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Question
I recently got to LA. I know I want to do something in Film, but I'm not sure exactly what. I think I might like wardrobe. The problem is that I don't like doing PA work. Do you have any advice as to another way I can get my foot in the door? Thanks!
Jessica,
Thanks for your note. Saying that you don't like doing PA work is like saying you don't like having cancer. No one likes doing PA work! It's the lowest rung on the ladder, you do grunt work, you work very long hours and you don't get paid a lot. But that's where EVERYONE starts! Unless you're related to a major player in Hollywood, or you're sleeping with a major player in Hollywood, or you have some dirt on a major player in Hollywood, EVERYONE starts off at the bottom, pays their dues, and works their way up.
If you don't want to start at the bottom and pay your dues, you might look into one of the possibilities I've stated above..........or consider working in another industry.
Good luck!
Phil
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Answers by Expert:
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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