Expert: Phil Nemy - 10/2/2008

Question
Hello Mr. Nemy,
I need advice on how to get working on lighting crews for film/television. I have done some lighting on non union shows/productions, although most of my experience was 8-10 years ago. I have missed doing production work since I stopped doing it. I changed my career path(read 'got a corporate cubicle farm job') when I found & later married the love of my life. The film/television business has been calling me ever since. I just need help getting the Best Boy to call me.
Thanks very much in advance for any pearls of wisdom you may offer.
Andy

Answer
Andy,

Thanks for writing. The bad news is, the best boy is NOT going to call you.

The good news is you can still find work. There are a lot of non-union and low pay/no pay opportunities for would-be electricians, best boys and gaffers out there. Since you haven't been doing this for 10 years, unfortunately, you need to start all over.

Look on Craigslist, entertainemtcareers.net, showbizjobs.com, media-match.com and other industry sites that often post listings looking to hire lighting crew. Take whatever work you're offered, even if it doesn't pay much or pays nothing at all. The important thing is to begin building a current resume of production credits, and more importantly meet people and network with the people whom you work for on those productions. If they like you, you'll get more work and they'll continue to recommend you for other jobs.

We hire who we know and who we like! That's the way it is - so you need to do whatever you have to do to get these people to give you a shot - even if it's for free - in order to re-start your career.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil