Expert: Phil Nemy - 10/23/2007

Question
Mr. Nemy,

My name's Jeff and I just moved to the L.A. area. I've got a BA in Film Production, dozens of credits, multiple editing gigs under my belt (including one for a multi-million dollar book co.) and a great demo reel. I've been applying all over the place since I moved out here but haven't been getting a whole lot of responses. I saw that you used to work at Disney, which was one of the first places I went to so I thought you would be a great person to ask....any advice?

Thanks in advance!

-Jef

Answer
Jeff,

Thanks for writing. I assume that you are looking for a career as a feature film editor based on what you've written. Assuming that's true, then you need to understand that you won't be hired by Disney or any other major studio because you aren't a member of the Editor's Union and you don't have major feature film credits.

Consider starting at the bottom as an Editorial Department PA - its the most realistic way to get onto a film. Or visit the many post-production houses in town, drop off your resume and let them know you're looking for work. Also, join media-match.com and/or entertainmentcareers.net as they list editing gigs from time to time. Finally, I'd list my services on Craigslist as an editor who will work for cheap. The key is to start cutting some stuff so that your work begins to be seen around LA. You never know when one of these low-budget, no budget projects will take off and someone you've worked with will turn around and offer you a great opportunity on a much better paying gig.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil