Working in the TV/Film industry

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wanderlust

New member
My husband is a cineamatographer/producer - he was just diagnosed with CF earlier this year (at 32!)

When he was younger, he worked solely freelance, mostly as a camera assistant - long hours, unpredictable work, no insurance. Now, he's employed by a major cable company to create commercials for businesses in our area... regular hours (8 am to 5 pm) and average pay. He does take on freelance gigs as an AC, too.

He told his close co-workers not long after his diagnosis, but he generally doesn't volunteer that information. If you have experience as a videographer or editor, I'd really encourage you to look into a job for a large company like his (or one like Darby mentioned!) - any job in film/tv will be demanding, but I think the hours, etc, are much more manageable.
 
W

wanderlust

New member
My husband is a cineamatographer/producer - he was just diagnosed with CF earlier this year (at 32!)

When he was younger, he worked solely freelance, mostly as a camera assistant - long hours, unpredictable work, no insurance. Now, he's employed by a major cable company to create commercials for businesses in our area... regular hours (8 am to 5 pm) and average pay. He does take on freelance gigs as an AC, too.

He told his close co-workers not long after his diagnosis, but he generally doesn't volunteer that information. If you have experience as a videographer or editor, I'd really encourage you to look into a job for a large company like his (or one like Darby mentioned!) - any job in film/tv will be demanding, but I think the hours, etc, are much more manageable.
 
W

wanderlust

New member
My husband is a cineamatographer/producer - he was just diagnosed with CF earlier this year (at 32!)

When he was younger, he worked solely freelance, mostly as a camera assistant - long hours, unpredictable work, no insurance. Now, he's employed by a major cable company to create commercials for businesses in our area... regular hours (8 am to 5 pm) and average pay. He does take on freelance gigs as an AC, too.

He told his close co-workers not long after his diagnosis, but he generally doesn't volunteer that information. If you have experience as a videographer or editor, I'd really encourage you to look into a job for a large company like his (or one like Darby mentioned!) - any job in film/tv will be demanding, but I think the hours, etc, are much more manageable.
 
W

wanderlust

New member
My husband is a cineamatographer/producer - he was just diagnosed with CF earlier this year (at 32!)

When he was younger, he worked solely freelance, mostly as a camera assistant - long hours, unpredictable work, no insurance. Now, he's employed by a major cable company to create commercials for businesses in our area... regular hours (8 am to 5 pm) and average pay. He does take on freelance gigs as an AC, too.

He told his close co-workers not long after his diagnosis, but he generally doesn't volunteer that information. If you have experience as a videographer or editor, I'd really encourage you to look into a job for a large company like his (or one like Darby mentioned!) - any job in film/tv will be demanding, but I think the hours, etc, are much more manageable.
 
W

wanderlust

New member
My husband is a cineamatographer/producer - he was just diagnosed with CF earlier this year (at 32!)

When he was younger, he worked solely freelance, mostly as a camera assistant - long hours, unpredictable work, no insurance. Now, he's employed by a major cable company to create commercials for businesses in our area... regular hours (8 am to 5 pm) and average pay. He does take on freelance gigs as an AC, too.

He told his close co-workers not long after his diagnosis, but he generally doesn't volunteer that information. If you have experience as a videographer or editor, I'd really encourage you to look into a job for a large company like his (or one like Darby mentioned!) - any job in film/tv will be demanding, but I think the hours, etc, are much more manageable.
 
D

dramamama

New member
To Mrwilliam-

I am an actor...lived in LA for 7 years acting...somewhat successful as far as independent films go.

The part that was hard on me were the hours. Classes, rehearsals, auditions, filming and just keeping myself healthy was a full time job....and there were never enough hours in the day. I lost out on several jobs b/c I told them I had cf....lost a great part on TV b/c I had to have sinus surgery and there was no way around it.

I think it depends where you want to work...LA is more cut-throat, of course. But, you have so many opportunities there.....and many distractions. If you want to act in a city like LA, you have to remember why you are there and just don't get caught up in the crazy. I am assuming you are SAG.... (I actually got my card in LA from Darhma and Greg)..if you are not SAG, I know some ways to help you with that. I am back in Texasnow and haven't acted since I left LA....but, I miss it and am thinking about jumping back into the small pond here.

Also, work on your craft all of the time. Stay in an acting class and constantly be challenging yourself. And remember your gold...CF is your GOLD. Draw from that ...there is no better motivation, teacher, inspiration than that little genetic mutation that makes your life more of a struggle. It allows you the depth of character to bring everything to any part you take...not to mention...the comedy that comes from living with a chronic illness.

I wish you all well and if you ever need hints on living in LA for acting I have tons of info.

My biggest advice is stay away from film. Sitcom hours are much better suited to a person who has health issues!
 
D

dramamama

New member
To Mrwilliam-

I am an actor...lived in LA for 7 years acting...somewhat successful as far as independent films go.

The part that was hard on me were the hours. Classes, rehearsals, auditions, filming and just keeping myself healthy was a full time job....and there were never enough hours in the day. I lost out on several jobs b/c I told them I had cf....lost a great part on TV b/c I had to have sinus surgery and there was no way around it.

