How do I get a job on a film?
The best way to find paid employment in Texas is through the Texas
Film Commission Production Hotline (www.governor.state.tx.us/film), which lists
weekly updates for cast and crew calls.
Resumes are usually sent to the Production Coordinator of each
film. A local website, www.austinactors.net, also has listings
for independent productions around town usually for unpaid opportunities. Once your career picks up, you should
definitely try to get listed in the Texas Production Manual also managed be the
Texas Film Commission. There are
other production guides that you might look into as well, including the Austin
Production Guide managed by the Austin Film Office and a directory by the Texas
Association of Film and Tape Professionals. These are the yellow pages for the industry. In addition, it is also a good idea to
join film-related organizations and meet the folks that are involved in the
industry. We have a list of these
local organizations at http://www.austinfilm.org/regional.asp. Finally stay connected to the film
industry using some of the local resources, such as The Austin Chronicle
industry-related section called ÒShort CutsÓ, our publication called PoV and
other internet forums, such as this Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AustinFilmForum/.
How do I get my foot in
the door of film production?
The nature of the entertainment industry is such that entry-level
positions are usually unpaid. However, there are some great internship
opportunities around town, some of which require school credit while others do
not. The Texas Film Commission
organizes the Texas Production Manual, where companies that produce and create
films are listed. Gaining an internship with one of these companies always
helps get your foot in the door. By networking with these companies, strong
contacts within the Austin film industry are often forged.
While the Austin Film Society does not hire for any productions
(not even those shooting at Austin Studios), AFS does offer office internships
(http://www.austinfilm.org/Interns.asp)
which alternate three times a year.
Participants are offered several opportunities to make contacts in the
film industry and involvement in our program is a good way to learn about the
film community and meet local film leaders. Upon completion of the internship program, some participants
may enter into the Film Referral Program, a program that rewards exemplary
interns with direct referrals and recommendations to productions in the Austin
area. Referrals are made on a project-by-project basis according to the needs
of the production and the availability and interests of the intern. The FRP
does not guarantee employment, but it will get your resume in the office of a
production with the recommendation of AFS. Interns at AFS can also gain film
knowledge by participating in film-related workshops that vary by semester.
Though difficult, you should expect to work for free on
productions. This will give you
the connections and the reputation to get paid positions in the future. It is also a good way to get a title
jump even when you are working regularly in a position. Again, it helps to
check the crew calls listed on the Texas Film CommissionÕs website www.governor.state.tx.us/film
and www.austinactors.net. The
listings will detail whether or not the crew on a film will be paid or not.
Finally, volunteering for a local film festival can really be some
great experience and the selection is fairly open to most individuals. Please scroll down to the section with
a list of all the film festivals.
You will usually find information on volunteering located on their
websites. This is definitely a
good way to both gain access to the festivals for free and to build your resume
and contacts.
Will the Austin Film
Society get me a job on a film?
No, we do not do any hiring for film productions. Though we manage Austin Studios, only
two staff members oversee the property as a vendor to the productions. We are not involved with hiring any
crew. However, joining AFS will
provide you with a strong knowledge of AustinÕs film community. Members receive
AFSÕ quarterly PoV publication, weekly announcements, discounts at Dobie
Theater, Media Toolbox, I Luv Video and on memberships at AIVF and Reel Women.
Members are also guaranteed free admission into AFSÕ Essential cinema series,
and receive discounts on tickets for AFS events, premieres and the Texas
Documentary Tour. Though not
employment, it is a great way to be involved in the film community and meet
other film aficionados.
I have experience but I am
still not getting work. Do you
have any other advice?
One of the most
helpful aspects of the Austin film community is the supportive nature of its
participants. There are several
great organizations (http://www.austinfilm.org/regional.asp)
that provide training seminars and networking opportunities, as well as a forum
for discussing opportunities in the region. We recommend looking into some of these and attending
meetings to see if any interest you.
They can be a great way to make the right connections. The connections
that you make can determine how successful you are in finding work.
Aside from knowing
the resources that Austin has to offer, one of the most important things is to
be open. You are much more likely
to find work if you can work in multiple departments. Most of the crew here who work regularly do so because they
wear different hats. For example,
if you a seeking work as a Set PA, don't limit your opportunities to working
under the Director. Explore
different areas to gain experience and make connections (Craft Services, Extras
Casting, etc.) It is also tough
when you are just getting started or have just moved to town, but don't limit
your opportunities to full-time.
Be willing to be a day player and work as needed. Those positions lead to more stable
positions on productions, if not for that movie... maybe for the next. While you are getting started and
building your resume, we recommend that you look into flexible jobs (temp
services, restaurant/retail jobs, self-employment) so you can accept a position
with little notice. This industry
takes a lot of stamina and hard work.
