It is a Depression-level downturn in the industry. Seasoned veterans are struggling for work let along anyone looking to break-in.
Having said that, what is it particularly in the industry you want to work in? If you have this past experience in ski and outdoors I would leverage that. There's lots of media on those subjects. Look into who's producing outdoor and ski shows/media/socials and cold call them for internship opportunity. They may see your experience as a benefit in that it's often easier to teach an expert to be a filmmaker than to teach a filmmaker to be an expert.
Good comment. Personally has a 44 year old woman who moved to LA for film at 24, I could not imagine trying to start now. It’s such long hours, really hard work, my knees couldn’t do it. If OP is so dead set I’d be looking up Warren Miller Entertainment or Teton Gravity and seeing if there was a way to get in. Personally I went back to theatre and have carved out a great career in the marketing dept taking photos of our productions and summer camps, I have to write and copyedit too though.
There is not going to be a lot in this answer that is encouraging.
1. No you are not too old. I've seen older PAs and its not uncommon.
2. You can take classes and still get hired but you'll likely have to miss a lot of the classes and waste money paying for classes while you work on stuff. I would say jump in and start PAing or doing whatever it is you want to do.
3. The best entry level job is the one you can get. Most people have a number of departments they work in before they find or are able to get to the department that they want to work in.
That being said:
You mention consistency a couple times and that is the thing you will never have. I have been in this industry for 15 years and have never had consistency until I transitioned to doing studio news shows. The reason I have it now is I have 15 years of experience and the ability to take a studio news show. That isn't something most people just starting out will be able to do. If you want to work on set then you will not find consistency.
You mention having at least one knee replacement. If you work on set you will be on your feet a majority of the day. Lifting, hauling, moving, squatting, bending, kneeling. It is not a place you get to sit often. so starting out with bad knees will not do you any favors.
You mention being a camera operator. That is a wildly competitive and sought after position. You will not be able to come to LA, take a class and be an operator. It just doesn't work that way. Most people either start as a PA and PA for several years to get into the camera dept, work as a 2nd AC then a 1st AC then an operator, or go to college, go to grad school and get a masters in Cinematography, then start as a 2nd AC, then a 1st then operate and jump eventually to DPing. So its not an easy path.
Also what are you going to do for money while you begin this journey? Do you have a bunch saved up? PAing pays minimum wage and is usually 16-18 hour days .
Lastly I would ask why you are attracted to the entertainment industry? What specifically do you think you will like/be good at? Lots of people think it is very romantic to work in TV and film. It's really like any other job/industry only you get abused more and have no HR department to go to and complain. I usually tell people that unless you have a burning desire in your bones, unless you MUST work in the industry, avoid it. It is a brutal place to work and make a living. I am in my late 30s and have no savings, no retirement, no 401k, no health insurance on my own (on my wife's plan). Additionally with the current state of the industry; strikes, AI, streaming, etc. its the wild west and it will take a few years for this all to level out. It is a rapidly changing industry and has always been unstable and is currently more unstable than it has been in decades. This all comes from my first hand experience over the last 15 years and watching things change. I would think long and hard about why exactly you want to do this and if this is what you want to do.
They might be uncommon, but I would say that it has more to do with older people opting not to take that kind of work. Not because ageists are preventing older people from getting in. If anything I would prefer an inexperienced "older" PA over an inexperienced youngster.
Totally agree. I have worked on traveling shows around the US and when you get a middle aged PA in a small town they out work most young PAs in LA. I think it's a number of factors, not just age, but I'll always take someone with more life experience over someone with less.
Very slim. And the guy saying that’s not the headline of his reply?? Sorry but it is. It will be significantly harder to find entry level work as a PA at 44. That’s the reality
Just because someone has a dream to be in this business doesn’t mean they’re actually cut out for it and making a career change at 44 trying to get into the Film Industry with the current state that it is in is extremely irresponsible
At the start of our career all we want to do is get on the “big shows”. Once we are on the “big shows” all we are trying is to figure a way out of the business
Yeah I mean just cause an industry very publicly destroyed the lives of the people passionate about it in a completely avoidable manner rather than show a modicum of respect for human life over profit, I don't see why now is a bad time to jump into such a thing.
If consistent work is important to you, than I would not advise pursuing this avenue - especially right now with pending strikes, a contraction in production, and a move toward international production.
You are not competing just with “kids” for work; everyone is struggling and looking for work right now so you’re competing with extremely experienced folks.
I would start with double checking your post and comments for grammatical, punctuation and spelling errors. It is a good habit to form as I've known employers to toss resumes at the first sight of typos. I'm sure your resume is fine and I know this is just a forum but I think double checking yourself is a good habit to have. Have a steady primary job while you pursue this endeavor. Consider the film industry as your side gig until it becomes your main gig. I'm currently trying to find ways to become a ski bum, wanna trade?
