Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/Careers in film/tv etc...

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Expert: - 5/7/2009


Question
I am a film school student in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I am wondering if I can get steady work in this the film/tv industry? Business side? etc? I have heard there are period of no work etc. But, I want to be able to have a steady decent paying job that offers consistent non-piece work in this industry while at the same time be able to pursue my goals in making my own film/tv projects. I have considered working an office job in a distribution company is their steady work in that? I have heard alot of doom/gloom stories about joblessness in this industry...

Answer
Will,

Thanks for writing. Honestly, if you want a stable career, find another industry other than the entertainment industry. Are there stable careers in film and TV? Yes. Are you likely to find one? Maybe. Will a "stable" career, such as in distribution, provide you with both enough of an income to support yourself AND the time to make your own film and TV projects? Doubtful.

Sorry to be such a pessimist, but I'm sure you'd rather I tell you the truth than sugar-coat it.

Good luck!

Phil

Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing

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Phil Nemy

Expertise

I am a motion picture and television producer with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. I am also the author of the book GET A REEL JOB: Finding Your First Job In The Motion Picture Industry In Los Angeles. I can answers questions on a variety of subjects about careers in film from acting to directing to crew work, getting into the unions, successful strategies for networking, etc.

Experience

Former VP, Production for The Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group Supervised production on such films as ARMAGEDDON, THE PRINCESS DIARIES, REMEMBER THE TITANS, PEARL HARBOR, CON AIR, ENEMY OF THE STATE, THE ROCK, CRIMSON TIDE, COYOTE UGLY, A CIVIL ACTION, ROMY & MICHELE'S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION, NOTHING TO LOSE, EDDIE and others. Worked as an actor, stage manager, director on broadway and regional theater as well as L.A.' Equity-waiver scene. Former Associate Artistic Director of Los Angeles Equity-Waiver theater.

Organizations
Director's Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild, Actor's Equity Association

Education/Credentials
BFA in Acting/Directing from Carnegie Mellon University.

Past/Present Clients
I've worked with such filmmakers as Jerry Bruckheimer, Tony Scott, Steve Zaillian, Scott Rudin, Garry Marshall, Frank Marshall, Michael Bay, etc.

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