David Collins Posted August 3, 2013 Share Posted August 3, 2013 I've been looking for work for a few weeks now, and the most I've found has been single-day gigs on unpaid sets, or an occasional paid gig. I would like to find something more stable (even as a P.A.). I am about to graduate DePaul with a B.A. in Digital Cinema: Production, and have worked in the production department on several independent shorts and films. I love working on indie projects sometimes, but I need something more stable, and I'm looking for some advice. I live just outside Chicago, and I've contacted a few companies, but no-one seems to be hiring. I've been applying mostly for production department, but I've recently also started applying for GnE, and Camera as well (I can operate upto a Red Epic, though I prefer working on the production and organization side). One of my problems, is that I'm "much" older than most other people graduating with this degree. The average age for my graduating class was 23, and I'm 29 (from having spent time in the Army, which is how I paid for school), they seem to want to hire "younger people with little experience that they can mold" (direct quote from someone who turned me down). I really love working in the film industry, but I can't seem to get a foot in the door anywhere, and I've only got a few months of savings left.So, can anyone give me some advice on how I can get a foot in the door, or maybe get started working in the industry? Or even how to combat this weird age barrier I've run into? Any advice would be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Phil Rhodes Posted August 4, 2013 Premium Member Share Posted August 4, 2013 Is that sort of ageism not controlled legally? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Adrian Sierkowski Posted August 4, 2013 Premium Member Share Posted August 4, 2013 I wouldn't ever really put steady along with film. Steady work will only come after, probably, at least a year or so of network building with professionals. Hang in there battle. Takes time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Collins Posted August 4, 2013 Author Share Posted August 4, 2013 Technically in Illinois, the law only protects against age discrimination against people over the age of 40. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freya Black Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 Remove your age from your CV if it is on there. Don't mention the army thing and they may well assume things about your age based on you having just graduated. It's a 6 year difference. Most people won't know. Freya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Collins Posted August 6, 2013 Author Share Posted August 6, 2013 Actually, most people comment that I look older than I am. I was teaching a summer class and I was once asked if I was 40. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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