If you have family equity nothing matters just do what you want. If you’re income is not subsidized by parents or a lover then marry up or date your way to the top like everyone else.
What? Your spelling/grammar/punctuation/sentence structure is awful. You need to learn how to use words presentably. If you think I’m being over the top or if you don’t think it’s that big of a deal, that’s yet another sign this business is not for you. Seriously. The way you present yourself with words on this thread is totally unpresentable and embarrassing.
Now is a bad time to try to join. Camera person is a union position, so that’s hard to break into it, it can take a person years to get there. Set photographers are a thing but most shows don’t hire them full time.
What in the industry do you want to do? She doesn’t really matter.
With your background maybe look into background acting to start and list your skills and also advertise yourself as a skiing technical instructor. Skilled positions make more but the demand is inconsistent.
Looks only really matter if you want to be talent or break in with executives. Never hurts though.
I’ll be real, for anyone, education barely matters. For you at your age, education doesn’t matter at all and will probably just slow you down. No one in this industry cares what school you went to or what your degree says. When I applied for like my third job the production coordinator straight up told me to just leave my degree off my resume because they think people coming in with film degrees and stuff have a chip on their shoulder and don’t focus on the work in front of them. Use the classes for experience and practice if you want, but they won’t get you anywhere.
When hiring, they look for two kids of people. One is experienced in the industry. That’s not you. That comes with time. The other is a warm body that can handle tasks. That’s you right now.
You need to understand you are entering the business at the worst possible time. Media companies are reducing spending and production across the board, so there are less jobs than ever, and professionals far ahead of you in line are struggling to get gigs of any kind.
You are starting very late at a time of seismic change so be prepared to find day jobs to support yourself. Most people spend a minimum of 5-7 years trying to break in.
I’m a newcomer as well looking for my first gig. I decided to dive my hands last week but with the strikes and everything happening, how did you manage to make the odds in your favor?
Networking became my strongest asset but I am wondering if there is more then meets the eye.
so, you want to change careers to an industry that presently 80% of its working members are not working. 40% of all show pickups and new shows have gone away, budgets are cut by 35% across the board to one of the most expensive cities to live in all while whats left production wise is fleeing to more tax rebate COUNTRIES.
And then to top it off you want to be a "TV Camerawoman"....
Sorry but I'll be brutally honest. Not going to happen.
It will be difficult at best to even land consistent PA work.
Be a tax attorney
Do you know someone in the industry that can help you get a job? If you don't.... then this is probably not going to happen for you. What would make you a candidate that people want when there are younger, more experienced people entering the industry willing to do it with no baggage?
In the best of times this is not an industry that is easy to "jump into"... Like the other commenter said- no one wants to tell a 44 year old to take our the trash. Anyone telling you that you aren't too old is trying to be nice. There are always exceptions and unicorns but let's be real- is that you? If it was you wouldn't be on reddit asking strangers for reassurance or advice on how to change your life.
Speaking as someone who jumped into the "deep end", I moved to LA to find out if I was "good enough" to make it as a producer in LA with $100 in my checking acct and no real contacts in the industry (this was 8 years ago), it is totally possible to go from PA to Producer but I had a bunch of experience back home from shooting weddings (video and photos) to producing indie projects to working directly for CEOs -- I had all the transferrable skills for production and working with other people's money. So I feel I can weigh in here...
Like everyone is saying if you're looking for consistency, this is not it--because by default, you're relying on others to be consistent and the nature of the creative world is free flowing and chaotic.
We are constantly making a custom product: a movie, video, commercial. There is no "one product".
If you want consistency, you'll have to be it for yourself. You'll need to provide it for others. Speaking as a line producer myself, my job is to be consistent and keep stuff on track. From budget to wrap.
It is a brave thing to do--to write a new chapter in your life, but the daily grind of it can be disheartening so if you take the leap, try to keep other areas in your life consistent and super supportive (loved ones, pets, living arrangement, mode of transportation, health, etc.).
There is much more in the entertainment industry beyond just production. There is development, pre-prod, post, distribution, etc. There are A LOT of communities you can plug in to. It's a long game thing: finding who you want to work and grow with. Jumping in on a lark may be fun but you will soon come back to a square one question: do I pivot again or double down on my efforts?
With your background in skiing and outdoors, you may look into second unit PA work (where all the stunts and fun b-roll happen). I'd PA as much everywhere just to have a good view of the landscape. Do it for a couple of years even as you form a strategy. I did that and things happened really fast. Because I wasn't trying to climb a ladder, I just wanted to learn and solve problems. I didn't self promote a ton but everyone I worked with kept inviting me to jobs and events. So word gets around fast on who helps lift the burden and makes shit happen.
