You Landed Your First Video Gig! Now What?

More and more I am seeing video & film companies pop up all around the U.S. - and I am seeing more and more job postings for skilled video & film professionals...

So, if you are new to the profession, a recent grad looking for work, unsatisfied corporate raider looking for a change, or whatever your current status, if you are new to working in our world, here are a few pointers...

CREW CALL - To me, as the hiring producer/director, if you're on time, you're 5 minutes late... Traffic, wrecks, Ice-mageddon, burning and collapsing bridges, are all a part of life here in the ATL - don't use it as an excuse - well, maybe the burning bridge thing is ok to use :) - but seriously, the last you thing you want to do on your first day, is have to explain ANYTHING - be on time...

GREEN DAY T-SHIRT? - Are you working on a film, corporate video, TV show, live event? - Each one of the aforementioned scenarios calls for something different in regard to clothes... Your Green Day concert Tee probably should stay in the closet when working on the CEO's State of the Company video shoot... and if you wear khakis and a white polo to the live event shoot, you will be sent home for not wearing show blacks... Not sure what to wear? Ask if there is a dress code for the shoot... I don't know how many times I have texted our crew to say, "jeans are ok... " or "khakis and a black polo... "

SHHHHH #1 - The CEO, the famous actor, THE client, is off limits to your conversation other than to ask if they need anything, OR, if they ask you a question directly, you should deflect the question to the producer, unless they ask you, about you, like what is your name, or, why are you wearing a Green Day T-Shirt in my board room? - NEVER engage the client with anything controversial, like politics, especially if your views, differ from theirs - you will most likely never be asked back if you debate politics with the client...

SHHHHH #2 - Its really cool that the rough cut of your Indy horror film is being viewed by 5-7 people on Vimeo, but wait for lunch to talk about it, and speak only after the other seasoned crew members have spoken... No one needs to hear your resume either, you've got the gig, now listen and learn...

LEADERS EAT LAST - The title of this tip comes from leadership guru, Simon Sinek, but its really more about courtesy on the set... Simply put, don't always be the first one in line at the craft services table... Make sure the client has been through the line before you - and, if you're smart, you will make sure whomever you are working under on the set has been through before you as well... If you are working as a grip or PA, you best make sure that the lead gaffer is ahead of you - and always keep an eye out for the producer or director, best to let them go ahead too...

10 HOURS or MORE - Most film/video shoots are based on a 10 hour day... be prepared for that, and sometimes, OT - If you have a softball game, Pilates class, dog obedience training, trivia night, Walking Dead binge watch party, it might be in jeopardy, so PLEASE do not keep asking, "Hey, any idea when we will wrap?"

I know this might sound to rigid for the cool, creative career in production, but we do have to adhere to some structure, and yes, film, TV, & video can be fun & fulfilling careers - just keep in mind the stuff your momma taught you, or, if you had a momma like Joan Crawford, make sure you don't work in wardrobe, because the wire hangers may bring back bad memories... I know, no one under 40 got that joke...

Talk to you soon, God willing!