The making of The Help has a backstory about two friends who helped each other break into two competitive fields: publishing and filmmaking.
Director and screenwriter Tate Taylor and author Kathryn Stockett were childhood friends in the 1970s. They grew up together in Mississippi. Their friendship lasted into adulthood when they collaborated on a book and movie about social standing in the 1960s South – The Help.
Friend Helping a Friend
Stockett took five years to write the novel and over 60 rejections from literary agents. Then, she approached Taylor with her dilemma of not getting published. Being a close friend, Taylor was sympathetic and decided to read her manuscript. He was “blown away” and emotionally moved by the story’s truth because he grew up in the same southern culture as Stockett.
Taylor supported Stockett, saying that her manuscript was fantastic and that she shouldn’t give up. He promised he’d make it into a movie if it didn’t get published.
Black Versus White America
The story concerns unlikely women coming together to make a change in Mississippi in 1963. One woman is a writer researching Black women raising children in White households. The black woman and the writer become friends as they try to change the terrible conditions of black women working for white families in Mississippi.
Taylor and Stockett were both raised by single mothers who worked full-time. Like the women in the story, they needed help raising their children. Taylor and Stockett called these women who helped them grow into adulthood “co-mothers.”
Great Interview
“I didn’t think so, honey. Every day you’re not dead in the ground, when you wake up in the morning, you’re gonna have to make some decisions. Got to ask yourself this question: ‘Am I gonna believe all them bad things them fools say about me today?’ You hear me? ‘Am I gonna believe all them bad things them fools say about me today?’ You hear me today? All right? As for your mama, she didn’t pick her life. It picked her. But you, you’re gonna do something big with yours. You wait and see.”— Constantine Jefferson in the movie.
Promise Pays Off
So, Stockett’s career took off with her bestseller, and Taylor wrote the adaptation for the silver screen and directed it with a great cast.
The Help was published and became an ultimate bestseller. But Taylor remembered the story because of its authenticity. It continued to resonate with him from the moment he opened the book. He thought the story reflected his childhood friendship with Stockett, even though their lives differed from those of the characters.
Their story offers a solution for those who want to break into writing or filmmaking, reminding them of their childhood friends as sources of inspiration or help. Either way, collaborating on a project with a childhood friend is a rewarding way to keep the friendship growing and lasting forever.
Having friends who help you is meaningful and gives value to life. The story of Stockett and Taylor assisting each other and working their way to success in their chosen careers tells us who they are as individuals.
Tate Taylor and author Kathryn Stockett were childhood friends.
Strange Friendships
Tate Taylor continues writing and directing. He directed the movie MA, which starred Juliette Lewis, Octavia Spencer, and Luke Evans. Taylor and Blumhouse produced the film. It is a psychological horror-thriller about a lonely woman who becomes friends with a group of teenagers and allows them to party at her house.
The teenagers think they’ve got it made, partying like adults. The woman begins acting strangely in a horrific way, and it turns out she is not as friendly as they thought. Octavia and Tate were roommates before their careers flourished.
Roommates
In a couple of interviews with MA producers, they reveal that Taylor is one of the kindest directors and makes friends with everyone. Taylor and Spencer were roommates for seven years. It turns out they are the best of friends. Because they were roommates and friends, he knew Spencer would want to play Ma’s role because she loves true crime stories.
Again, friendship in the film business helps build careers. Keep that in mind as you develop your film career—create relationships.
Tax incentives are one of the best ways to fund your film. | Source
Incentives are a big deal in the film industry, and every so often, you can fund your movie based on incentives. The media hypes it by reporting a government incentive for film production in a country or state.
With all this valid hype, a filmmaker needs to know everything and anything about incentives. If he doesn’t have the time or skill to learn about the subject, the filmmaker needs to find someone who can learn about it or has taken the time to understand incentive programs. Let’s examine the incentives and see what makes these offers so appealing.
Film Industry Tax Incentives
First, an incentive is a payment, reduction, or discount that stimulates greater production or investment. Types of incentives relating to the film industry include, but are not limited to, state and international governments, bankers, incentive specialists, CPAs, attorneys, film commissions, consultants, payroll companies, studio and network producers, and executives. Each role discusses incentives with questions like: “How much will the bank loan me on the expected rebate or tax credit?” “How much money can I save by shooting in that city or state?”
Incentives range from 5% to 30%. | Source
Trade publications devote endless coverage to which states and countries offer incentives, and a filmmaker will read something like: “Incentive: 20%, plus 10% for below-the-line local labor. Minimally spend $200,000, “Incentive: 20% (25% for indie films), plus 5% for itemized expenditures. Spend: $1 million,” and “Incentive: 25% (30% for local cast and crew), plus 5% for United States veterans. Spend $50,000.” What does this all mean?
The above specialists are sharp and know how to analyze complex legislation regarding incentives in the film industry. It takes a CPA’s education to understand complex tax issues.
The lobbyist works with legislators to negotiate with state officials and draft legislation for the film industry. They develop financial circumstances that are important to studios, networks, and producers for filming in a specific location. All these experts are invaluable in determining, calculating, and presenting the breadth of incentive programs, enabling filmmakers to decide where to shoot their projects.
Filmmakers consider a multitude of factors when choosing the perfect location for filming, making it a crucial decision. Sometimes the filmmaker wants to stay close to home. Perhaps he is looking for a specific style, location, or city. It is often about the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for production to go smoothly. The availability of many incentive programs in the U.S. and internationally is a significant factor in determining a location.
Incentive Programs and Runaway Productions
When film incentives were new to the industry, the formulation of runaway productions started in the 1990s. Productions left, particularly those in Los Angeles, and headed to other countries, mainly Canada, so producers intelligently secured favorable exchange rates, reducing production costs by as much as 25%. As a result, the U.S. lost a significant number of film jobs and suffered economic harm.
Finally, the regulators created a solution known as the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, specifically Sections 181 and 199 of the Internal Revenue Code. Immediate 100% write-off for specific entertainment works.
Investors or production companies can claim a loss of $15 to $20 million when spending funds, regardless of the budget or distribution deal. There are some qualifications to the 2004 Act, but the incentives are very generous, with guidelines and tax forms to be filled out. Section 199 permits investors to subtract 9% of their taxable income from their taxes. That means an investor profits $1,000 and must only pay taxes based on $910.
Research and develop tangible financing incentives for your film. | Source
Do Your Homework
Although this sounds like a great incentive, some are not so quick to agree. Each filmmaker, investor, or executive producer should consult with experts or conduct thorough research. Together, they determine if earning these enticements is worth all the time and paperwork. There have been many changes in the U.S. since 2004, with the September 9th attacks, stronger LGBT and minority rights. Producers and studios are increasingly inclined to shoot their projects in the U.S., with the added benefit that roughly 40 states now offer worthwhile incentive packages. A filmmaker has no reason to leave the U.S. Add to that the intention to increase film production, stimulate local economies, create jobs, and promote tourism, and these incentive programs are promising.