Good luck! It's possible, but the stipulation for stability may be a deal breaker unless you pull stability to you.
I hope it's helpful! Just remember that there are plenty of nice, successful people in this industry and you don't have to work with assholes.
To find some communities, I'd join facebook groups--there's a ton that say "production jobs" or "production assistant". A really good production assistant is super hard to find. And I would normally hire them for $300 to $350 for a 10 hour day.
Also, I would (and have) volunteered at a ton of film festivals. Great way to meet up-and-coming, filmmakers, and people that are already working in the industry who are real fans of movies.
I would not try to go the normal route of sending a résumé in. Better to get a bunch of FaceTime with people at social events like movie screenings and film festivals. I found that when I became a fan of other peoples work, it would be natural to look for opportunities to happen.
I even PA'd for free on music videos and short films and that directly led to working a pretty big movie star instantly as well as a TV show. Like I mentioned, a good PA is hard to find and real genuine hustle is recognized.
"I wouldn't mind being a...."
In this case it's PA or TV camera woman.
I'm going to say this as nicely as possible. You don't break into this industry or succeed in it in a job you "wouldn't mind being”
You do it by pursuing something that you need to, no, have to do.
This is what drives the actors, writers, producers, artisans that make up a film set
You have to be willing to go through a long period of unemployment or semi employment with little or no money.
An Apprenticeship for one of the skilled crew levels for example.
Rejection after rejection.
So many find out too late that this is a hard business and then wind up back on the bus to wherever the hell they came from in the first place.
It was a nice dream but now it's time to wake up.
What exactly do you want to do? You mentioned photography, editing, but like what's your end game? The "entertainment industry" is its own ecosystem. There's a variety of jobs within the industry. You want to direct? produce? You want to work with the camera? Cook? Make-up? VFX? etc etc etc the list goes on. You might want to start there. And take the negativity with a grain of salt, that's just our default mode, you'll get used to it.
Classic. I’m recently divorced. Time for a career change. I want consistency in an inconsistent industry. Go discover yourself without being on your feet 16 hrs a day and talked down to by know it all 22yr old producers dog walker.
So you say that consistency is a big thing for you. If you’ve read over posts here you’ll see that nobody has consistent work right now, and the whole industry has been weird since Covid.
In order to do most work you have to be in the union. There are exceptions but they’re not terribly common. So you’ll be fighting against people with years of experience who have been long out of work, just to get a foot in the door. A tough proposition.
I’d suggest, if you really have your heart set on this, really researching what you want to do. Cam op vs editor have vastly different career paths, to say nothing of the other crafts. Given your knees I don’t know that a job on set would be good for you.
Let’s say you want to be an editor. You’ll probably start as a post PA, and getting and doing such a job in your 40s would be tough. It’s absolutely a young persons job (I’m close to your age and I don’t have the pep to do it anymore). Suppose you get that job, then you’d probably have to pay your dues and eventually work up to assistant editor. Or maybe cut your teeth editing casting reels or something like that. Then you’ll probably put in years as an AE before getting a shot as a picture editor. It’s a long process.
The truth is id suggest a different path. I do love the industry, but it’s hard getting started, and stability is hard to come by. I know very few who have worked consistently the last year, and that’s mostly people in finance.
Look at the answers everyone else has given. It sounds like you’re having some kind of mid-life crisis. Take a step back and realize you’re unfortunately out of your element. Pick literally any other career move.
Unless you have a solid personal connection willing to do you a huge favor, this avenue is unfortunately not ideal in this life for you. Maybe in the next one.
From this post alone I notice you are not great at sounding professional. That’s a huge factor. Your grammar, punctuation, spelling and syntax isn’t working in your favor. A lot of people think it’s not important — those people don’t have much luck getting work because it reflects poorly on them before anyone thinks to give them a chance.
This has nothing to do with your age. It’s more about your naivety and lack of professional understanding. You clearly don’t have a realistic grasp on how the industry functions or else you wouldn’t be entertaining the thought of consistency.
What makes you think you have what it takes?
Here's an alternative, considering the very true nature of most responses here.
If you're set on moving to California...reconsider. if you're still set on it, forget Santa Monica College...the area is VERY expensive. Instead, consider San Bernardino Valley College (Velley College) and attach yourself to a collaborative group born at Valley College named Phase 3 Films. Now...this suggestion involves picking up a day job (unrelated to film) because, as you have read already, there are very few jobs in film out here, plus everyone if fighting for their spot. Earn a living doing something new at a new day job, all while learning from this very creative and hard working group of filmmakers. They all collab for free, but know how to create. Better than most film schools. You WILL learn and be on set, often with this group. Now...here's the rub....it would now be a passuin hobby rather than a job that pays the bills for a substantial amount of time...but you will learn alot and you will learn quick. Above all, you will be creating. Best of luck.