If you just moved to town, you have to earn your reputation again to
some extent, but it will get easier.
It just takes time and persistence.
In the spirit of
independent film and AustinÕs very own talent (such as Richard Linklater and
Robert Rodriguez), the best advice that we can give is to create your own work
and give yourself the job that you want.
DonÕt wait for that call, go make your own film. Places like Austin FilmWorks (http://www.jksinc.com/damico/sites/afwweb/afw.htm)
and Austin Community Access Center (http://www.austinaccess.com/)
provide training and support for individuals that make their own
productions.
Contact
others in the industry who hold these positions. You can often find these
contacts through the Texas Film CommissionÕs production manual, which is listed
online.
If
you have no experience in a particular position, volunteer for productions so
that you can gain as much experience as possible. If you have experience in
this position, send your resume to the Production Coordinator on a project that
is hiring in your area.
Actors
in Austin can find several outlets working on different projects:
á
Austin
area actors can find audition notices and casting calls at http://www.austinactors.net. Aside from
the classes and workshops announced on this site, the group also offers monthly
mixers that serve as networking opportunities for actors and filmmakers.
á
The
Texas Film Commission lists casting calls. The listings are updated each Friday.
www.governor.state.tx.us/film
á
The
University of Texas at AustinÕs Radio-Television-Film department manages a
forum for headshots and resumes of area actors. You can submit your headshot to
The CAGE. http://www.utexas.edu/coc/rtf/cage/index.html
á
Consider
contacting area talent agencies.
The Texas Production Manual and the Austin Actors website have agency
contact information.
á
For
additional acting resources, check:
o
The
Austin ChronicleÕs casting calls. The Chronicle is published weekly, and calls
can be found in the theater section.
www.auschron.com
o
http://www.cineshare.com/classifieds.htm
(Austin site with cast and crew calls)
o
http://www.auditions.net (This site lists
state-by-state calls for indies, shorts, and features.)
o
http://www.actorsplanet.com (Local site
which lists Austin auditions)
o
Mona
Lee BriteLites Studio www.thebizonline.com
o
Austin
Circle of Theaters (ACOT) sends a weekly email bulletin to members with
audition postings: www.acotonline.org.
á
Try
enrolling in courses and workshops to learn new skills such as how to pitch
your script, which you will have to do for any group interested in purchasing
your script. Some local places that are helpful in checking out as far as
workshops and resources are:
o
WritersÕ
League of Texas: http://www.writersleague.org
o
The
Texas Film Institute offers guidance, development, and an entrance into the
entertainment industry: http://www.texasfilminstitute.com
o
Though
geared toward playwrights, you should look into http://www.scriptworks.org/index.shtml
which is a local organization that provides support throughout the writing
process.
á Get feedback on your script and find out how your ideas work for an audience
á
Check
out books on screenwriting, and read other screenplays to find out how to write
a professional screenplay in the appropriate format. These are recommended:
o
Making
a Good Script Great
by Linda Seger
o
Alternative
Scriptwriting
by Ken Dancyger & Jeff Rush
o
The
ScreenwriterÕs Bible
by David Trottier
á
Surf
the internet for screenwriters resources.
Here is a sample:
o
http://www.moviescriptsandscreenplays.com/
o
http://www.hollywoodnetwork.com/hn/writing/index.html
á
Enter
your script in festivals and contests, like the Austin Film Festival, which is
held each October. You can find guidelines for the AFF here: http://www.austinfilmfestival.com. Here are some other reputable
competitions:
o
Nicholl
Fellowship www.oscars.org/nicholl
is run by the Academy (the same folks who do the Oscars), this is the top prize
for screenwriters and can launch a career.
o
Disney
Fellowships www.abctalentdevelopment.com/html/writing_fellowship_mainpage.htm
is another industry-run writing program for TV and movies that has helped
writers get a leg-up in the business.
o
Sundance
Feature Film Labs http://institute.sundance.org
competition is for slots in both their WriterÕs Lab and DirectorÕs Lab.
o
www.chesterfield-co.com/html/wfp.html
- Chesterfield WriterÕs Film Project
o
www.scriptapalooza.com - The
Scriptapalooza Screenwriting Contest
o
http://www.finaldraft.com/bigbreak/index.html
- The Final DraftÕs Big Break
o
http://www.slamdance.com/screencomp/
- The Slamdance Film Festival Screenwriting Contest
á
Register
your script with the WriterÕs Guild of America and research requirements to
becoming a member at www.wga.com or get
information on how to register our script for a literary works copyright at the
Library of Congress website: www.copyright.gov/register/literary.html
The
Austin Film Society does not produce or develop projects, though we do operate
Austin Studios. The property is a partnership between the City of Austin and
the Austin Film Society, we manage and lease to productions in the area. If you want to produce your film, itÕs
best to find a film production company, agent or lawyer that expresses interest
in new films and productions.
