Monthly Archives: December 2025

Is Your Screenplay Worth Submitting?

film careers, ,
David in Seoul
David in Seoul

Screenwriting Tips

David Freeman offers helpful screenwriting tips on the business of film and working in film as a writer. His experience includes delving into writing episodes for the Internet, another avenue for writers.

We chatted over coffee, discussing screenwriting. Because I had recently started writing for a client who needed outlines, treatments, and scripts for an episodic Internet series, we talked about screenwriting in general.

Overall, Freeman points out that, no matter what happens, you keep writing. I agree to continue to write no matter what. It’s so important.

“I’ve got a mental checklist of about 40 things that contribute to a great script. Few scripts, including my own, are close to having all 40. But when a script starts having about 20 of them, it starts looking pretty good.”— David Freeman

Screenwriting is Easy or Hard

We started our discussion about the lack of decent scripts available for purchase by a production company and the problem of finding an exceptional screenplay. “Every Development Executive in Hollywood would like to know how to find great scripts,” explained David. “I’ve found a few from my students and helped them sell their work. One guy got $200,000, with $200,000 more coming if and when the script gets produced. I’m working very actively with one of my students right now. I’ve got his script out all over town. Keep your fingers crossed.”

Checklist for Success

The $200,000 script deal, we talked about how he knew it was a great script.

“I’ve got a mental checklist of about 40 things that contribute to a great script. Few scripts, including my own, are close to having all 40,” explained David. “But when a script starts having about 20 of them, it starts looking pretty good.”

They’re not mysterious elements – like natural-sounding dialogue, unexpected plot twists, and so forth. I found that interesting, but David wanted to talk about his scriptwriting process.

“I have no typical day. I just sold a TV series to an Internet network, so I’m writing the ‘webisodes.’ A well-known manager/producer in town keeps me busy with script notes for his next cable movie. I’m outlining my next feature spec. And I’m always adding new techniques to Beyond Structure — David’s book. This year, I’ve had a lot of requests for script consulting as well. Of all these activities, my favorite is writing. But, I think I like the variety.”

Writer’s Schedule

With all his activities, David keeps a tight schedule. “I’m more alert at night and seem to do my best work then. I wish I were a morning person,” says David.
He prefers writing features to the Internet but is willing to do things that are way off the map for traditional media. “I’m having a great time with Internet stuff.”

Pitching a Script

David regularly pitches scripts, and his batting average is not bad. “The projects I set up at Columbia Pictures, Castle Rock, Paramount, Allied Stars (at Sony Pictures), Atlas Entertainment, David Kirschner Productions, and many other places were sold off pitches. I’m very comfortable in a pitch room, and I teach pitching on a somewhat regular basis. Writers have to realize that pitching has less to do with writing than it does with performance. I try and teach them how to make that transition.”

Acting classes, as well as a screenwriter’s education, help influence their writing career. “I studied cultural anthropology at U.C. Berkeley and even spent a year living in Africa,” explains David.

“I think it all helped me hone my observational skills. For instance, the questions you’ve chosen to ask me say a lot about you.”

I laughed and told him the coffee helps, too.

“Writers have to realize that pitching has less to do with writing than it does with performance. I try and teach them how to make that transition.”— David Freeman.

Writing for Film is a Great Job

Let’s hear it for those who lay their creativity on the line for everyone to see. That’s courage. That is one of the reasons I admire screenwriters and those who are just beginning.

Writing for Hollywood requires structure and determination. You need to know the basics before you start writing. Continue reading and scrolling down this article. There are insightful, if not fantastic, interviews with professional screenwriters describing their process.

Artists Medium

“Artists struggle more than a lot of other folks, and this can wear down their pride in themselves. Writers, don’t let this happen to you. If you remove artists from this world — the architects, the painters, the writers, the landscape architects, the furniture designers, the clothing designers, the people who design our cars — if you removed the whole lot — the world would be a cold and bland place indeed. Artists bring beauty and insight. They make our lives worthwhile. There can be nothing nobler than to let your creativity shine forth and to share with the world your take on the complexities, contradictions, and sometimes the humor of the human condition.”