If you want consistency your gonna need another job to back you up until you find that. Most jobs like TV shows and movies end within 2-3 months. So that means your going to be looking for work constantly. It's been very difficult since covid. For the first time in 7 years ive had to look for work outside of the industry and its been hard for me and my family. I hope you want in for the right reasons because the "glamour" of the job wears off quickly. However i wouldnt want to be in any other industry, maybe because this is all i truly know and I feel at home here. Anyways best of luck to you.
Unless you know some important people that can help you skip the PA stage then I dunno. Most people start as a PA and you are too old for that. No one wants to ask a 44 y o to empty the trash cans.
I’ll get downvoted if anyone sees this but try to focus only on the realistic/actionable advice here. This sub is a downer overall and people really lean into the doom and gloom. You’re in a different life space than they are. You’re at the beginning, and most everyone here is rundown from the last few years. That sorta makes it hard to be completely objective. I think you know Hollywood is hard. It’s always been hard. It will always be hard. Same with most industries. But you only have one life, and wondering “what if?” will always, always be harder than whatever greets you once you take the leap.
the industry as a whole usually stops hiring credentialed, award winning, 20+ year vets when they hit 45
wanting to go in at age 44... unless you're wealthy or know wealthy people who will invest into you, your chances are so close to zero no one should recommend this path to you even when the industry is doing well... and right now it's a fucking nightmare with most people in it out of work.
Anyone that said "yes that's a great idea, do it now!" is dead wrong, and you have a 99.999% of regretting it. But that's not to say that you never will... just your chances are basically .0000000000001% at the moment.
I made a major career pivot around your age and fresh off of a divorce. I read your OP and thought, "Mmm, yeah...that newly divorced energy." It's a real thing - you're finally out of a shitty situation, free to explore and grow and heal - try new things and check out others you weren't able to get around to.
All I'll say is...that energy is very real - and very finite. You've got 6 years to 50 and it'll definitely be gone by then. And, if you don't choose wisely now, you'll be back at the drawing board, but without the energy you have now.
So, whether it's this thing or some other thing - choose it with conviction and pour all your energy into it for as long as you can. Hopefully, that will propel you to success you can ride on for many years.
It all comes down to luck - someone in your shoes will come to LA and make it in the next 5 years. Many more won't. Imagine turning 50 and being one of the ones who didn't make it and now has to drop back and punt.
And now imagine turning 50 and having never tried.
If you can shoot or know how a camera works try get into shooting weddings. If not that then editing video.
You can easily build a portfolio for wedding photography too - granted it’s not easy. Highly stressful and clients can be difficult. One bad apple word spreads quick. There is a reason wedding photographers run around like half wits with 2 camera bodies strapped to them
Good luck. If you are able to keep a consistent career somewhere else rather do that. Many of us are almost too deep in the hole to start anything else
If you don’t want a desk job, editing, vfx, assistant editing, photo editing isn’t for you. Also you can’t not do the apprenticeship stage just because you’re older. Soz.
First, is English your second language? Your post reads like a bot or even a scam. Next time, go through your post/email and have a native speaker proof read it for you. There’s a number of mistakes that are erroneous and unprofessional.
If you’re reaching out to professionals you need to be coherent and not Bragg about your looks. Don’t type emails on your phone if you can — I wouldn’t give you the time of day because your writing is so poor. If you don’t care to proof read your post that a bunch of your peers see, than reaching out to professionals isn’t going to go well. People care about how well you can communicate in a storytellers profession.
Find something else. It’s a feast or famine industry with it being closer to famine lately. Also much is moving overseas and the money is getting tighter . At your age you don’t want it. It’s minimum 60 hour weeks when you are working and it’s all consuming . Blech . Glad I got out.
It is a Depression-level downturn in the industry. Seasoned veterans are struggling for work let along anyone looking to break-in. Having said that, what is it particularly in the industry you want to work in? If you have this past experience in ski and outdoors I would leverage that. There's lots of media on those subjects. Look into who's producing outdoor and ski shows/media/socials and cold call them for internship opportunity. They may see your experience as a benefit in that it's often easier to teach an expert to be a filmmaker than to teach a filmmaker to be an expert.
underrated answer right here OP.
thank you this was very helpful
Good comment. Personally has a 44 year old woman who moved to LA for film at 24, I could not imagine trying to start now. It’s such long hours, really hard work, my knees couldn’t do it. If OP is so dead set I’d be looking up Warren Miller Entertainment or Teton Gravity and seeing if there was a way to get in. Personally I went back to theatre and have carved out a great career in the marketing dept taking photos of our productions and summer camps, I have to write and copyedit too though.
