Updates
It's been a little slow for auditions these past two weeks. I went to one for a theatre
show and didn't get it. The producers did call me, which was nice. Well, nice as in one
of the first times someone calls you about NOT getting the job. Usually you wait a few
days and when no one calls, you assume you didn't get it.
Imagine if everyone was this polite. You go out on a date, the next day, she calls you
back to tell you there won't be another date. Not too nice, but at least you know. Knowing
is half the battle.
Another journey begins
Two weeks ago, Jennifer, the assistant asked if I would follow her as an intern and client
to her new job. She decided that the management company wasn't for her anymore. So beginning
next week, I'll be interning at a production/management company in Hollywood.
The commute is a little longer but a better company with a bigger name in the business. We'll
see how that goes.
Life is funny, it has almost been a year since I've arrived in Los Angeles and nothing goes
according to plan. The goal of the first year was to get an agent. Last week, I got one but
not the way I envisioned. I know nothing. I know less than nothing.
Film School
Some of you who might be thinking about film school should think about a few things. What do
you want to do in film? Your answer to that question should lead to the next. Do you need
film school?
If you wanted to be a Director of Photography, film school will help you learn the foundations
of photography, but you can also work under a DP and still learn the same skills. Film school
lets you make mistakes.
If you wanted to be a writer, go get an English degree and write. Write all the time. A
writer should be writing, writing, and writing. Good writing is good writing in any medium,
be it novel, plays, or screenplays. You can learn screenplay format in an afternoon.
If you wanted to be a director, Film school can be your playground. This is where you learn to
write, produce, cast, light, shoot and edit films. You get to do everything. As a director,
you should know everything about making films. Granted, there have been directors that
never made it to film school and working in Hollywood. Film school is not the only way,
but in my opinion one of the best way to learn your craft.
If you want to act, go to a performing arts school. Please go to school. There are so many
actors in Hollywood who thinks they know acting and... please go to school.
There are three types of producers in Hollywood:
1) Worked in the industry, made tons of contacts, learned from a producer and worked their
way up.
2) Father or mother works in the industry and set them up in the industry and gave them
tons of money to play with.
3) Went to film school, made tons of contacts, and produced shorts, student films and
commercials.
The first way takes the longest and requires the most work. The second way, either you have
someone in the industry or you're shit out of luck. The third way can be done. You will
still work your butt off but film school is where you meet the future talents.
The people benefiting most from film school are the editors; set designers - the people
behind the camera. Their jobs are so specific; you can learn the skills on a production or
in film school. Those are the only two places to learn the craft. These people get the most
out of school and find the most work right out of school.
Next column... year one in film school, what do they really teach you?
Written by Charlie Cheng
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