— David Freeman

Workshops and Consulting

Over the past 10 years, David has developed specific techniques to address all these areas and more. “I’ve been gratified to watch the class become the most popular screenwriting and development workshop in Los Angeles. We get about 150 people each time we offer it. It has also been gratifying to see that the workshop has been taken and appreciated by the writers, directors, producers, and key executives behind The Fugitive, Total Recall, Runaway Bride, The X-Files, Law & Order, Saturday Night Live, and all the Star Trek series, and many other well-known films and TV shows.”

As for consulting, “I’ve set up my scripts, or projects I’ve developed, with Columbia Pictures, MGM, Paramount, Castle Rock, Atlas Entertainment, Buena Vista Television, and many other major films and television companies. Most script consultants I encounter can’t even write scripts. Am I the only one who thinks something’s wrong with that picture?” exclaims David.

Screenwriting and Screenplay

David sounded busy and wondered how long it took him to complete a script. “It’s hard to say…I’m always working on one thing or two things, pitching several others and so forth. Most people, when hired, are given twelve weeks to outline a script and turn in the first draft, and that feels about right. One of the shocking things about TV writing, which I haven’t done, is that sometimes writers turn in a script for a one-hour episode in one to two weeks. And, some of these scripts come out great. It’s pretty awe-inspiring.”

He sold a sci-fi series for the Internet, with each episode running 7 minutes. “I had to turn out five scripts in six days, and each script had to be a gem. I rewrote each script about four times — and each had to be a gem, like a complete short film with a beginning, middle, end. That was tough. Now it looks like those scripts are going to get me more Internetwork because they are good writing samples.”

David made a strong point about the need for writers to keep writing. Never go a day without writing because the more you write, the better you express your thoughts in words. The format and structure are important, but you need to write, write, and write if you want to be a screenwriter.

Script Consulting

David started Beyond Structure Workshops and script consulting because of the problems he encountered in his first screenwriting classes. “I was always told there was no easy way to learn what all the critical aspects of screenwriting success were. For instance, I’ve repeatedly told you about having a kind of inborn ‘knack’ for pulling off things like writing natural-sounding dialogue with subtext, creating emotionally and psychologically complex characters, and crafting memorable scenes that operate on several levels simultaneously. But if you ever want to write a film as great as, for instance, American Beauty, As Good As It Gets, The Matrix, or Trainspotting, you’ve got to be able to do all of these.”

Screenwriting Agent

David advises screenwriters to find an agent rather than hustle for themselves.

“Having an agent gives the writer credibility. Also, they’re instrumental, especially if you’ve got a ‘high concept’ script that you’re trying to get out to every major company in town on the same day. Now that I think about it, perhaps I won’t kill all the agents after all,” laughs David.

Still, a writer needs to know when the agent submits the script to an agent or producer. “That’s a tough one. You get it as good as you can, and you get feedback from various people who know scripts. Script consultants can help if the consultants are any good,” explains David. “But, as you’ve seen from some of my earlier comments, I’m a pretty harsh critic of some consultants since they can’t write. How can such a person guide you to improve your dialogue, for instance?”

Talking About Collaboration

Writing a screenplay is rewarding for any writer. A screenwriter needs to be willing to collaborate, as David confirms.

Below is an interview with the screenwriter and director Dan Gilroy with Denzel Washington. Gilroy wrote a fictitious story of a believable character. They talk about collaboration and the value of working together.

Beyond Structure

We talked some more about what’s happening with the entertainment industry. Our computers are becoming TVs; media saturation continues, and it will always be there. With that, don’t forget to unplug yourself once in a while. You can hang out with friends or go on a walk.

Unplugging can help you stay focused on the task at hand. Whether it’s creating a cutting-edge third act or figuring out key plot points, get away from the computer, devices, and enjoy life. Return to your problem with renewed determination.

Writing for Film, Television, and the Internet

David and I talked about techniques and how a writer can create a character that is much more in-depth and appealing.

We also discussed the advantages of writing for film, television, and the Internet, including On-Demand services like Netflix and Amazon.

Then we watched this interview with the late William Goldman. He is a true inspiration and a talented writer.

Characters Count

David and I discussed examples of characterization. “I know about a hundred ways to give a character ‘depth.'”

