Anyone in the film industry? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Neeper · 10-15-2006, 09:30 PM

I am thinking about taking SAIT's course for Film and Video Production. My end goal is to be a cinematographer, hopefully. Problem is, I dunno anything about the industry. Just want to know if anyone is in the industry or has taken this course. I need advice.

Reggie Dunlop · 10-15-2006, 09:33 PM

Sleep your way to the top.

BlackArcher101 · 10-15-2006, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reggie Dunlop

Sleep your way to the top.

HAhaha, how true. Had a roommate that took it. He was ****ed off at how the girls were always getting ahead of him.

FlamesAddiction · 10-15-2006, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reggie Dunlop

Sleep your way to the top.

You're not kidding.

A friend of mine previously in the fim industry in Vancouver (a male friend), has been propositioned many times by bosses, and he figures he has missed out on jobs for saying no. And he only worked on wardrobes.

browna · 10-15-2006, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackArcher101

HAhaha, how true. Had a roommate that took it.

Took what?

Neeper · 10-15-2006, 09:43 PM

I don't mind sleeping my way to the top. I just hope there's lots of female execs. Wife might not like the idea though, but she did say "follow your dreams!"

The_Dude · 10-15-2006, 10:29 PM

It's true. Now a days, it doesn't matter what you do, it's WHO YOU KNOW.'
I know 5 guys out of NAIT. 20 years old. They all make over $100 000/year starting engineering in Edmonton.

BlackArcher101 · 10-15-2006, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by browna

Took what?

The course at SAIT.

BlackArcher101 · 10-15-2006, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Dude

It's true. Now a days, it doesn't matter what you do, it's WHO YOU KNOW.'
I know 5 guys out of NAIT. 20 years old. They all make over $100 000/year starting engineering in Edmonton.

Engineering.... from NAIT? Uhhh.....

I-Hate-Hulse · 10-16-2006, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

You're not kidding.

A friend of mine previously in the fim industry in Vancouver (a male friend), has been propositioned many times by bosses, and he figures he has missed out on jobs for saying no. And he only worked on wardrobes.

Ahhh....but what gender are the bosses?

FlamesAddiction · 10-16-2006, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

Ahhh....but what gender are the bosses?

Well, it is a male dominated industry, so take a guess.

hah · 10-16-2006, 10:14 AM

Don't listen to a blow hard like Reggie Dunlop, he knows about as much about the film business as he does hockey.

Local calgary union for lighting etc.
http://www.iatse212.com/

International Photographers: These are the guys that operate the camera on movies in Western Canada.

http://www.ia669.com/index.php?optio...tpage&Itemid=1

Call both theses unions they can tell you what the requirements are.

I think IA 669 has a training program.

TheyCallMeBruce · 10-16-2006, 10:26 AM

I took that course long time ago and belonged to the Iatse local 669 union. I was part of a few movies as a production assistant, camera asistant, and skilled extra.

When I left the industry, it wasn't doing so well. I had a hard time finding jobs in Calgary and my only choice was to move to Vancouver. Being in the industry can wear you out quickly. I was only a part of 3 productions and I felt like dying at the end of every one of them, working 12 to 14 hour days everyday...waking up at like 5am...

But it did feel rewarding. I often miss it. I still do some directing and script writing, but it's mostly on the side now.

Anyway, if you to know more, just ask.

I-Hate-Hulse · 10-16-2006, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

Well, it is a male dominated industry, so take a guess.

In wardrobe too?

Prototype · 10-16-2006, 11:11 AM

I took radio at SAIT... under the same umbrella (CTSR) as the film course. Great instuctors, and it's a well respected educator. If that's what you want to do, go for it, but you're gonna get out of it what you put into it.

burn_baby_burn · 10-16-2006, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackArcher101

Engineering.... from NAIT? Uhhh.....

Thats what I'm wondering. Plus being 20? I though engineering was a four year program?

Deelow · 10-16-2006, 01:12 PM

A friend of mine took the course between 99 and 01. He basically said it's a decent springboard but for the most part found the course unnecessary. The major reason is the unions have such a firm grip on everything that goes on the SAIT diploma doesn't give you a foot up. It's all about hours worked. Basically all you need to do is take the required union courses (flagging, other safety courses) and pay your dues. Everyone enters at the same level regardless of education. He's been in the biz for 5 or so years, never says no to a job and does very well. Even entry level jobs are well paying. Basically his advice is save yourself the two years. Everything you need to know you will learn on the job.
BTW
The film program at SAIT is filled with people that believe they are the most talented and creative people in the world and don't understand the idea of working the way up the ladder. Most of them don't last in the real world because they would rather work at Blockbuster than wrap cable or hump gear. I was in a program that worked closely with them and they would really get on my nerves.

FurnaceFace · 10-16-2006, 02:55 PM

My brother in law is a still photographer for the film industry. He completed a photography course at a technical college and then hooked up with a film company. He worked the hours and eventually got into the union and is now doing a whole bunch of stuff. His biggest claim to fame is he does all the shots for Corner Gas. Anything Corner Gas related in TV guide or up on a billboard, that's his. He's also done some Canadian movies (Tommy Douglas Story for example) and other TV series. Pretty good gig he's got.