[Jolly Jackson]

@Dennis Size
I am currently in N.Y.C. Do you think that is an issue?

@Tod Terry
Great! Thanks so much for all of the union knowledge. I guess I never put two and two together that those big productions would all be union gigs. Hmm.

So how does one get into the union normally. Work enough non-union gigs until you show a certain level of competency/experience? Or are you supposed to get on union gigs somehow to get INTO the union? (Is getting on a union gig like that even possible as non-union-er??)

@john sharaf
Thank you. Very good advice. I’m trying to get as much experience as possible, paid or un-paid, to be ready when that revival comes 🙂

@Alan Lloyd
Funny you mention Vermeer and Rembrandt! I was just reading this book Cinematography for Directors, and it had a lot of the same advice. Thanks for re-enforcing it as I wasn’t sure how practical it was coming from a book!

Thank you all for your helpful feedback. I’m really glad a place like this exists with people who are so willing to share their experience and knowledge with people who are eager to learn!

[Jolly Jackson]

Hey John,

Thanks so much for the response 🙂 Every note was super valuable. I appreciate the help!

I think the “never give up” cheerleading, while I’ve heard before, seemed to really strike a chord with me, so thank you! I think I’m very impatient to get where I want to go, so the fact that it’s stalling a bit has made me antsy. Hearing you say those never give up words helped put me at ease a bit. Now I just gotta do that…

A follow up question is this. How do people get on crews for well-established tv-shows or features? For instance, entry level positions, such as camera P.A.s or other jobs of that nature never seem to be posted online. It’s almost like you need to know the DP or the AC previously, no? I mean is that it? Try to make contact with people who are doing big things, and try to get them to let you work for free until they pay you???

I am willing to do that, but I guess it’s just meeting the people who are doing the big things! Hmmm… sorry for the stream of consciousness there.

Anyhoo, thanks so much help and more suggestions are much appreciated.

Thanks!