He shared one example: “Let’s say a boy in high school invites a girl with low self-esteem to a dance. The boy does it for the company and doesn’t care that much about her. But, as part of their date, he buys her some trinket — maybe a stuffed turtle. Six months later, we find that she overly treasures that turtle — it’s a symbol of something that she emotionally desires (in this case, affection from a boy). That’s one of those hundred techniques. I saw a case of this exact technique done while watching a video of an old episode of My So-Called Life.”

Character Development

We talked about the best professions a character can take on to make a story appealing. There are about 50 ways to make a character emotionally appealing, drawing us into a story. “If you artfully use these techniques, you make audiences empathize with someone in any job — a trashy woman like Erin Brockovich, a guy with the mental capacity of a yam such as Forest Gump, or any other profession. This statement is not meant to offend yams, by the way. I like them, and I liked Forest Gump.

“And, I’m sure this is the first interview you’ve done where the interviewee took the time and cared to let you know his feelings about underground tuberous vegetables,” jokes David.

Example of Techniques

Some examples of “rooting interest” (techniques which make us “root for” or empathize with a character):

  • One is to have the character with an artistic side, like Bill Pullman in While You Were Sleeping.
  • Another is having the character with emotional problems or insecurities we can identify with, like Ben Stiller in Something About Mary.

Hollywood Life

David likes living in Hollywood. “I get paid to write. And let us not forget the weather. Or the sheer beauty of places like Wilshire Blvd., which is often compared to the Swiss Alps, or The Valley, which of course brings to mind Paris, or Hollywood Blvd., which is hard to think about without thinking of Yosemite.”

Marketing Research

Writing a great script isn’t the end, according to David. “I won’t minimize the importance of marketing yourself. At the same time, great scripts have a way of catching attention. The biggest mistake new writers make is that they don’t read scripts by great writers. It’s a great way of learning, and it also lets you see how good the competition is.”

You need to be reading great scripts. Some websites offer them without charging. All you need to do is Google “screenplays” or “TV Scripts,” and you will find a plethora of scripts to read.

Learning How to Write

Sitting down and having a cup of coffee with David was an exhilarating experience because his creative energy pumped me up to write. I went home and wrote several articles and a short story.

Movies for Dog Lovers

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Movies with Dogs

Kids and adults love movies about dogs because they are so unpredictable. Some of us grew up with Clifford the Big Red Dog movies and Hallmark dog movies. We watched them over and over again.

Dog movies are endearing to watch. We don’t know what will happen in the end. The endings are either sad or happy. The tragic endings, like My Dog Skip, teach a lesson. We watch them over and over because we know what happens in the movie. Even if it is sad, we still watch it again.

Dog movies are stressful because the dogs get stolen or lost, but are returned or found at the end of each film. The dog gets hurt, and there is an emotional reunion between the owner and the dog. Most of the time, the dog survives an injury with a happy ending.

An interesting point, not many dog movies are about girl dogs. Girl dog movies are rare because of discrimination. What is wrong with a girl dog movie?

Enough said, now, let us take a look at some incredible dog movies.

1. My Dog Skip (2000)

Based on a well-known writer’s memoir, My Dog Skip takes place during WWII and stars two great talents, Kevin Bacon and Diane Lane. The dog doesn’t get stolen, but Willie and Skip are fast friends as they turn bullies into friends and tangle with ill-fated moonshiners who threaten to kill the dog. A pretty girl shows an interest in Skip, who brings her and Willie together.

The movie’s conflict centers on Willie’s dad, who thinks he should have real friends rather than a dog. But Willie overcomes that as he grows up.

The most stressful scene is near the end when Skip runs away because Willie’s temper flares up, and he kicks Skip. He apologizes for his behavior, and Skip forgives him. All in all, it is a beautifully told story. Here is the ending where you grab a tissue.

2. Beethoven (1992)

Beethoven is a classic dog movie with several sequels. Kids should first see the original film because it stars Charles Gordon and the late Dean Jones. Both actors are brilliant. Gordon plays the father who brings the lovable dog home and soon finds Beethoven growing too big for his liking. Jones, cast against type, makes his scenes entertaining. He is an evil Vet who tries to kidnap the dog. Bonnie Hunt plays Gordon’s wife and the mother of their adorable kids.

Watch the movie, and you will notice several up-and-coming actors of the time, including Stanley Tucci, Oliver Platt, and David Duchovny.

