10 Reasons To Stay Away From The Film Business.

Cameras
Posted by Admin on 25, February 2011 with 3 Comments
Twitt

I did not write this to sound bitter. In fact I am one of the lucky few that actually make a living as a Cinematographer. I just wanted to share some of the hard truths about this business. Here are just a few reasons to stay away from this industry. (if you can)

10 Reasons to stay away from the film industry. From a camera perspective.

  1. The hours are incredibly long, a typical working day is around ten hours and can easily lead into a fourteen to twenty hour day.
  2. We rarely get paid weekly. Most production companies use a payroll company and that means it can be anywhere from 30-60 days before payment.
  3. Most Producers think that their gig is the only one that you are dealing with and rarely consider the other jobs you may be doing at any given time.
  4. If the equipment fails, it’s your fault.
  5. Try getting the footage for your demo reel. Ha!
  6. Someone else will always take credit for your work.
  7. Very little appreciation for a job well done.
  8. Rates are always changing depending on the budget. How many times have you heard, “This is going to be a great project for your reel. We have no money but it’s going to be Epic!” ?
  9. Most people are freelance and get sucked into taking every job that is offered.
  10. Having to wait to hear that the footage is good until the next day, when it’s too late.
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Jared Abrams is a cinematographer based in Hollywood, California. After many years as a professional camera assistant he switched over to still photography. About two years ago a new Canon camera changed the way the world sees both motion and still photography. He just happened to be in the right place at the right time.
  • http://www.realfilmcareer.com Brian Dzyak

    Excellent summary! After twenty years in the industry shooting film and video, I’ve written an entire book that describes in detail what everyone on set goes through, from getting in to how to “move up.”

    Some people will read it and decide that this business is not for them, thus saving them time and heartache (and money!). Others who truly want to do this will enter the industry armed with real information so they can make wiser choices along the way and be more valuable to experience professionals.

    More info about it at http://www.realfilmcareer.com and http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com

  • http://YourWebsite hmmm

    Only do something if you truly love doing it.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_IACFJE3R3VUCUQRJ3VMUQ23JMQ Peter

    I found this “What I really want to do” book in a used bookstore in North Hollywood.  It’s absolute crap.  

    What I really want now… is my money back!