What is a Runaway Production?
Now, the term “runaway productions” has a whole new meaning. It is not just about keeping film production in the U.S., but also about keeping it in one’s city, county, or state. For example, the Afghanistan-set war movie Lone Survivor saved $4.5 million on its approximately $40 million budget by shooting in New Mexico. The state offers tax credits of 25 to 30 percent, surpassing California’s complex incentive programs.
Georgia and Louisiana offer tax breaks for local film production, attracting major Hollywood productions from California. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Django Unchained, and Flight capitalized on the incentives. The examples of incentives are endless, and the only way a filmmaker can take advantage of these incentives is to hire a consultant or do their homework.
Example of a Tax Incentive Program
As mentioned, incentive programs vary in size, quality, and atmosphere. They include, but are not limited to, tax credits, upfront and back-end production funding, and cash rebates. Exemptions and waivers are incentives that include hotel occupancy taxes (based on a limited time), Goods & Services Tax, Value-Added Tax, and Use Tax. It becomes overwhelming when the location fee is waived for filming on state lands. There is even on-the-job training or filming in low-income areas or non-tourist times of the year, like winter. A filmmaker might even find basic physical and organizational structures and facilities credits, allowing the state to bring jobs to their area.
Gain a complete understanding of how tax incentives will save production costs. | Source
Regardless of how a filmmaker views these incentives, they vary from country to country, state to state, and local level to local level. They are very unclear, with intricate details. If a filmmaker works through a major studio, there will be an individual who understands the details of the various incentive programs. Film industry payroll companies may not ease the need to understand incentive programs and the associated legislation.
Something to consider when taking on an incentive package is that financial institutions, such as banks, may loan a percentage of the money the filmmaker plans to receive from the package. Tax credits or rebates can offset the loan. For independent filmmakers, the bank offers loans against incentive packages if the project is bonded.
Now, you are sold on checking out your options for closing an incentive package.
Here are some ideal contacts or resources to consider:
First and foremost, contact the Film Commission. The federal and state film commission offices are resourceful. Each website has incentive programs, application qualifications, and available resources. Just looking through a couple of quality websites will help filmmakers better understand the effort required to apply for incentives. Call the office and speak with a representative, as they want your production company to visit their area and will take the time to answer all your questions. Contact the local visitor or tourism bureau if you are looking for support at a more local level, such as the city or county, and there is no film commission office. Usually, each bureau has a representative for film production or can direct you in the right direction.
Access tax incentive information from the film commission websites. | Source
To stay informed about the latest statutes, guidelines, and regulations, contact your local legislative representative. Each representative has staff at the regional offices to handle any inquiries from their constituents. They are there to help you.
Contact the Film Commission office to determine who to contact at the State’s Department of Revenue or Department of Economic Development regarding film production incentive programs.
You can even network within your community of filmmakers who have filmed there by asking them for contacts or information regarding incentive packages.
However, realize that this field of expertise has its own system and terminology. You must do your homework even if you are passionate about your movie. If you are uninformed, they will easily recognize you as a novice and might not be willing to help.
So, doing your homework means you know what you are asking and can have coherent conversations with these professionals. That way, they know you are serious and a professional.
Questions to Ask the Film Commission Office
Would my production company need a central office in a specific jurisdiction?
Do I need to register the production company in a particular jurisdiction to conduct business?
What local taxes would affect the production, cast, or crew?
What are the costs for filing fees and audits?
Does the state have a gross receipts tax?
Which expenditures meet the requirements for tax credits or rebates? Prompt the question with expenses such as rentals, general purchases, shipping, airfare, fringe benefits, and box rentals, among others.
Does the production company have to purchase from local or state vendors? If they are not available, what is the alternative? Can I approach third parties to act as brokers and bill for equipment or materials furnished by out-of-town vendors, provided the local area or state uses the equipment and materials?
Do the extras and crew have to be paid by a local payroll company to qualify for a tax credit or rebate?
What are the tax credits and labor rebates for local and nonresident labor? What about our talent who work through their loan-out corporations? Are there guidelines for loan-outs? Will their corporations be required to pay withholding taxes to the state? Should they register with the state?
Does a certain percentage of filming need to be done in the jurisdiction?
What are the responsibilities of our payroll company?
How long was the incentive program voted in for, and when will it be up for legislative review? Proper terminology is “When is its sunset date?” In other words, when are the benefits no longer available? Would my project meet the eligibility criteria before the incentive program expires?
What percentage of filming has to be done in the jurisdiction?
Would I have to hire a CPA from that state to perform an audit?
Does the state have unlimited funds for tax credits and rebates, or is there a finite fund from which the state draws when releasing incentives?
What is the maximum limit on how much my production can claim on the project, any one employee, in any year?
How long will it take for me to get my tax credit or rebate?
Does your state offer a transferable tax credit that I might sell? What is the going rate for tax credits in your state? Are the companies willing to buy or broker my tax credits?
Once my production company receives a transferable tax credit, can we sell it immediately, or is there a grace period?
Does the state work on a calendar year? The idea behind this question is that you need to know: Would the incentives still be valid if your production ran over into the next year?
If your production company had reshoots after you already filed, would your company still be eligible for the incentives when we return to the state?
What is the requirement for the number of local crew members we must hire?
Is there a cultural test to pass? This is common in other countries, such as the British Film Certification.
Would my production be required to provide this county or state with a screen credit or display their logo in our end crawl?
Go through the questions and tax incentives to help fund your movie. | Source
For more information and details on different incentive programs, read The Essential Guide to U.S. & International Production Incentives, a helpful book edited by Joseph Chianese and Barbara Rosenfeld. The book explains the following incentives.
1. Film Production Rebate
A cash rebate is the funds paid to the production company based on the number of allowable expenditures or jobs created by the project in the state or country. The production company does not need to file a tax return for rebates and is not subject to the management of local tax authorities. The local film office, which falls under the Department of Trade and Industry, Commerce, or Economic Development, governs them. The government agency that oversees the incentives sets aside the rebates. When production completes shooting in a state and files all qualifying documentation that specifies eligibility for a refund, the tax authorities should process the rebate within 30 to 60 days (some states may process it faster). The production bond allows the use of the rebates as collateral for a loan.
2. Film Refundable Tax Credits
Tax credits differ from rebates in that the local tax authority administers them. There are refundable and nonrefundable tax credits. A refundable tax credit works like a rebate. Yet, the production company must file a tax return, usually by the sanction of the Department of Revenue, to claim it and receive a credit for taxes owed when the production files its income tax return. It is recommended that the filmmaker request a letter from the state’s Department of Revenue certifying that the funds will be available upon the production’s completion. Tax credits can serve as collateral to secure a loan, enabling the production company to obtain an advance from its bank.
