Hey Matt,
I'm actually in a unique position here to offer some more solid advice than most, being I started in the Seattle market, and have recently moved to L.A. And I know people in Spokane. SO, that being said, here are my thoughts.
- You most certainly do NOT need film school. Yes, if you went to USC or AFI in L.A., you may make some good connections, but getting into those programs is tough, and everyone I've worked with that has come out of those schools isn't anywhere ahead of the game.
- North by Northwest could be a good utility if you remain in Spokane. The two people I know out there are affiliated with them.
- Seattle has a decent market, though it may be tough to pay all the bills for a while, and even once you've networked sufficiently, it can be tough, for simple lack of opportunities. Knowing a lot of the DPs in the area, I can tell you talent isn't of the highest caliber in many cases, and there isn't a TON of competition (not like L.A.), but the guys that tend to get the most work own their own gear, so you're up against people that OWN REDs, and sliders and all that other stuff who already have a "clientelle" of sorts. Seattle is odd in that there is less competition, but networking is more important to be "in" on the jobs.
- L.A. has TONS of stuff going on, but just realize, it is harder to find LEGIT work around here when getting started. Craigslist and call boards work well enough in Seattle to get going, but in L.A., you generally find less than desirable jobs on there - though it can be used to network. Mandy.com is far more helpful in L.A., but that will require a bit of experience, and being how important the role of the DP is, you're going to be up against a few obstacles to get rolling down here. My advice is if you come to L.A., plan on doing some AC work for a while.
The other general advice is to do all you can to build an amazing reel. That will help you A LOT. Create a personal website and post the reel so you can direct people there.
Good luck, man!