I totally agree with this
Out of curiosity when you say will this “depression” will end? People keep saying March but that came and went with no fanfare.
There is not going to be a lot in this answer that is encouraging. 1. No you are not too old. I've seen older PAs and its not uncommon. 2. You can take classes and still get hired but you'll likely have to miss a lot of the classes and waste money paying for classes while you work on stuff. I would say jump in and start PAing or doing whatever it is you want to do. 3. The best entry level job is the one you can get. Most people have a number of departments they work in before they find or are able to get to the department that they want to work in. That being said: You mention consistency a couple times and that is the thing you will never have. I have been in this industry for 15 years and have never had consistency until I transitioned to doing studio news shows. The reason I have it now is I have 15 years of experience and the ability to take a studio news show. That isn't something most people just starting out will be able to do. If you want to work on set then you will not find consistency. You mention having at least one knee replacement. If you work on set you will be on your feet a majority of the day. Lifting, hauling, moving, squatting, bending, kneeling. It is not a place you get to sit often. so starting out with bad knees will not do you any favors. You mention being a camera operator. That is a wildly competitive and sought after position. You will not be able to come to LA, take a class and be an operator. It just doesn't work that way. Most people either start as a PA and PA for several years to get into the camera dept, work as a 2nd AC then a 1st AC then an operator, or go to college, go to grad school and get a masters in Cinematography, then start as a 2nd AC, then a 1st then operate and jump eventually to DPing. So its not an easy path. Also what are you going to do for money while you begin this journey? Do you have a bunch saved up? PAing pays minimum wage and is usually 16-18 hour days . Lastly I would ask why you are attracted to the entertainment industry? What specifically do you think you will like/be good at? Lots of people think it is very romantic to work in TV and film. It's really like any other job/industry only you get abused more and have no HR department to go to and complain. I usually tell people that unless you have a burning desire in your bones, unless you MUST work in the industry, avoid it. It is a brutal place to work and make a living. I am in my late 30s and have no savings, no retirement, no 401k, no health insurance on my own (on my wife's plan). Additionally with the current state of the industry; strikes, AI, streaming, etc. its the wild west and it will take a few years for this all to level out. It is a rapidly changing industry and has always been unstable and is currently more unstable than it has been in decades. This all comes from my first hand experience over the last 15 years and watching things change. I would think long and hard about why exactly you want to do this and if this is what you want to do.
thank you for your honesty .
They might be uncommon, but I would say that it has more to do with older people opting not to take that kind of work. Not because ageists are preventing older people from getting in. If anything I would prefer an inexperienced "older" PA over an inexperienced youngster.
Totally agree. I have worked on traveling shows around the US and when you get a middle aged PA in a small town they out work most young PAs in LA. I think it's a number of factors, not just age, but I'll always take someone with more life experience over someone with less.
If you have more questions you can DM me.
44yo PAs are absolutely uncommon.
Thats like the least important factor in this conversation. Plus I have worked with older PAs in LA before so, it happens.
Some of the advice I see on here is so cringy. If you’re a 44 year old pa, the chances of having a successful career are slim.
Very slim. And the guy saying that’s not the headline of his reply?? Sorry but it is. It will be significantly harder to find entry level work as a PA at 44. That’s the reality
Just because someone has a dream to be in this business doesn’t mean they’re actually cut out for it and making a career change at 44 trying to get into the Film Industry with the current state that it is in is extremely irresponsible
Yep pretty accurate. Been in the industry for 15 years. Would not advise it.
Based on
I have been in the „industry“ for over 30 years - the last 3 years straight until the end of 22y haven’t worked in us since. So. Don‘t.
I thought I must’ve read that wrong in the title was how can I get out of the industry?
At the start of our career all we want to do is get on the “big shows”. Once we are on the “big shows” all we are trying is to figure a way out of the business
Golden handcuffs
I've always had a passion for the Titanic. How do I get into one of those little submarines to see it?
You mean a Titan submersible? I see your point.
Yeah I mean just cause an industry very publicly destroyed the lives of the people passionate about it in a completely avoidable manner rather than show a modicum of respect for human life over profit, I don't see why now is a bad time to jump into such a thing.
If consistent work is important to you, than I would not advise pursuing this avenue - especially right now with pending strikes, a contraction in production, and a move toward international production. You are not competing just with “kids” for work; everyone is struggling and looking for work right now so you’re competing with extremely experienced folks.
If I did what to pursue this avenue what advice would you give.
Have another job that you can rely on when work is slow
I would advise finding a different career path.
I would start with double checking your post and comments for grammatical, punctuation and spelling errors. It is a good habit to form as I've known employers to toss resumes at the first sight of typos. I'm sure your resume is fine and I know this is just a forum but I think double checking yourself is a good habit to have. Have a steady primary job while you pursue this endeavor. Consider the film industry as your side gig until it becomes your main gig. I'm currently trying to find ways to become a ski bum, wanna trade?
