Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/Filmmaking

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Expert: - 8/15/2007


Question
Hi. I wish to become a filmmaker, and I plan on majoring in film in college. But I have no experience in film, is that bad? All I have done is read some books on it. And for the sake of money, I decided to attend the film school in UT Austin, and I was wondering if you know anything about it. For instance, the quality of the education and having a film career afterwards.
Thanks.

Answer
Chris,

Thanks for writing. UT Austin's Radio, Television and Film Department is an excellent training program for would-be filmmakers.

But don't worry much about experience when you're first starting out. I had no film experience when I started and I was able to make a career for myself. You can too, AND you'll have good training from UT-Austin!

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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