I think it depends where you want to work...LA is more cut-throat, of course. But, you have so many opportunities there.....and many distractions. If you want to act in a city like LA, you have to remember why you are there and just don't get caught up in the crazy. I am assuming you are SAG.... (I actually got my card in LA from Darhma and Greg)..if you are not SAG, I know some ways to help you with that. I am back in Texasnow and haven't acted since I left LA....but, I miss it and am thinking about jumping back into the small pond here.

Also, work on your craft all of the time. Stay in an acting class and constantly be challenging yourself. And remember your gold...CF is your GOLD. Draw from that ...there is no better motivation, teacher, inspiration than that little genetic mutation that makes your life more of a struggle. It allows you the depth of character to bring everything to any part you take...not to mention...the comedy that comes from living with a chronic illness.

I wish you all well and if you ever need hints on living in LA for acting I have tons of info.

My biggest advice is stay away from film. Sitcom hours are much better suited to a person who has health issues!
 
D

dramamama

New member
To Mrwilliam-

I am an actor...lived in LA for 7 years acting...somewhat successful as far as independent films go.

The part that was hard on me were the hours. Classes, rehearsals, auditions, filming and just keeping myself healthy was a full time job....and there were never enough hours in the day. I lost out on several jobs b/c I told them I had cf....lost a great part on TV b/c I had to have sinus surgery and there was no way around it.

I think it depends where you want to work...LA is more cut-throat, of course. But, you have so many opportunities there.....and many distractions. If you want to act in a city like LA, you have to remember why you are there and just don't get caught up in the crazy. I am assuming you are SAG.... (I actually got my card in LA from Darhma and Greg)..if you are not SAG, I know some ways to help you with that. I am back in Texasnow and haven't acted since I left LA....but, I miss it and am thinking about jumping back into the small pond here.

Also, work on your craft all of the time. Stay in an acting class and constantly be challenging yourself. And remember your gold...CF is your GOLD. Draw from that ...there is no better motivation, teacher, inspiration than that little genetic mutation that makes your life more of a struggle. It allows you the depth of character to bring everything to any part you take...not to mention...the comedy that comes from living with a chronic illness.

I wish you all well and if you ever need hints on living in LA for acting I have tons of info.

My biggest advice is stay away from film. Sitcom hours are much better suited to a person who has health issues!
 
D

dramamama

New member
To Mrwilliam-

I am an actor...lived in LA for 7 years acting...somewhat successful as far as independent films go.

The part that was hard on me were the hours. Classes, rehearsals, auditions, filming and just keeping myself healthy was a full time job....and there were never enough hours in the day. I lost out on several jobs b/c I told them I had cf....lost a great part on TV b/c I had to have sinus surgery and there was no way around it.

I think it depends where you want to work...LA is more cut-throat, of course. But, you have so many opportunities there.....and many distractions. If you want to act in a city like LA, you have to remember why you are there and just don't get caught up in the crazy. I am assuming you are SAG.... (I actually got my card in LA from Darhma and Greg)..if you are not SAG, I know some ways to help you with that. I am back in Texasnow and haven't acted since I left LA....but, I miss it and am thinking about jumping back into the small pond here.

Also, work on your craft all of the time. Stay in an acting class and constantly be challenging yourself. And remember your gold...CF is your GOLD. Draw from that ...there is no better motivation, teacher, inspiration than that little genetic mutation that makes your life more of a struggle. It allows you the depth of character to bring everything to any part you take...not to mention...the comedy that comes from living with a chronic illness.

I wish you all well and if you ever need hints on living in LA for acting I have tons of info.

My biggest advice is stay away from film. Sitcom hours are much better suited to a person who has health issues!
 
D

dramamama

New member
To Mrwilliam-

I am an actor...lived in LA for 7 years acting...somewhat successful as far as independent films go.

The part that was hard on me were the hours. Classes, rehearsals, auditions, filming and just keeping myself healthy was a full time job....and there were never enough hours in the day. I lost out on several jobs b/c I told them I had cf....lost a great part on TV b/c I had to have sinus surgery and there was no way around it.

I think it depends where you want to work...LA is more cut-throat, of course. But, you have so many opportunities there.....and many distractions. If you want to act in a city like LA, you have to remember why you are there and just don't get caught up in the crazy. I am assuming you are SAG.... (I actually got my card in LA from Darhma and Greg)..if you are not SAG, I know some ways to help you with that. I am back in Texasnow and haven't acted since I left LA....but, I miss it and am thinking about jumping back into the small pond here.

Also, work on your craft all of the time. Stay in an acting class and constantly be challenging yourself. And remember your gold...CF is your GOLD. Draw from that ...there is no better motivation, teacher, inspiration than that little genetic mutation that makes your life more of a struggle. It allows you the depth of character to bring everything to any part you take...not to mention...the comedy that comes from living with a chronic illness.

I wish you all well and if you ever need hints on living in LA for acting I have tons of info.

My biggest advice is stay away from film. Sitcom hours are much better suited to a person who has health issues!
 
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