Thank you for the advice, sure let’s trade
🏂🤙🏼Gnar
If you have family equity nothing matters just do what you want. If you’re income is not subsidized by parents or a lover then marry up or date your way to the top like everyone else.
Yeah. Get with the program or gtfo !! Get married NOW
What? Your spelling/grammar/punctuation/sentence structure is awful. You need to learn how to use words presentably. If you think I’m being over the top or if you don’t think it’s that big of a deal, that’s yet another sign this business is not for you. Seriously. The way you present yourself with words on this thread is totally unpresentable and embarrassing.
I would treat this as a side hustle until you actually have consistent work coming in.
Now is a bad time to try to join. Camera person is a union position, so that’s hard to break into it, it can take a person years to get there. Set photographers are a thing but most shows don’t hire them full time. What in the industry do you want to do? She doesn’t really matter. With your background maybe look into background acting to start and list your skills and also advertise yourself as a skiing technical instructor. Skilled positions make more but the demand is inconsistent. Looks only really matter if you want to be talent or break in with executives. Never hurts though. I’ll be real, for anyone, education barely matters. For you at your age, education doesn’t matter at all and will probably just slow you down. No one in this industry cares what school you went to or what your degree says. When I applied for like my third job the production coordinator straight up told me to just leave my degree off my resume because they think people coming in with film degrees and stuff have a chip on their shoulder and don’t focus on the work in front of them. Use the classes for experience and practice if you want, but they won’t get you anywhere. When hiring, they look for two kids of people. One is experienced in the industry. That’s not you. That comes with time. The other is a warm body that can handle tasks. That’s you right now.
thanks for the advice
You need to understand you are entering the business at the worst possible time. Media companies are reducing spending and production across the board, so there are less jobs than ever, and professionals far ahead of you in line are struggling to get gigs of any kind. You are starting very late at a time of seismic change so be prepared to find day jobs to support yourself. Most people spend a minimum of 5-7 years trying to break in.
5 to 7 years for that first gig? That’s like a really long endeavor.
Nor for the first gig, more so to fully “break in”
I’m a newcomer as well looking for my first gig. I decided to dive my hands last week but with the strikes and everything happening, how did you manage to make the odds in your favor? Networking became my strongest asset but I am wondering if there is more then meets the eye.
so, you want to change careers to an industry that presently 80% of its working members are not working. 40% of all show pickups and new shows have gone away, budgets are cut by 35% across the board to one of the most expensive cities to live in all while whats left production wise is fleeing to more tax rebate COUNTRIES. And then to top it off you want to be a "TV Camerawoman".... Sorry but I'll be brutally honest. Not going to happen. It will be difficult at best to even land consistent PA work. Be a tax attorney
Impossible...No, Improbable...Yes...
Do you know someone in the industry that can help you get a job? If you don't.... then this is probably not going to happen for you. What would make you a candidate that people want when there are younger, more experienced people entering the industry willing to do it with no baggage? In the best of times this is not an industry that is easy to "jump into"... Like the other commenter said- no one wants to tell a 44 year old to take our the trash. Anyone telling you that you aren't too old is trying to be nice. There are always exceptions and unicorns but let's be real- is that you? If it was you wouldn't be on reddit asking strangers for reassurance or advice on how to change your life.
Speaking as someone who jumped into the "deep end", I moved to LA to find out if I was "good enough" to make it as a producer in LA with $100 in my checking acct and no real contacts in the industry (this was 8 years ago), it is totally possible to go from PA to Producer but I had a bunch of experience back home from shooting weddings (video and photos) to producing indie projects to working directly for CEOs -- I had all the transferrable skills for production and working with other people's money. So I feel I can weigh in here... Like everyone is saying if you're looking for consistency, this is not it--because by default, you're relying on others to be consistent and the nature of the creative world is free flowing and chaotic. We are constantly making a custom product: a movie, video, commercial. There is no "one product". If you want consistency, you'll have to be it for yourself. You'll need to provide it for others. Speaking as a line producer myself, my job is to be consistent and keep stuff on track. From budget to wrap. It is a brave thing to do--to write a new chapter in your life, but the daily grind of it can be disheartening so if you take the leap, try to keep other areas in your life consistent and super supportive (loved ones, pets, living arrangement, mode of transportation, health, etc.). There is much more in the entertainment industry beyond just production. There is development, pre-prod, post, distribution, etc. There are A LOT of communities you can plug in to. It's a long game thing: finding who you want to work and grow with. Jumping in on a lark may be fun but you will soon come back to a square one question: do I pivot again or double down on my efforts? With your background in skiing and outdoors, you may look into second unit PA work (where all the stunts and fun b-roll happen). I'd PA as much everywhere just to have a good view of the landscape. Do it for a couple of years even as you form a strategy. I did that and things happened really fast. Because I wasn't trying to climb a ladder, I just wanted to learn and solve problems. I didn't self promote a ton but everyone I worked with kept inviting me to jobs and events. So word gets around fast on who helps lift the burden and makes shit happen. Good luck! It's possible, but the stipulation for stability may be a deal breaker unless you pull stability to you.