AFS
administers the Texas FilmmakersÕ Production Fund, which awards yearly grants
to emerging TX film and video artists. Recipients receive monetary grants, as
well as video and film stock grants, should they apply and be approved for
each. Details can be found at http://www.austinfilm.org/TFPF.asp.
The deadline is July 1st of each year. The Association of Independent Video and Filmmakers (http://www.aivf.com) also provides information
and resources for project funding.
You should also research fiscal sponsorship, where a 501c organization
umbrellas your project so that you can seek grants and donations on a higher
level. There are non-profits in
Austin that offer this service, including the Austin Film Society. If your project is issue-specific, you
should approach organizations with similar concerns. In general, it is a very selective process and is not for an
inexperienced filmmaker.
How do I tour the Studios?
Austin
Studios is not open to the public. However, we do host an open house each year
during SXSW, and have used the facilities for AFS member events. Also, we do have a virtual tour and
photos on our website www.austinstudios.org.
Please do not come to the Studios without an appointment.
I
want to rent a stage at Austin Studios.
If
you work for a production interested in using the Studios facilities, please
contact Rachel Blackney, the Studio Coordinator, at Rachel@austinfilm.org and provide
information about the project. We
can arrange appointments for facility viewing if given notice in advance. For beginning filmmakers, you should be
aware that we do require all productions have insurance. Furthermore, per our lease with the
City we do not host special events, such as parties.
I want to be a vendor to
the productions that shoot at the Studios.
We do
not provide information about productions filming at the Studios and also do
not accommodate sales calls without appointments, but you can generally find
contact information through the productionsÕ listings on the Texas Film
CommissionÕs website www.governor.state.tx.us/film. You can often send/fax your information
to the address on the productionÕs listing. Austin Studios does not make referrals to the productions.
You
should start to scout for locations well in advance of your productionÕs
shooting dates. Independently owned businesses often have more leeway in
allowing productions to film at their locations. A professional marketing
packet often helps in attempting to secure a location. The Dougherty Arts Center offers
audition space for casting calls for free, but is often booked for weeks in
advance. In order to book space at the Dougherty Arts Center, reserve a room at
least six weeks in advance. To
gain a permit for a location in Austin, contact the Austin Film Office (http://www.austintexas.org/mfo_film.html),
which is a part of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau. They are able to provide suggestions,
as is the Texas Film Commission.
The Film Commission actually has files of Texas location photos. They can be reached at 512.463.9200.
Where
can I find crew?
Try
the Texas Film Commission if youÕd like information on listing a crew call for
a production www.governor.state.tx.us/film. In addition, we run the Film Referral
Program, which attempts to get our former interns placed on productions. You can contact the Internship
Coordinator for information at Rachel@austinfilm.org. Other places to post or research crew
include:
á
www.cineshare.com/classifieds.htm
á
The
Austin Film Office 512.583.7229
Again,
the Texas Film Commission is your best bet. We do not give out any contact information. There are no guarantees that you will
be able to contact the talent working on various productions in Texas. If you are interested in contacting
talent for business reasons, find out who their agents and/or managers are.
Here are some other places to do research on talent contacts:
á
Check
out the networking center at http://www.ifp.org.
The site contains links to national conventions and job information.
á
You
can also stream your film at http://www.ifilm.com
or at http://www.atomfilms.com. If you
have copyrighted material in your film, check the websitesÕ area on permission
guidance before streaming your project.
á
Finally, consider submitting your film
to festivals and contests. A list follows below:
o
LOCAL:
¤
Austin
Film Festival Ð http://www.austinfilmfestival.com
¤
Cinematexas
Ð http://www.cinematexas.org
¤
Cine
Las Americas Ð http://www.cinelasamericas.org
¤
Austin
Gay and Lesiban Film Festival Ð http://www.aGLIFF.org
¤
Flicker
Austin Ð http://www.flickeraustin.com
¤
Zombie
Dance Undead Film Festival Ð http://www.zombiedance.org
¤
Ragamuffin
Film Festival Ð http://www.ragamuffin.org
¤
SXSW-
http://sxsw.com
o
REGIONAL:
¤
Visit
http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/film/faq/festivals.html
o
NATIONAL:
¤
Visit
http://www.moviemaker.com/festivals.html
o
ONLINE:
¤
Triggerstreet
Online Film Festival Ð http://www.triggerstreet.com
¤
Brownfish
Online Film Festival Ð http://www.brownfish.com
¤
Aspyr
(open to film submissions for DVD publishing) Ð http://www.aspyr.com