3. Film Transferable Tax Credits
These tax credits are nonrefundable, but a production company can sell (transfer) them or assign them to a local taxpayer. Some states present transferable tax credits, which permit production companies to sell or receive a refund for tax credits they cannot use. Often, brokers manage these transactions and charge a commission. In the bargain, the production will need to offer a discount for the face value of the credit. The usual rates are 85-90 cents on the dollar. Each state or country varies in how it standardizes transfers. Some allow one credit to be divided and sold to multiple buyers. Some allow various transfers so the buyer can sell all or part of the credit.
4. Film Nonrefundable, Non-Transferable Tax Credits
Use this tax credit to offset a production company’s existing tax liability, which is primarily carried forward for a set period. If the production company has no existing tax liability, you can use it to lower taxes in the ensuing years. Still, the production company cannot transfer the tax credit to third parties.
5. Film Up-Front or Back-End Funding
Local investors or taxpayers provide the funds for tax advantages from local tax authorities, and are only granted to eligible productions. The filmmaker, investors, and taxpayers should consult with their CPA or attorney to determine if they qualify for the advantages.
The Bottom Line
Remember that incentive packages or programs are not just complicated but endlessly changing. For that reason, a filmmaker needs to be diligent and ask for advice from someone who thoroughly understands these programs. Georgia, Kentucky, and Massachusetts have the best incentives. Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico also offer excellent incentives.
State websites provide filmmakers with details about incentive programs and contact information. Procuring incentives is hard work, but it will be worth the effort to be a successful filmmaker.
Before Michael Jai White starred in For Better or For Worse from 2011 to 2017, he worked on other television shows and starred in martial arts movies and for Better or For Worse aired on OWN in its third season after being canceled by TBS.
He starred in well-known martial arts movies. He looked incredibly fit. You watch the films you are streaming and see a mighty fine-looking man.
Body Aesthetics
White discusses body aesthetics in this video. As a fitness enthusiast, White provides a summary or introduction to the particular type of training. The training concentrates on building a proportional, symmetrical body. It is not lifting heavy weights or working on just one specific body aspect. Instead, it is a guide to developing your statuesque physique. He shares his secret for looking so good on camera.
Michael Jai White Movies
White’s movie career began in 1989 with minor roles, including Alley Man #1 and Audience Man. His work developed and gradually grew. He was cast in meatier roles on television, including Jag and NYPD Blue. Eventually, he landed starring roles in both TV and movies.
His starring role in Black Dynamite is a story about a 1970s movie that exploited black people as stereotypical characters. White plays Black Dynamite, an impressive crime fighter.
The 2009 movie dramatizes the portrayal of black people in film. The premise is like the movies Dolemite and Trouble Man. Black Dynamite even pokes fun at these types of films because, viewed today, they appear demeaning. I am glad Black Dynamite pokes fun at these movies because they do demoralize the black race.
Years later, only White’s voice starred in the Black Dynamite animated TV series. The series lasted three years and featured the same types of characters as the movie. You can still catch some of the episodes on YouTube.
Martial Arts Training
White spoke to interviewers about how martial arts is a significant part of his life because it helps him achieve his goals.
Michael Jai White’s martial arts training takes his acting ability to a whole new level. He discussed how the body becomes conditioned by the mind’s actions. Building his discipline and focus is the driving force behind his dedication.
He can shut out anything in his life he wants to, so he can focus on acting or business ventures. He knows the importance of discipline because he can accomplish anything with it.
Michael Jai White starred in “Spawn” in 1997 as the superhero. A milestone for him because he was the first African American to play a superhero in a blockbuster movie.
Action Martial Arts
White starred in Universal Soldier: The Return with Jean-Claude Van Damme, a sci-fi combat and action martial arts movie.
To stay in shape for his role, he put himself on a strict diet of only protein and three gallons of water a day. He worked out on the set when he wasn’t shooting a scene.
He refined his martial arts skills and avoided weightlifting. He felt that using weights made the body weight heavier, not lighter. He needed to keep his body trim and agile.
Enthralling Movie Roles
White starred in The Dark Knight, playing Gambol opposite the late Heath Ledger’s Joker.
White played Mike Tyson in the movie Tyson. He received positive feedback.
In another movie, he played a unique superhero in Spawn, a supernatural being who can kick some evil booty.
He even kicked some booty in Exit Wounds with Steven Seagal.
Black Belt Certification
White maintains his persona in these action movies because he trained with several well-known Black Belt Hall of Famers. They all hold a Black Belt in Six Sigma. That means they are leaders, teachers, and mentors of martial arts.
White flourishes on film and in life by learning and applying martial arts, and believes that tying on a white belt rather than a black belt is a way of “looking forward to learning something new.”
White’s Spiritual Journey
White identifies the spiritual journey of his body as it reaches maturity. As a martial artist, he is willing to confront the philosophical aspect of being himself. White has discussed with interviewers the notion of taking the bait of just looking good as a disservice to himself. As a martial artist, he explained that he intends to be the best he can be, no matter what else is happening in his life. It is this philosophy that has guided him and contributed to his success.
White looks good in the reruns of For Better or For Worse. It will be interesting to see his next move in the industry. According to his IMDb profile, he stars in several movies. They are either in pre-production or post-production.
On his Facebook page, he posted, “I have some cool things planned… and an announcement of the first Jaigantic feature.” Jaigantic looks like it’s his own production company, making action movies. All in all, he still has a lot of kicks and jabs left in him.
We all know that actors perform on stage and in front of the cameras rather than behind the scenes. However, some professional actors have transitioned into writers, producers, directors, and other roles.
It has become increasingly common for actors to take on multiple roles in the film industry. They are behind and in front of the camera. Some notable examples include Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron, Tina Fey, and Jodie Foster.
However, we must never forget that actors are also professional liars. They bring the unimaginable to the front and make it real.
However, we must never forget that actors are also professional liars. They bring the unimaginable to the front and make it real.
Prime examples of these “Renaissance people” include Johnny Depp, John Travolta, Mila Kunis, Natalie Portman, Emma Stone, Jennifer Lawrence, George Clooney, and Ryan Gosling.
Actors entertain and communicate with the audience through their interpretation of dramatic roles.
“The actor creates his own universe, then peoples it — a giant puppet master. The trick is to make the audience feel that they are observing reality, and this isn’t easy, because to convey the work that has been placed in your mouth to a great number of people you have to exaggerate subtly, ever so slightly highlight. Lead the audience the nose to the thought.”— Laurence Olivier,
Movie Extras to Movie Stars
Only a small number of actors achieve tremendous recognition in motion pictures. Some actors start as “extras” (people in the background of the film) with no lines, while others are cast in supporting roles or as walk-ons. A “feature extra” may be used for the same movie over and over, with no lines but plenty of camera time.
Stunt people take on the more dangerous work, performing such stunts as driving cars in chase scenes, falling from buildings and other high places, or “fighting” instead of the principal actors.
