How to break in to the business, lesson 1.

Lesson 1: There is no right way. Only a whole lot of wrong ones, until finally someone lets you in the door.

I've been looking through this thing and the one question we get asked a lot is "How do I break into film?" or how do I get experience? There's so many ways it's endless. Almost as endless as the amount of No's and no thank yous you'll be hearing back.

Breaking into this business requires one thing: The ability to keep going. I've been fired, I've not been hired. I've been told that they're hoping for someone who can blend in with production more (re: white.) But I got where I am by driving forward. So here's a few places you can start

1: Los Angeles. If you can survive the 90 degree weather, the shoebox apartment, the random neighborhoods of gang violence, 7am on the 405, or the rotating parade of shifty room mates you'll have to crash with, this is where they make films. Everyone in the business. Everyone has an idea for a script, or works the day job, and chips away at their Sundance script at night. Being on 24/7 is both exhilarating and exhausting. But this is where the work is. And if you can compete with the million other people working to get on top, then you'll find all you need to succeed. Provided you survive.

2. Craiglist, the other cesspool: I've received work off of Craigslist. Actually, a few large jobs that were no more than "Hey anyone around?" kind of postings. But it's a crap shoot unfortunately. Just as I've done well, I've also been sitting on sets where the camera dolly looks like something off Shittyrigs.com and crafty comprises of zip fizz and hand sanitize (No water). But you will get experience. There's no way to learn, like the wrong way. Do enough of these weekend warrior projects, and you'll either level up, or find someone deep in the industry, who's helping out a friend but normally works on Empire. And those are the ones you email and be nice to.

3. Your local film office: Most cities and states actually have a film office. Some even have film incentives. So research your city and state, and see what kind of projects go on in your area. Most have monthly meetings, mixers or other get together that you can attend, hand out business cards, and get to know more people in your industry.

4. Facebook groups: Lots of them out there. Production, web series, Sound mixer boards, Producer boards. Little searching leads to big results.

5. Websites like Staffmeup.com or Mandy.com or others: Again, Bing Search pays off.

Just remember when emailing, Be professional, be polite, be upfront with what you want. I've had a few PAs email me and ask for work or to even volunteer, and when I can, I get them on set. But if they don't email back, move on to the next. Keep at it, but be professional.

-Griffin