Expert: Peter Messaline - 9/4/2008

Question
I m directing some short movies as the following I record a video scenes then I put the suitable music explain that scene , vice verse , I sometimes choose some scenes to describe music concerts , also I m playing music , directing , writing poems , stories , screenplays , theathre plays also awe a good musical ear

because I m electronics & communication engineer I found that the best choice to involve in arts enviroment using my engineer degree is (audio engineer in movies , theathre  , music world )

thats will let me collect between my artisitc talents also my past studies in engineering

whats your opinion ?
give me your comments , suggesstions , advices

thank you  

Answer
You are every independent film and video maker's dream!
Your interest in the content and expertise with the technicalities make you a goldmine!!
If you are in a big enough centre, contact your local college film schools, and any filmmakers organisations you can. Students will jump at being able to leave the buttons to you and concentrate on all the other things they are learning how to do. Beginner film-makers give you a chance to be on the team, since they will very likely have a DOP and videographer already lined up.
Contact your local AFofM local (!). It is the American Federation of Musicians, but they have locals all over North America. Musicians, garage bands, even venues, could use you, I'd think, and the AFofM will give you local contacts.

When you are on the job, respect other people's territories. You are an unusual generalist, but your bright idea will not be appreciated by the other department. Even if it is very good, and perhaps then even more.

Make yourself a show reel. The quality of the reel will be a useful sign, and the content should show off your skills as a film and video maker, more than the script and subject matter.

All you have on your résumé now are your technical credits and your recorded work. The next spell should be aimed at collecting a new show reel with work you've done for others, which you can use to attract work as a proven artist.