A stunt actor is a professional stunt person hired to play the role of an actor in a scene that requires a full camera shot. They receive higher compensation and are listed in the film credits as a character in the movie.
How Much Money They Make
Agents for Actors
It would be helpful if you built your resume before a decent agent sees it and considers representing you. That is the problem of breaking into the film business. But keep working on your craft, because the upside is that an agent will see you.
Most acting jobs come through an agent. Beginners and lesser-known actors and actresses who are not union members can register with several casting directors for a small fee. These directors invite them to auditions, which can lead to acting roles.
Later in the article, I will tell you how to build your resume and land jobs based on your talent and previous work.
Acting in Feature Films
Although a few actors and actresses find parts in feature films straight out of drama school, most spend many years supporting themselves by working at jobs inside or outside the industry.
To learn the ropes, some actors and actresses have gotten jobs at talent agencies or casting companies. Here, they understand the process of setting up auditions and casting for commercials, film, and television.
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Acting Classes
Taking any old acting class is not the way to do it. It would help if you did your homework, asked around for opinions you could trust, and checked the teacher’s working student ratio. How many of their students get paid work? The class is complete, but two out of ten students are making a living as actors. Five out of ten students working is a better ratio.
Ensure you feel comfortable with the teacher and are confident that they will support your career. Make sure you attend classes and do your homework so the teacher knows you are serious about becoming a successful actor and will work with you earnestly.
Be a Competent Actor
Success, for the most part, does not happen overnight. “Being discovered” is a fantasy that happened for a few movie stars over the centuries of theater and film. Still, they proved themselves, took classes and maintained professionalism.
Being a professional is where you start. There is a valuable booklet titled “The Way to Happiness.” The booklet contains 21 precepts that help people lead a happy life by following them. One principle that applies to professionalism is “Be Competent.” The common-sense guide explains how to succeed in what you do. I tell my students and friends to follow this guide.
They read it, follow the advice, and achieve their desired goals. That is my final advice to you: be competent as an actor, and you will succeed.
No matter what your age. You could be seven, 11, or 15 years old. Opportunities are available for you to start acting in a film. The film, television, cable, DVD, and Internet industries are experiencing dramatic growth. The increase in options for acting jobs is the result of this.
Every year, numerous movies feature child actors in both minor and significant roles. Oscar-nominated Little Miss Sunshine is one example. As a child of Charlotte’s Web, Dakota Fanning starred in at least one movie a year. She even worked with such notable stars as Tom Cruise (War of the Worlds) and Denzel Washington (Man on Fire).
Fanning has now grown up and is working in the industry as an adult. She stars in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood.
Rewards of Being a Child Actor
The rewards you experience from pursuing an acting career are many. You get to spend quality time with your parents. You will learn something new every day on the set. You will build your self-confidence and have a better understanding of others.
Working in film is a highly effective way to finance your college education. If your parents act as your manager, they can earn 20% of your income.
Becoming an Actor in Film
Wanting to be in the movies is not enough to become an actor in the film industry. It takes passion and one of your parents’ willingness to help you. You and your parents work as a team, both committed to the success of your business.
Building a career in the movie business is a full-time job. Each of you will take time out of your schedule to attend auditions and film sets — the days are long and, for the most part, tedious. If you take the right actions mentioned in this article, there is a good chance you will be successful.
Arnold Talks About Breaking into Acting
Guardian with Child Actor
If parents cannot be with you as you pursue your acting career, a guardian can take their place. The guardian can be a grandparent, an older sibling, a babysitter, or another trusted adult. It needs to be a safe and responsible person.
A guardian does what a parent would do:
Go with your son or daughter to auditions.
They stay with them on the film sets.
They need a guardian because it is a legal requirement. Underage actors are not allowed to attend auditions and film sets alone. A responsible adult needs to be with them at all times.
Shirley Temple is the icon of child actors.
Shirley Temple in “The Little Princess,” circa 1939. | Source
Cities Supporting Film Production
Convincing your parents to move to Hollywood is not necessary to break into the business. Many cities have a film production community.
At times, major film companies come to cities across the United States to film on location. Popular film locations:
Atlanta
San Francisco
Chicago
New York
Vancouver. Canada
Austin
Orlando
Seattle
If you live near or in one of these cities, you can start right away.
First Steps to Building Your Acting Career
Here are suggestions to get your film acting career started:
Get involved with the drama department at your school
Enroll in a local acting class for children
Sit in on a class or two before deciding to enroll
Get valid feedback on the acting class and make sure it is a suitable class and teacher for you
You want to feel comfortable. Have your parent talk to the other parents who have children in the class
Research and find a legitimate agent
Agents registered with the union are the ones you should see. Union agents follow the rules because they are union-regulated by their members. It encourages them to adhere to the business’s laws.
Source
How to Get an Agent
Agencies require actors unless they have a reputation and are known to be talented to audition for them before signing them up and representing them. Getting an audition with an agency is a step forward in the right direction for building your acting career.
Once you book an audition with an agency, you need to do the following:
Bring a headshot and resume to the meeting. It doesn’t have to be a professional headshot. The resume includes on-camera experience, parts in theatrical productions, and acting teachers.
Work with your acting teacher on putting together a monologue for your audition.
Practice with your parents on being interviewed by an agent. You might meet with the agent alone or with your parents.
Practice until you are comfortable talking about yourself. Being comfortable in the interview with an agent makes a solid first impression.
When you meet with an agent, find out what they need for headshots and resumes. Agents typically provide standard handouts to their clients, accompanied by specific instructions.
Please review these instructions with your parents and ensure you understand them. If you have any questions, please ask the agent immediately.
Always be on the positive side. Never give up.
Remember to have fun!
Sample of a Headshot
Source
Child Support
Having your parents support you as you break into the film business is commendable. The rewards are plenty. Continue researching and staying current with the industry. The more you know, the better. It can only make your job of finding work a lot easier. Good Luck!
Look over these celebrity names and find the one that fits your cat or kitten’s personality.
Finding the perfect name for your new furry friend based on your favorite celebrity.Source: Thomas K
Ideal Celebrity Name for Your Kitten or Cat
Have you ever met a cat named Cruise or Beyoncé? How about Winston or Cher? Cat owners often name their cats after their favorite celebrities. Sometimes, their cat looks like Humphrey Bogart, so they call him Bogie or Bogart.
What makes up a celebrity? We’ve filled history with famous figures from diverse backgrounds, from nobility to scientists. Even King Arthur Court offers a glimpse of legends as celebrities.
Are influencers, actors, politicians, sports figures, and astronauts today? The Oxford Dictionary defines a celebrity as a famous person or the state of being famous. Naming your new fluffy pet after a celebrity may boost your cat’s personality. Let’s look at some possible celebrity cat names. You can name your cute, adorable, soft, cuddly pet.
