Hello,
I have some questions and would be extremely grateful to anyone in the industry who has some guidance for me. Firstly, after 10+ years in the retail industry I have been recently laid off. 10 years too late! I'll spare the lengthy back story details however I should add that I have , since a child , been drawn to the movies. My first visit to a major studio was as a child where I was lucky enough to sit behind a wonderful Panavision camera and speak with a few camera crew members about their jobs. That experience stayed with me until adult hood and from that day I new I wanted to be involved in the movies/tv filming. However I was discouraged from following my dream of entering this field due to the fierce competition. ( very poor guidance in retrospect ) Thus then entering retail management, where I was fairly successful and enjoyed it for the most part.
As stated I was recently laid off from that career and have really started to rethink a career change...and that experience from my childhood keeps coming up. As an adult through the years my appreciation for the art of film making has grown as well. You know when you see a great movie...you find yourself gasping ( feeling that emotion ) at the incredible moment (s) when you are just in awe of how the camera was able to capture that moment... When I watch a movie I find myself looking for those moments were I'm sucked into the film through the art of the cinematography. Well, most reading this probably know what I mean. I could go on all day about this ... but on to my questions.
So I'm ready...teetering on the edge of this career change at 30. I want to follow my dream but I have to admit, I'm very skeptical about this. I do feel a bit ridiculous thinking I could even potentially learn all that needs to be learned and develop my skill into possibly some day actually filming behind that Panavision I sat with 20 years ago...but I want to go with my dream. So...
I would be so appreciative to anyone who feels they can advise me the direction / path I need to take. I do some photography and have a basic ( very basic ) knowledge of composition and lighting. I can not afford schooling. I live in metro NYC, but am mobile to Los Angeles and have lived there in the past. I'd be very willing to work for peanuts as a trainee or intern for a production house or cinematographer to gain the basic knowledge. I would be interested in being an apprentice or even being mentored should someone want to take an apprentice / mentorship on. My passion would be films however since I know so little about the field I'd be interested in tv as well. I 'm posting this with little expectations but truth be told I am hoping for a little karma to come back my way.
I admit I know nothing about this field, however what I lack in knowledge in the field I more than make up for with passion, drive and willingness to learn.
If you made it this far down my post...thank you. I hope to hear some positive, constructive feedback. I believe that everyone should have a mentor and I believe that those with the knowledge should mentor others. Im not sure this applies to the film industry. I was / am a mentor in my field, this is how I became successful and for that I owe others the same. Just my thoughts.
Be well and thank you,
KN