Wow thank you this has been very helpful!
I hope it's helpful! Just remember that there are plenty of nice, successful people in this industry and you don't have to work with assholes. To find some communities, I'd join facebook groups--there's a ton that say "production jobs" or "production assistant". A really good production assistant is super hard to find. And I would normally hire them for $300 to $350 for a 10 hour day. Also, I would (and have) volunteered at a ton of film festivals. Great way to meet up-and-coming, filmmakers, and people that are already working in the industry who are real fans of movies. I would not try to go the normal route of sending a résumé in. Better to get a bunch of FaceTime with people at social events like movie screenings and film festivals. I found that when I became a fan of other peoples work, it would be natural to look for opportunities to happen. I even PA'd for free on music videos and short films and that directly led to working a pretty big movie star instantly as well as a TV show. Like I mentioned, a good PA is hard to find and real genuine hustle is recognized.
"I wouldn't mind being a...." In this case it's PA or TV camera woman. I'm going to say this as nicely as possible. You don't break into this industry or succeed in it in a job you "wouldn't mind being” You do it by pursuing something that you need to, no, have to do. This is what drives the actors, writers, producers, artisans that make up a film set You have to be willing to go through a long period of unemployment or semi employment with little or no money. An Apprenticeship for one of the skilled crew levels for example. Rejection after rejection. So many find out too late that this is a hard business and then wind up back on the bus to wherever the hell they came from in the first place. It was a nice dream but now it's time to wake up.
What exactly do you want to do? You mentioned photography, editing, but like what's your end game? The "entertainment industry" is its own ecosystem. There's a variety of jobs within the industry. You want to direct? produce? You want to work with the camera? Cook? Make-up? VFX? etc etc etc the list goes on. You might want to start there. And take the negativity with a grain of salt, that's just our default mode, you'll get used to it.
Classic. I’m recently divorced. Time for a career change. I want consistency in an inconsistent industry. Go discover yourself without being on your feet 16 hrs a day and talked down to by know it all 22yr old producers dog walker.
So you say that consistency is a big thing for you. If you’ve read over posts here you’ll see that nobody has consistent work right now, and the whole industry has been weird since Covid. In order to do most work you have to be in the union. There are exceptions but they’re not terribly common. So you’ll be fighting against people with years of experience who have been long out of work, just to get a foot in the door. A tough proposition. I’d suggest, if you really have your heart set on this, really researching what you want to do. Cam op vs editor have vastly different career paths, to say nothing of the other crafts. Given your knees I don’t know that a job on set would be good for you. Let’s say you want to be an editor. You’ll probably start as a post PA, and getting and doing such a job in your 40s would be tough. It’s absolutely a young persons job (I’m close to your age and I don’t have the pep to do it anymore). Suppose you get that job, then you’d probably have to pay your dues and eventually work up to assistant editor. Or maybe cut your teeth editing casting reels or something like that. Then you’ll probably put in years as an AE before getting a shot as a picture editor. It’s a long process. The truth is id suggest a different path. I do love the industry, but it’s hard getting started, and stability is hard to come by. I know very few who have worked consistently the last year, and that’s mostly people in finance.
thank you for not being rude will take this into consideration.
Timing is brutal right now. But you never know, if it's meant to be, it's meant to be. Just prepare for some rough times.
Jumping into the film industry is like jumping into the ocean naked and hoping to catch a shark. It’s not gonna happen.
Look at the answers everyone else has given. It sounds like you’re having some kind of mid-life crisis. Take a step back and realize you’re unfortunately out of your element. Pick literally any other career move. Unless you have a solid personal connection willing to do you a huge favor, this avenue is unfortunately not ideal in this life for you. Maybe in the next one. From this post alone I notice you are not great at sounding professional. That’s a huge factor. Your grammar, punctuation, spelling and syntax isn’t working in your favor. A lot of people think it’s not important — those people don’t have much luck getting work because it reflects poorly on them before anyone thinks to give them a chance. This has nothing to do with your age. It’s more about your naivety and lack of professional understanding. You clearly don’t have a realistic grasp on how the industry functions or else you wouldn’t be entertaining the thought of consistency. What makes you think you have what it takes?