Is your kitten charismatic? Does he or she like getting their picture taken?Source: Cong H
Celebrity Cat Names A Through C
Adele
Affleck
Agatha
B.B. King
Benedict
Bette
Beyoncé
Bogart
Bogie
Clooney
Coco
Connery
Cruise
Cleo
Clint
Cristiano
Chadwick
Cillian
Adele: Academy Award-winning singer with a name that means noble origin.
Affleck: A writer, actor, producer, and original TV personality who offers a character with a pensive flair.
Agatha: A mystery writer who is obedient and kind.
B.B. King: Such a cool and exuberant dude who could sing and play the guitar, leading one of the most popular blues musicians.
Benedict: It’s a perfect name for a blessed and gifted pet. Benedict Cumberbatch is a talented and famous British actor.
Bette: Any cat is proud to be named after a legendary, well-known Academy Award-winning actress, Bette Davis.
Beyoncé: Celebrated American singer, dancer, and actress married to Jay-Z.
Bogart or Bogie: American actor who is iconic for playing tough guys in the Golden Days of Hollywood, Humphrey Bogart.
Clooney: A famous American actor and director made a name for himself on NBC’s ER. He’s also an Oscar-winning actor and producer.
Coco: A delightful Pixar and Disney film, as a coming-of-age film about a boy who is transported to the Land of the Dead. He meets his deceased, music-legendary great-great-grandfather, and the movie turns into an upbeat musical.
Connery: Sean Connery played James Bond in several successful films, where we see a debonair, brave and gorgeous male species. Connery also had many noteworthy roles, creating a lustrous career.
Cruise: Tom Cruise is an international movie star and producer. He’s best known for the magnificent stunts he performs in his movies. If your furry friend is adventurous, daring, and handsome, this name is for him.
Cleo: You might have met Mr. Geppetto’s goldfish in Pinocchio’s classic tale. She’s a beauty with long eyelashes and full lips in Disney’s rendering of the famous story.
Clint: Clint Eastwood is synonymous with Dirty Harry, “Make My Day, Punk,” or “Do You Feel Lucky? Well, Do You?” Let’s not forget the actor is a director, producer, and jazz musician. His stern demeanor has played well in many movies.
Cristiano: The first European football player to score 100 international goals, Cristiano Ronald is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. He attacks as the wing or center of the pitch; fans love him.
Chadwick: He’ll always be our Black Panther and sadly passed away too young—a versatile actor who played James Brown, Jackie Robinson, and Thurgood Marshall.
Cillian: He won an Oscar for playing Oppenheimer and worked with Christopher Nolan in Inception,The Dark Knight Trilogy, and Dunkirk.
DeVito: Danny DeVito is a rascal of an actor who created the feisty character on the TV series Taxi.
DiCaprio: The name gives your cat a powerful personality because this actor plays bold roles. His prolific career ranged from the NIC to Hugh in The Revenant, his Oscar-winning role.
Daniel: Think Harry Potter or James Bond with Daniel Radcliffe and Daniel Craig. You’re going from innocent to bold to mental and physical skill.
Elizabeth: The lovely name means “od of plenty,” The Handmaid’sTale Elizabeth MMoss’sfan base casually names their new fluffy accordingly. Let’s not forget Queen Elizabeth I and II and Elizabeth Taylor.
Ellen: Comedian, TV star, Academy Awards host, and former talk show host brings a comical view to life for any feline pet.
Elton: Is your kitty flamboyant? An English pianist, composer, singer, and performer gives you ample reasons to name your furry friend Elton.
Elvis: Strong, carrying brilliant suits and charisma, is a hardworking pet.
Eleanor: Your furry friend is a shining spirit with a shiny coat—Eleanor Roosevelt, who founded the Universal Declaration for Human Rights after WW II. Beatles gave Eleanor Rigby, written by Paul McCartney, crediting John Lennon.
Eminem: He’s possibly one of the first famous American rappers. He’s also a songwriter and record producer. Some have called Marshall Bruce Mathers III (real name) M&M, which sounds like Eminem.
Eric: Think of music and acting because Eric Clapton plays a mighty guitar that weeps. Or Eric Bana, from Down Under, in Spielberg’s. He also played the villain in the 2009 Star Trek movie.
Eve: Besides being a biblical name, Eve Arden was an American radio, film, stage and television actress of the Golden Era of Hollywood.
Ewan: McGregor is best known for the Star Wars prequels, but his breakout role was in Trainspotting.
Is your kitten musically inclined? How about Elton, Eminem or Elvis?Source: cottonbro studio
Celebrity Cat Names F Through J
Francis
Freddie
Gatsby
Hobbs
Iggy Pop
Indira
Jackie Chan
Jagger
Jay-Z
Jake
Jessica
Justin
Text
Francis: Does your cat or kitten like to explore or investigate things? Do you not just get into stuff but also show curiosity? Sir Francis Bacon and Sir Francis Drake both made a name for themselves. Bacon was a philosopher, and Drake an explorer.
Freddie: He was Queen’s lead singer, British rock writer, and singer, Freddie Mercury, who had an incredible range.
Gatsby: Ambitious and idealistic best describe the iconic character in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.
Hobbs:Fast and Furious knows Hobbs. He’s intense but tries to understand while driving his cars super fast.
Iggy Pop: The godfather of punk known as an American actor and musician. Rolling Stone called him lovable and eternally young.
Indira: Named after Indira Gandhi, prime minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and in 1980 when she was assassinated. She committed to social justice and was a trailblazer.
Jackie Chan: A well-known martial artist and actor who is regarded for performing his own stunts.
Jagger: Lead singer for the legendary Rolling Stones. He seems to live forever, with endless energy.
Jay-Z: He is married to Beyoncé, an American hip-hop rapper and songwriter.
Jake: This is for Jake Gyllenhaal, a super lovely and talented actor.
Jessica: Jessica Alba has the famous JA initial. She’s an actress, singer, fashion designer and author.
Justin: We are talking about Justin Timberlake, an actor, songwriter and singer. He started his career with the NSYN band.
Does your kitty like to explore? Curious? How about naming your cuddly friend Francis after Sir Francis Bacon or Sir Francis Drake?Source: Dimhou
Famous Names for Cats K Through M
Kardashian
Keanu
Lady Gaga
Lennon
Madonna
Manilow
MCartney
Miley
Monroe
Kardashian: Let’s not forget that Robert Kardashian, the late father of the children, is their father. He was best friends with O.J. Simpson and on his defense team for allegedly killing his wife. But most know the family from the reality show Keeping Up With the Kardashians.
Keanu: John Wick fans love watching Keanu Reeves Jujitsu and stunt drive his way through rainy nights. But watch some of his interviews. You’ll feel a cool mountain breeze, an ideal name for your feline friend.
Lady Gaga: She’s an actress pop star known for wearing flamboyant costumes.
Lennon: Here’s a lovely name for a very dear pet.
