a temporary thing, just an oversight, thanks for spotting it.

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Sam, if you want to be an AC for a career (or even advance to DP level), save your money on school and read THESE books:

 

http://www.amazon.com/What-Really-Want-Set...4756&sr=8-1

 

http://www.amazon.com/Camera-Assistant-Com...mp;sr=1-1-spell

 

http://www.amazon.com/Camera-Assistants-Ma.../ref=pd_sim_b_2

 

http://www.amazon.com/Grip-Book-Third-Mich.../ref=pd_sim_b_4

 

http://www.amazon.com/Script-Supervising-F...ref=pd_sim_b_32

 

 

 

 

Then just jump in and start working (the books will help you learn how). Schools are focused on developing Writers and Directors, not ACs.

 

Check in regularly to http://www.realfilmcareer.com for the most up-to-date information about where production IS happening so that you know where to go to find work.

 

 

Thank you for the links. I have read both camera assistant books, they're great resources. I never thought to learn more about script supervising, makes sense. Thanks again.

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I can tell you that for me I really enjoyed film school, and feel I am a better AC because of it. In film school I learned about every discipline of filmmaking, and actively learned each job to an intermediate level. I am comfortable recording sound, editing, lighting, shooting, writing, directing, color grading, animating.. And because of my knowledge of all of the various filmmaking crafts I am able to understand and plan for the needs of other departments.

 

As an AC, I am preparing the footage and taking notes for the editorial department to use. I understand what they need to do their job, and can talk to them intelligently about workflow, codecs, EDLs, Metadata, proxies, off-line, online, color grading, etc.

 

For me film school was a time to explore the filmmaking process and to find my calling, I did not know I wanted to be an AC going in. Are there times when I wish I had just jumped in, yes, but over-all I think film school is a worthwhile experience, and will shape you in many subtle ways for the rest of your years.

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