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Student-Career Dilemma . Advice please !
Hi Guys.
I’m in a sorta confusing situation. I’ll put this as briefly as possible:
. I’m an International student currently doing a Master’s program in Film &TV production in the UK.
. My undergrad was engineering. ( though film was what I always wanted,I was forced into getting this degree for backup/stability,etc)
(So very minimal prior film experience).Before coming to this UK course,I was confused as to what exactly I wanted-I seemed to like too many things – editing,cinematography,direction.
.So I chose the PRODUCTION course- which kinda covers all the aspects involved briefly.
.So now over the last 3 months, I’ve decided what I really want to do is editing. Just editing.
.Editing has always been a hobby,now in University I’ve been learning PPro on my own,and I’m quite comfortable using it
.But I want to become more thorough & professional.
.So I’ve decided to take the 6-week intensive Manhattan Edit Workshop – as recommended by couple of my friends here,as they attended it and liked it very much
Now the dilemma is :
-What should be my course of action after the 6-week workshop ,say if I want to find a job in the US ? ( Entry-level ..Post prod assistant or assistant editor)
-is the 6 week program enough(it covers Avid,FCP and PP),or should I consider doing like a 1 year editing course somewhere ,which increases chances of getting a job in the US ?
-I’ve been talking to some people(from some Post houses) through LinkedIn,whom I will meet in the US ,while I’m there for the workshop.Will that help ?
( Working in the US is not my only option,but I wanna give it my best shot,before applying in other countries)
Any advice/tips will be much appreciated.
Thanks !! -
6 Replies
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As someone coming out….it certainly can’t hurt to be versed in 3 major NLE’s.
Be prepared to start as an intern…for little or no pay.
and to do a lot of repetitive grunt work as in importing and prepping material…and output and mastering material. You’ll be using NLE’s…but not “editing”.
But stick around after hours. Try stuff…Show initiative…
eventually you’ll start assisting in the offline…
everything you consider a progression in your capability….keep it around and add it to your reel.
keep networking…and showing ppl what you can do….
don’t sign non-compete agreements, or evaluate them very carefully. 🙂
Alex
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How is the Video&Editing 1-year program at UC San Diego extension ?
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Hi Shavran,
[Shravan Ram] “-is the 6 week program enough(it covers Avid,FCP and PP),or should I consider doing like a 1 year editing course somewhere ,which increases chances of getting a job in the US ?”
In 6 weeks, you could become proficient in only the very basics of these applications. I did a 6 month program focusing on only one application and that seemed to be barely enough experience for an entry level position. If you’re OK with entry level positions (which means you might not get to edit right away), then you might be OK.
[Shravan Ram] “-What should be my course of action after the 6-week workshop ,say if I want to find a job in the US ? ( Entry-level ..Post prod assistant or assistant editor)”
Are you a US citizen? If you are not, it is difficult to get any job without a sponsor.
Also, check out the Business forum: https://forums.creativecow.net/businessmarketing
Thanks,
KevinKevin Monahan
Support Product Manager—DVA
Adobe After Effects
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe
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Thanks for the advice !
No, I’m not a US Citizen ,and will require a sponsor ! 🙁
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Hi Shravan,
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. There are not many avenues to getting sponsorship for a video post production job as there are already too many qualified Americans for that job. That’s kind of how it works.It’s still possible to get a work visa, but not easy I’m afraid. You may as well apply for a green card, though, you never know if your number might come up.
https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/green-card-processes-procedures
Thanks,
KevinKevin Monahan
Support Product Manager—DVA
Adobe After Effects
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe
Follow Me on Twitter! -
Thanks Kevin ,That’s true I’m aware that it’s not so easy to get a sponsor.
Perhaps ,I could start off as a Production assistant or something like that ? Sponsors for those roles could be relatively easier to obtain ?
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