Madonna: Her real name is Madona Ciccone, and she is best known for grinding on stage, singing and acting. Let’s not forget the name represents a religious figure.
Manilow: He’s the 1970s and 80s pop singer and actor famous for Rain, Can’t Smile Without You, and Looks Like We Made It.
McCartney: Paul is an English singer and musician, best known as a co-lead vocalist of the Beatles.
Miley: American pop singer, musician and actress is known for starring in the Disney show Hanna Montana.
Monroe: Marilyn Monroe, an American actress, singer, and model, inspired us to fight our dreams and make our lives fulfilling.
Find the perfect name for your furry friend by observing its attitude and behavior.Source: Claudia Wollesen
Celebrity Names for Cats N Through R
Natalie
Nelson
Orlando
Pacino
Paris
Phelps
Picasso
Pink
Ringo
Natalie: Such a lovely name and person, Natalie Wood. It signifies the birthday of the lord, an ideal name for a fluffy pet born around Christmas.
Nelson: Nelson Mandela served as the first president of South Africa. He represents freedom and democracy.
Orlando: Orlando is a large city where Universal Studios and Disney World thrive.
Pacino: Al Pacino is a petite American actor with bravado and oomph. He made a name for himself in the Godfather movies.
Paris: The famous capital city of France.
Phelps: Most cats and kittens prefer to stay away from the water, but Michael Phelps is a famous Olympic Swimmer.
Picasso: Is your cat an artist? Pablo Ruiz Picasso was a celebrated Spanish painter, printmaker, sculptor, ceramicist and theatre designer. He’s influential in co-creating Cubism.
Pink: Alecia Beth Moore is an American singer-songwriter-actress who performs under the stage name P!nk.
Prince: Pick any Prince, such as Harry and William, or the musician and singer who loves Purple Rain.
Ringo: Ringo Star is the funny, cute drummer of the Beatles.
Some kittens belong on the silver screen, so give them a star power name.Source: Pexels
Celebrity Names for Cats S Through T
Sam Elliot
Schwazenegger
Serena
Streisand
Stallone
Sting
Taratino
Taylor
Travolta
Sam Elliot: He played the heartthrob in Lifeguard and dazzled women in films like Mask and The Big Lebowski. His distinct voice carries across the room, melting women’s hearts.
Schwarzenegger: “I’ll be back” is his iconic line in the Terminator movies. He was also the Governor of California and married and divorced a Kennedy.
Serena: Serena Williams holds many records in tennis, representing the physically female solid body. Yet, Serena means calm and quiet.
Streisand: Barbra Streisand has a transcending voice. She sings the standards like no other. She’s also an actress, filmmaker, environmental activist, and legend.
Stallone: With a first name, Sylvester, naming your pet Stallone works just as well. Or try naming your cat Rocky.
Sting: His real name is Gordon Summer. He’s an English singer, musician, and actor—a legend.
Tarantino: Very few filmmakers become celebrities, and Quentin Tarantino is one of them. He’s a walking encyclopedia of films.
Taylor: Don’t let her sweetness and chiffon appearance fool you. Taylor Swift is a powerful, sure-fire singer and songwriter.
Travolta: John Travolta is a beloved being. He set trends from Disco Dancing to Urban Cowboys. He sings, dances, and mesmerizes us on stage, television, and screen.
Moody cats like Whoopi, Miley, or Winston need strong personality names.Source: Alexas_Fotos
Celebrity Names for Cats U Through Y
Usher
Van Damme
Venus
Vin Diesel
Viriginia
Valentino
Van Dyke
Ventura
Wahlberg
Whoopi
Winston
Yoko
Text
Usher: Usher Raymond IV performs R&B and rose to fame in the 1990s. He’s won eight Grammys and sold over 80 million records.
Van Damme: A Belgian martial artist turned actor, best known for his film Bloodsport.
Venus: She’s the goddess of love and sister to Serena Williams. Both women are a force to contend with, fantastic tennis players.
Vin Diesel: There are now nine Fast and Furious films and Vin Diesel stars. He is one tough, sharp dude. He can drive a car super fast anywhere.
Virginia: If you love to read books, then Virginia is a perfect name for your pet, because it refers to Virginia Woolf, known for pioneering the stream-of-consciousness narrative.
Valentino: Rudolph Valentino, a matinee idol of silent films, has deep Italian eyes and swooning women. Losing The Latin Lover saddened women worldwide when he suddenly passed away.
Van Dyke: The Dick Van Dyke Show was a popular series in the 1960s. Van Dyke is best known for being upbeat and loveable.
Ventura: France’s beloved character actor, Lino Ventura, starred in French movies from the 1950s to 1980s. He’s remembered for his gruff voice and tough guy roles.
Wahlberg: A tough guy, Mark Walberg starred in The Fighter, The Departed and a couple of Transformers movies.
Whoopi: Whoopi Goldberg started in the entertainment industry as a stand-up comic. Steven Spielberg cast her in The Color Purple, and she rode a lustrous film career. Today, you’ll find her on The View sharing her opinions.
Winston: It’s a pet name for a lovely and friendly town, or the PM Churchill, who got the UK through WWII and smoked cigars.
Yoko: She’s a Japanese singer, John Lennon’s widow, and a peace activist.
Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life takes us on a passage through the Heavens, and then we are carried above volcanoes and then plunge below the surface into the deep ocean.
We see a few of our most celebrated scientific images of all time. I have wondered why we are on this journey with Malick. I don’t think this concept received an answer.
During the movie, we visit diverse locations, including Waco, Texas; Villa Lante; Death Valley; and the Sun. Malick reminds us of space, living things, and the significance of our humanity. Bringing up such questions: Being raised by a violent father and an angelic mother, does it balance a person? Does history shape our existence?
I had the opportunity to watch the movie the other night. A viewing experience that sometimes bewildered me with visual and aural beauty. Almost bored with wandering attention, I was surprised to see dinosaurs in the movie, which I believe was meant to explain why man is so violent, but I’m not sure.
The DVD comes with a 30-minute featurette about the behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie. I watched the featurette, and it didn’t help explain Malick’s choice of locations.
“The nuns taught us there are two ways through life: the way of nature, and the way of grace. You have to choose which one you’ll follow.”— Mrs. O’Brien (Jessica Chastain) in Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life”
Death Valley
In the Mojave Desert, located in Eastern California, lies Death Valley. Records indicated the area registers the lowest, driest, and hottest locations in North America. The valley gained fame in 1849 during the California Gold Rush. Its title, “death,” didn’t hold much weight in the era, with only one death recorded during the Gold Rush.
On July 10, 1913, the hottest air temperature ever recorded was 134 degrees Fahrenheit at Furnace Creek, a perfect name for the event. During this period, the desert reached 129 degrees Fahrenheit for five days.
At one point (2.588 million to 12000 years ago), the area was a succession of inland seas called Lake Manly. A freshwater lake that eventually evaporated as the temperatures in the region grew hotter. How this relates to Malick’s movie, I don’t know.
