The allure of Hollywood begins to reach us at a young age. Most people will probably experience at least one, perhaps brief, stage in their life where pursuing work in the film industry sounds like a wonderful idea. Bright lights, pretty people, and big paychecks – of course it sounds appealing.
Most people will also grow past the age of ten and decide to move on to a more feasible career. Then, there are the rest of us. The dreamers. The ones who don’t mind the idea of begging our parents for money well into our twenties. The ones who know we may be the “coffee kid” for years and still never get that big-time break as a producer, writer, or actor. We are led to believe that there is something romantic about following our hearts, but is the sacrifice of our morals and pride worth it in the end?
For many of us who had the Hollywood “bug” after graduating high school, going on to study film in college appeared to be a good idea. There was a false security in the thought of “having a degree in film” despite the fact that Hollywood is about who you know, not where you went to college. We spent thousands of dollars to take classes where our professors pounded the idea into us that “networking” will be the key to starting a career in film. Thus, we were told to attend film festivals. What could possibly be a better way to meet people in the industry than to throw yourself into week-long seminars and screenings where you are surrounded by people who might just be the savior for your career?
My first experience attending a legitimate film festival was just this fall in the fantastic city of Austin, Texas. The Austin Film Festival is geared towards professionals and amateurs alike. It is also renowned for creating an atmosphere of accessibility. Unlike festivals such as Sundance, Austin encourages those with experience to mingle with amateurs, students, and fans.
As this is my senior year of college, I felt pressured to gain as much out of this experience as possible. I teamed up with seven other film students and left at five in the morning from our humble town of Norman, Oklahoma, in order to reach Austin by the opening of the festival at noon. We were thrilled to have signed up for the conference part of the festival, which is designed especially for those interested in the art of screenwriting.
Article comments
1 - Dave Nalle
So you've actually never seen any of the hundreds of movies about the "casting couch" and the various hazards facing first-time filmmakers? Only Oklahoma could produce this level of naivete.
Out of curiosity, how many actual FILMS have you made? That's how you get noticed. Put a film up on the screen in a film festival, even if it's a shorts festival. Do it over and over and over again. Then you might get a break without having to go through the meatgrinder.
And for a reality shot, take a look at the history of women filmmakers. Almost all of them have either been related to someone already established in the industry, or started out as actresses with very successful careers which they parlayed into directing or producing. It's true from Leni Riefenstahl to Sophia Coppola.
Dave
2 - Me
Actually I have seen those films. I have worked on films. I have lived in California. I have been to LA many times. But nothing compares to actually being treated that low for the first time. That is the point of the article. Obviously you don't know what its like to have a an overweight, older man trying to put his hands on you when you didn't do ANYTHING to deserve it. And for a reality check-why do you think so many hollywood women are ball busters? Because they have to be. They have to have their guard up the whole time. Apparently you missed the part where I said I've studied film for 4 years.
3 - Jim
I attended AFF in 2006 and 2009. The guys she described are there in full force. They are on the hunt for young girls and it's just heart breaking. These girls are energized, smart and eager to meet some actual industry people and they wind up getting verbally and visually molested by two bit "producers".
I apologize for these men-idiots.
BTW, I'm a writer and the other writers I met - who impressed me the most - were all woman.
4 - Jay Della Valle
A woman who has ability, talent, and overwhelming desire to work in the industry has to "know it" and can't afford to be naive about anything for too long. When you're green/inexperienced- you can't help it. That's what you are- just coming out of college. So you're mystified by the possibilities- and that sets you up for disappointment- because the industry is way too cutthroat to care about your passion to do anything. Ultimately, you have to develop the reputation of a person who has great ideas and who knows how to make things happen. Many of the successful women I know in film have fierce personalties- they are more intimidating than the men. You can't take shit from anyone- but then again- you have to also know when to take shit. There will always be deuschbag baldies out their trying to milk their one-time producer credit for some naive "i wanna be famous" ass. The purpose of these people is to wake you up to the reality- and they did- so let's give them a round of applause. Don't give up if you truly want it. It won't be the first time it happens I'm sure. Good luck.
5 - maya
Sure there are plenty of jerks in Hollywood / the film industry. And, just about everywhere else. But, if you're determined to work in the industry, then stay focused and learn how to play the game without giving into that garbage. You aren't the first and won't be the last. There are plenty of beautiful, talented women working in the industry right now. Don't be foolish enough to think they got there by giving in. If you want it, you can do it - on your terms. Stop complaining and keep working on developing your talent. Let the jerks roll off of your back like the slime they are instead of jading your focus. Someone legit will eventually open a door and you'll need to be ready when you get your chance. You won't get there if you let the garbage get in your way.