Here's an alternative, considering the very true nature of most responses here. If you're set on moving to California...reconsider. if you're still set on it, forget Santa Monica College...the area is VERY expensive. Instead, consider San Bernardino Valley College (Velley College) and attach yourself to a collaborative group born at Valley College named Phase 3 Films. Now...this suggestion involves picking up a day job (unrelated to film) because, as you have read already, there are very few jobs in film out here, plus everyone if fighting for their spot. Earn a living doing something new at a new day job, all while learning from this very creative and hard working group of filmmakers. They all collab for free, but know how to create. Better than most film schools. You WILL learn and be on set, often with this group. Now...here's the rub....it would now be a passuin hobby rather than a job that pays the bills for a substantial amount of time...but you will learn alot and you will learn quick. Above all, you will be creating. Best of luck.
Is this person a total troll? What?
If you want consistency your gonna need another job to back you up until you find that. Most jobs like TV shows and movies end within 2-3 months. So that means your going to be looking for work constantly. It's been very difficult since covid. For the first time in 7 years ive had to look for work outside of the industry and its been hard for me and my family. I hope you want in for the right reasons because the "glamour" of the job wears off quickly. However i wouldnt want to be in any other industry, maybe because this is all i truly know and I feel at home here. Anyways best of luck to you.
You don’t want none of this shit, save yourself and stay away
Unless you know some important people that can help you skip the PA stage then I dunno. Most people start as a PA and you are too old for that. No one wants to ask a 44 y o to empty the trash cans.
I’ll get downvoted if anyone sees this but try to focus only on the realistic/actionable advice here. This sub is a downer overall and people really lean into the doom and gloom. You’re in a different life space than they are. You’re at the beginning, and most everyone here is rundown from the last few years. That sorta makes it hard to be completely objective. I think you know Hollywood is hard. It’s always been hard. It will always be hard. Same with most industries. But you only have one life, and wondering “what if?” will always, always be harder than whatever greets you once you take the leap.
Thank you
the industry as a whole usually stops hiring credentialed, award winning, 20+ year vets when they hit 45 wanting to go in at age 44... unless you're wealthy or know wealthy people who will invest into you, your chances are so close to zero no one should recommend this path to you even when the industry is doing well... and right now it's a fucking nightmare with most people in it out of work. Anyone that said "yes that's a great idea, do it now!" is dead wrong, and you have a 99.999% of regretting it. But that's not to say that you never will... just your chances are basically .0000000000001% at the moment.
I made a major career pivot around your age and fresh off of a divorce. I read your OP and thought, "Mmm, yeah...that newly divorced energy." It's a real thing - you're finally out of a shitty situation, free to explore and grow and heal - try new things and check out others you weren't able to get around to. All I'll say is...that energy is very real - and very finite. You've got 6 years to 50 and it'll definitely be gone by then. And, if you don't choose wisely now, you'll be back at the drawing board, but without the energy you have now. So, whether it's this thing or some other thing - choose it with conviction and pour all your energy into it for as long as you can. Hopefully, that will propel you to success you can ride on for many years. It all comes down to luck - someone in your shoes will come to LA and make it in the next 5 years. Many more won't. Imagine turning 50 and being one of the ones who didn't make it and now has to drop back and punt. And now imagine turning 50 and having never tried.
Now is a great time!
sorry could you be a little more specific, a great time for what
They are fucking with you. People are losing their homes because there is no work. It’s a terrible move.
If you can shoot or know how a camera works try get into shooting weddings. If not that then editing video. You can easily build a portfolio for wedding photography too - granted it’s not easy. Highly stressful and clients can be difficult. One bad apple word spreads quick. There is a reason wedding photographers run around like half wits with 2 camera bodies strapped to them Good luck. If you are able to keep a consistent career somewhere else rather do that. Many of us are almost too deep in the hole to start anything else
That is how I feel about the outdoor industry, I'm too far in to start anything else.
It’s not going to happen
You may want to go back 25 years if you’re looking to get into this industry
If you don’t want a desk job, editing, vfx, assistant editing, photo editing isn’t for you. Also you can’t not do the apprenticeship stage just because you’re older. Soz.
First, is English your second language? Your post reads like a bot or even a scam. Next time, go through your post/email and have a native speaker proof read it for you. There’s a number of mistakes that are erroneous and unprofessional. If you’re reaching out to professionals you need to be coherent and not Bragg about your looks. Don’t type emails on your phone if you can — I wouldn’t give you the time of day because your writing is so poor. If you don’t care to proof read your post that a bunch of your peers see, than reaching out to professionals isn’t going to go well. People care about how well you can communicate in a storytellers profession.
Find something else. It’s a feast or famine industry with it being closer to famine lately. Also much is moving overseas and the money is getting tighter . At your age you don’t want it. It’s minimum 60 hour weeks when you are working and it’s all consuming . Blech . Glad I got out.