Texas
The second-largest state in the United States is Texas, nearly twice the size of Germany and Japan combined. The large size of Texas brings divergent climatic regions, and rivers form three of its borders. Thus, the state is diverse yet beautiful, with deserts, prairies, grasslands, forests, and coastlines. For this reason, the large state resembles the American South and Southwest.
Source
Villa Lante
The Villa Lante is a historical garden of wonder near Viterbo in central Italy. Construction of Villa Lante started around 1566. The estate has changed owners many, many times since its development. Families lived in the Villa until around the 19th century.
The property is famous for its architectural design and water fountains, drawing thousands of visitors for centuries.
In 1944, Allied bombing heavily hit the estate due to the fall of Rome. In the late 20th century, Dr. Angelo Cantoni purchased the Villa. He managed a very long restoration process. As of 2014, the Villa belongs to the Republic of Italy.
Source
The Sun
The Sun is a star at the center of our Solar System. It has a mass 330,000 times that of Earth. The Sun emits sunlight that supports all life on Earth and shapes Earth’s climate and weather. Because of the Sun’s godlike nature, it controls Earth’s well-being. Some societies have believed the Sun to be a deity.
Mauna Loa Volcano
Mauna Loa, located in the tropical paradise of Hawaii, is one of the largest volcanoes on Earth. One of the five volcanoes that form the Islands of Hawaii, the volcano has remained active for roughly 700,000 years. However, Mauna Loa’s most recent eruption in 1984 caused no deaths, whereas those in 1926 and 1950 devastated villages.
Hilo, Hawaii, has been built on lava flows from Mauna Loa since the 19th century. Because Mauna Loa is still active and evolving, the volcano is watched continuously for the safety of its inhabitants.
“I film quite a bit of footage, then edit. Changes before your eyes, things you can do and things you can’t. My attitude is always ‘let it keep rolling.'”— Terrence Malick
Malick: A Hidden Life
I have shown you scenes from Malick’s movie, hoping it helps you understand his overall message about the nature of man and his many forms.
Malick said once, “Perhaps when I have ten films behind me, I will have something worth saying.”
A pivotal part of Malick’s films is the music he uses for the score. We cannot hear his music now; it plays only in the movie, where the soundtrack plays a vital part in The Tree of Life. The visual locations with the significant compositions by the greatest composers, including Mozart, Brahms, Berlioz, and others, experience the nature and grace of humankind.
John Frankenheimer relaxing between camera setups on the set of the Turner Film Production “Andersonville.” | Source
Frankenheimer Came to Northern California
A friend of mine, Kevin, got a job working with one of the industry’s most talented directors: the late John Frankenheimer (Birdman of Alcatraz, The Manchurian Candidate, Grand Prix, Wallace, and Ronin).
Frankenheimer came to Northern California to do location work for one of his last films, HBO’s Path to War, starring one of the Baldwin boys – Alec. I highly recommend this movie.
Donald Sutherland also stars in the cable movie. According to IMDb, the Path of War is based on a true story set in the mid-1960s: President Johnson and his foreign policy team debate whether to withdraw from or escalate the war in Vietnam.
Gary Sinise Tribute to Frankenheimer
Frankenheimer passed away in 2002 after a stroke. Gary Sinise, who worked with him on three movies, wrote a tribute to Frankenheimer for Entertainment Weekly. Here is an excerpt of that tribute. “He was drawn to dramatic material and found a lot of drama in biographical subjects. His television movies in the ’90s were based on real events or real people, like…the biopic George Wallace,” which was the first of three projects I did with him. The television movies would bring him four Emmys for his direction.”
The movie industry expects people to introduce themselves, network or show their work.
“He had an enormous amount of energy, and at 72 was reemerging as one of the great filmmakers of all time, somebody whose work was as powerful later in his career as it was in the beginning,” praised Sinise.
Catch the movie on Amazon or Netflix.
Getting Noticed in Hollywood
Please consider how my friend networked with someone who can help his career. You are about to learn something about networking in the film business. My friend, Kevin, was inventive enough to network and pitch a local independent film, Ashes, to Kristi, who, in turn, would give it to her dad to view. Kevin was thinking on his feet and taking advantage of a business relationship he had formed while on a film set.
Some may think it was a bit of a bold move, and you would never approach a celebrity like that and be so forward. Why not? The worst that can happen is that the personality would say “no.” Or, you would get kicked off the set, but I doubt that would happen unless you were rude and obnoxious. People in the movie industry expect and accept others approaching them, networking, or showing their work.
The best thing that could happen is that Frankenheimer likes Kevin’s movie and helps him with its distribution, or finds an agent to help distribute the film. It’s not bad that he approached the daughter of a well-known director and producer.
However, nothing came of his contact with Kristi when he gave her a DVD of his movie.
Kevin made his move, and he felt good about his efforts. Later, when he pitches it to another distributor, he can mention that Frankenheimer’s daughter is interested in the movie. It’s called “name-dropping.” It also tells the distribution representative that Kevin hustles and works to get his film known to others in the industry.
Directed by Frankenheimer
“The movie Path to War was filmed at the California State Capitol on Monday. Long Day–7:30 AM until 11:45 PM! “It was an exciting day as I had the chance to work and speak with the director John Frankenheimer and his daughter, Kristi,” explains Kevin. “I was very impressed with Frankenheimer – he demands a lot from his crew, and he definitely doesn’t tolerate wasted time …but when you’re responsible for a 17 million dollar budget project, the pressure is certainly on you to get the job done.”
Frankenheimer stopped the filming long enough to personally thank all of the Sacramento cast and compliment them on their work, “which I found very refreshing, especially from someone of his stature,” adds Kevin.
Working with such a prestigious director was an honor. | Source
Follow up Contact Number
“I had the opportunity to speak with his daughter, Kristi, for a few minutes between set-ups, and Kristi accepted a copy of the local independent film Ashes that she promised to give to her father. She also provided me with the production office number in LA, so I could stay in touch and follow up on his impressions of the film.”
Another smart move by Kevin was to have a follow-up number for Kristi to use later after her dad viewed his movie.
Steven Spielberg and Michael Crichton made a great creative team. | Source
Friendship With Benefits
Steven Spielberg and Michael Crichton developed motion pictures and television programs, notably the Jurassic Park franchise and the long-running ER series. The two men, who were dear friends working together, are a fascinating story of success.
Dinosaurs from “Jurassic Park”
An acquaintance, a high school teacher, told me about a time he showed his students the movie Jurassic Park. At the end of the film, some of his students thought dinosaurs were still alive on our planet. Not that the students were stupid. The movie was realistic enough to make the dinosaurs appear real in their minds’ eyes.
The movie’s detailed and realistic images of various dinosaurs, along with its story, acting, and sound, created a realistic world based on Crichton’s bestselling novel.
