Expert: Alessandro Machi - 8/2/2007

Question
I'm a non fiction film maker from India, just got settled in California
after my marriage, problem is this, the job market of California is
entirely different from Indian one.
So my question is this, being an outsider, how to get inside in the US
film/TV market? Are there any kind of production companies here, who
needs an Indian Producer having an experience from Indian film industry?

Answer
I am by no means an expert in the area of your question but I also consider it a challenge to try and come up with something to help you.

If I were from another country and just managed to get settled in the United States, I might try the following.

I or my spouse would already have either a steady job or income before I attempted to continue my career in film. I would also make sure I was either a legal citizen or had the proper work permit.  

Letting all of your contacts in India know that you will be available for hire if they need second unit work done in the United States could prove fruitful.

I would put SHORT samples of my works on YouTube and might try and come up with a new short so I can show people in India where I have ended up!

I would definitely search out the local Indian communities in the United States to see if you could help other Indian filmmakers already here, if you find there are none, than at least you asked to help others before getting help for yourself.   

I would check out the local Indian television shows that are usually found on the local cable TV channel, both public access and leased access. These shows may be thrilled to interview you and you could end up as a guest host or interviewer for them.

The concept is to learn through those with a similar background as you before heading off and doing your own projects. The reason I recommend this step is you will want to have a basic knowledge of where to get film / video production related goods and services and this is best accomplished by accessing whatever filmmaking community already exists and being willing to work on other projects besides your own.

It is also wise to meet those from the United States as well that don't care what culture you come from and instead just share with you the bond of filmmaking. Since you state you are into non-fiction filmmaking I would connect with the local documentary group or groups in your area.

There are national documentary associations as well that may have local branches where you currently live, consider attending those meetings.