-: I personally would recommend
talking to the local film commission,
like Virginia Film Commission.
Find out what shows are coming to town.
Don't just move out to L.A. with no experience,
and think you're gonna get a job.
I did a show in Austin and we were just looking for
production assistants, which is not a hard job.
We had 200 resumes, so immediately we threw out anybody
who didn't have some experience.
And that was Austin, you know.
L.A., forget it, you're working,
combating a large percentage of people.
So I would say, wherever you are,
try to find films that are shooting in your area.
Figure out what department you want to work in.
Sometimes that means working just as a production assistant.
On whatever needs to be done, so you can be on a set,
seeing what the different departments do.
If you find the art department interesting,
volunteer, say what can I do to help you?
Because if they see you're a hard worker,
and you're really enthusiastic,
you will get recommended.
They'll pass your name along.
And sometimes it means working for free,
just to get the experience and to build up your resume.
If you can do anything but direct, or write,
do it, because everybody wants to direct.
There are not that many opportunities.
If you want to be an assistant director,
there is a program called
the Assistant Director's Training Program,
which is what I went through.
If you want to be a director,
make the most amazing film that no one has ever made before.
That knocks people's socks off.
And good luck.
Put it in festivals, try to get attention,
try to get an agent, and that's the toughest,
because there's so much competition.