Evolution Of A Man

no one knows you… you don’t exist.

and in an industry where it’s all about who you know…that’s a problem!

i learned that lesson today. i was given a tip from a friend to call someone who works in production on the set of law & order. my friend talked to his production contact about me and i was given the go-ahead to follow up. i called this afternoon to introduce myself, and to see if there were any opportunities available.

recently, i went to an information session to become a “made in ny” tv and film production assistant. i gained a lot of introductory knowledge about what the life of a p.a. is actually like. i shared this with the “production vet” as well as how i became interested in working in production. he gave me his spiel about being a production assistant- the long hours, the grunt work, the pseudo-invisibility (as far as the industry is concerned)- again, all of this stuff i’d already known from the information session i attended, but i just let him keep talking.

when i mentioned that i was changing industries, he told me about how he’d been in the industry in some capacity since he was 18, and graduated with a degree of relevance, and has been going ever since. i got a little bit irked when he mentioned this. i’m well aware of the fact that i’m approaching 30 and trying to make the big jump from corporate nobody to entertainement entrepreneur- a move that perhaps should have been made at 20, but oh well… i’m not the first person to start from scratch after 25. production vet made it clear, however, that most people start in the industry at a younger age.

i told him about the little experience i’ve had with “the & show” and putting together my own little videos. it’s not much, but it’s something. i assured him that even though i am just beginning to get started as a freelancer, i am both enthusiastic and determined to learn as much as i can, and am not afraid of the long hours or small pay. everyone has to pay their dues. and it’s just as much about how hard you work as it is about who you know.

fortunately, he agreed. it is about who you know. that said, he explained that although they are not looking for anyone additional on the set at this very moment, the end of september brings a shuffling of sorts, and there may be a spot for me then. he suggested that i call him in two weeks, remind him of the conversation we had today, and check to see if anything is available.

it felt really good to have that conversation. i feel like my life is beginning to take off a bit. my workouts have been going really well, i’m starting to plan out other areas of my life, and little by little, i’m beginning to meet more people. hopefully i’ll soon find something to get me on my way. perhaps in 2 weeks…