The original movie focuses on a devastating effort to produce and clone dinosaurs for an innovative theme park.
The franchise began in 1990 when Spielberg grabbed the rights to the unpublished book. Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment purchased the rights to the novel.
After four sequels, the franchise flourished, with the first two based on Crichton’s books, and it spawned tons of video games, comic books, and theme parks.
The franchise resurrected Richard Attenborough’s career and bolstered the careers of Jeff Goldblum, Sam Neill, Lauren Dern, Chris Pratt, and Bryce Dallas Howard.
Jurassic Park’s motion picture franchise includes a water excursion at Universal Studios theme parks.
The franchise movies alone have grossed close to $ 5 billion worldwide.
Crichton and Spielberg Winning Team
The success of the Jurassic Park franchise indicates that Crichton and Spielberg made a winning team. They invested their good fortune in an American medical television series that proved just as fruitful as the dinosaur movies.
Under the umbrella of Amblin Television, Crichton and Spielberg’s team created the medical drama ER. The show lasted 15 years and won several prestigious awards, bringing together famed talents that I will mention later in the article.
If anything, ER is a lesson in producing an award-winning television show and practically keeping it on the air for years. I am sure students of film and television classrooms study this series in its entirety. They identify and highlight the factors that contributed to the show’s high ratings and large worldwide audience.
Endless drama in an Emergency Room kept viewers glued to the TV.
Emmy Award Winners
The show won multiple Emmy Awards, with 124 nominations and 22 wins, reflecting the caliber of work that stood behind and in front of the camera, launching the stellar careers of George Clooney, along with Anthony Edwards, Noah Wyle, Julianna Margulies, and Maria Bello.
“ER”
Although I never watched the series as a whole, but as clips from different shows, I tend to shy away from medical shows. ER taps into the intimate workings of an urban training hospital and the critical issues faced by the dedicated physicians and staff of its vigilant emergency room.
Every week, fans glued themselves to the television and watched quirky and unique medical professionals save lives in a place where nothing is taken for granted or guaranteed. The emergency room doors open, and another distraught person or persons gets placed in their hands, life or death, within an hour’s worth of television programming.
The series lasted as long as it did because of the talented writers, as evidenced by the final season, particularly in the show’s ending. The arc ties into the earlier seasons, including Noah Wyle’s professional choices and personal life.
Now, Wyle is starring in HBO’s Emmy-winning The Pitt, very similar to ER, but set over one day in an emergency room in Pittsburgh.
Curtain Call
The final season is a curtain call for all the show’s lead characters. They returned one way or another, including those who died on the show.
One point of view about the medical drama is the large cast of major actors who left due to injury, death, firing, or disappearance. Like most long-running shows, I understand that cast members go in hopes of bigger and better careers.
The final season includes movie stars Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance. The main arc centers on Catherine Banfield, the ER’s medical director, played by Basset, and her husband, Russell Banfield, played by Vance. Both are intense and effectively support their respective sides of the issue.
The series ends well, and that is what matters to the fans. The finale is rewarding to those who faithfully followed the multiple storylines.
George Clooney
I am sure you’ll appreciate watching the episodes, knowing that you can watch them again and again since you own the DVD. The cast changing through the years might throw you off, but it is graced with guest appearances from Clooney and other original cast members.
If you still need an emergency room fix on television, there are similar shows that follow ER’s formula, which validates the series even more, such as Grey’s Anatomy, a long-running show as well.
A successful film career starts with you knowing as much as you can about the film business, which begins with reading the trade publications.
Source: Variety
Variety and Hollywood Reporter
Industry Trade Papers — You’ve Got To Read Them
No matter what part of the film business you are interested in as a career, you will most likely start as a production assistant. That is not a bad start because you can work your way up with a solid film business plan.
In all, and no matter what, you must read the trade papers. If you don’t, you are at a significant professional disadvantage because the trades tell you what is going on in the industry. As a production assistant, you need to know what is happening now and what is ahead.
With the trades, you find out what the studios, producers, directors, production designers, art designers, and more are doing. This information is invaluable. You also need to know where the movies are in production.
If you don’t know what is happening in the industry, you will not succeed in the film business.
So, face up to the fact that you should subscribe to both of the trades, Daily Variety and the Hollywood Reporter.
Keep reading the trades and learning the business, and you will learn more about the industry.
If you can’t afford both and they are expensive, subscribe to at least one of them, because they’re lifelines for the business—the who, what, and where of the film industry are at your fingertips.
Advantages of Reading the Trades
As in every industry, there are advantages to reading trade papers. First, as noted above, they help you stay up to date on what’s happening in the industry. Second, by reading them, you’ll be able to identify the industry’s prominent people, the ones who are making the decisions. Third, they provide you with the latest news in your chosen industry. Fourth, because everyone reads them, information published in the trades is frequently referred to, and when people talk, you want to know what they are talking about
Finally, although the best jobs usually don’t show up in the “Help Wanted” sections of the trades, those sections, along with production listings, will provide you with a starting point for seeing what kinds of film business jobs are available.
While it’s unnecessary to read the trades from cover to cover, you should certainly read the main articles and the popular columns and scan everything else. You never know when something you read in the trades will turn out to help build your career, and you never want to pass up an opportunity like that.
How the Trades Help Your Career
Let’s take a look at what it means to be a production assistant who reads the trades.
When a producer comes on the set, they don’t always wear a suit, and you don’t recognize them sometimes. Reading the trades helps you identify influential people in the industry, which benefits you.
One time, a producer came on the set, and he looked like a regular Joe. Because I knew of him, Barry Levinson, I was on top of it and made sure the director and other crew members knew he was on the set. It helped improve the situation, and the crew appreciated my due diligence.
Another example is that a friend worked on the same production that I did, directed by Joe Dante. My friend read the trades and was very familiar with Dante’s work, which made the gig fun because Dante talked to him about his comic book career. He even autographed some of his comic books.
It would help if you acted like a professional before you were a professional. When directors and producers recognize your quality, you gain a positive impression. They make a mental note and are likely to hire you again. Avoid being overly flattering or fawning toward the director or producer; work hard and do your job well.
The most relevant career advice I can give you is to study the trades. Trades help you learn the business of making a career in the film industry.
Film Trades on the Internet
Another cool thing about using the trades is looking for production notices that are hiring. The trade publications are now available online, allowing you to subscribe to Variety, Hollywood Reporter, or both. Please get to know them as an invaluable online source for future work.
Once you are familiar with each trade’s website, you are more likely to get a job in production because you have more knowledge, and knowledge is power. You need to be persistent and never give up looking. Work is out there, and the trades will help you find it.
Production Assistant’s Handbook
There is a book called the Production Assistant’s Handbook, and I recommend it not only for wannabes but also for PAs who have worked on a couple of sets. I work in the business, read it, and learned about talking on two-way radios. I discovered significant insights into working on a film set.