A hilarious scene is when Beethoven comes in from playing in the mud. Gordon holds his own in the scene, but the dog steals the show. Another funny scene is when George (Gordon) hits the vet (Jones). Watching that scene makes seeing the movie worth it.

3. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (1992)

Hachi is not like other dog movies. Hachi doesn’t go missing or get kidnapped. The film is based on a true story about a dog’s devotion to his master.

The story is about a dog’s loyalty to his master. Richard Gere stars as the owner of Hachi. Joan Allen plays Gere’s wife, and Jason Alexander (Seinfeld) plays Carl, the store owner.

The movie answers the question, “Why are dog movies so sad?” It is because the story is so good.

I don’t want to say too much about the movie because it is a simple but powerful tale. Make sure you have a box of tissues because the story is heartwarming and a tear-jerker.

4. Air Bud (1997)

Air Bud is your basic dog story, but he doesn’t get stolen. He ran away from the original owner because he had abused him. Bud is a golden retriever and has a knack for playing basketball well. He brightens up a high schooler named Josh by helping him play better basketball.

The best scene in the movie is when Bud has to choose between the original owner and Josh. It’s a long scene where Josh says, “Come here, Buddy.” Will Bud go back to the abusive owner or stay with Josh? Enjoy the trailer. I love the line, “Mom, remember when I had a hamster?”

5. 101 Dalmatians (1961)

Here is one of the few girl dog movies. I know I am pushing the envelope when I say it is a girl dog movie, but Perdita, the wife of Pongo, plays an important role, the mother of the stolen Dalmatians. Even though the Disney cartoon characters seemed entertaining, the movie was very stressful.

Cruella De Vil decides to steal the puppies for their fur. The clip shows wanting to buy the puppies. When I first watched the movie as a kid, I truly believed that an animal network existed, where all animals could talk to each other around the world and help one another.

With that, take a look at the bumbling criminals. They are funny in this clip.

101 Dalmatians Trailer

6. Show Dogs (2018)

Max is a Rottweiler police dog voiced by Ludacris. His latest assignment is going undercover as a show dog in one of the top dog shows in the world. His human partner Frank, played by Will Arnett, tries to stop a disaster in the dog show. The cast includes Stanley Tucci, Shaquille O’Neal, Jordin Sparks, Natasha Lyonne, Gabriel Iglesias, and Omar Chaparro.

The movie is filled with owners and their adorable dogs.
The movie is filled with owners and their adorable dogs.

7. Dog Days (2018)

Dog Days is a movie for those who like to see personal relationships with dogs motivate the union. It touches on the theory of how dogs look like their owners. The film is worth seeing because it’s filled with vignettes of owners and their dogs. The story meanders as the characters intermingle, and romance ensues.

Here is a cute and adorable story for the whole family.
Here is a cute story for the whole family.

8. A Dog’s Way Home (2019)

Charles Martin Smith directed this happy tale based on the book by W. Bruce Cameron,A Dog’s Way Home. The heartfelt story is as sensitive and genuine as Bella, voiced by Bryce Dallas Howard, and her adventure—a dog embarked on a 400-mile journey home after being separated from her deeply loved human, played by Jonah Hauer-King.

Bailey, voiced by Josh Gad, he also voiced Olaf in the "Frozen" movies.
Bailey, voiced by Josh Gad, also voiced Olaf in the “Frozen” movies.

9. A Dog’s Journey (2019)

Director Gail Mancuso creates a film about friendships that transcend lifetimes. A Dog’s Journey, the sequel to the popular movie A Dog’s Purpose, followsBailey. He finds his new fate and develops a permanent bond, driven by unconditional love and friendships. Thus begins an adventure through multiple lives filled with joy, friendship, and devotion.

During an interview with Mancuso, she mentioned that all talent and crew had dogs, except the editor, Robert Komatsu.

The movie stars Willem Dafoe as a man in a race against time and the elements.
The movie stars Willem Dafoe as a man racing against time and the elements.

10. Togo (2019)

Ericson Core was formerly a cinematographer but directed the Disney movie, based on a true story and adapted from the screenplay by Tom Flynn. Togo follows a sled dog. In 1925, Togo led a serum run. People viewed the dog as too small and weak to pull a dog sled during an emergency race to save the lives of children.

The movie helped me become appreciative and happy about life. I loved seeing an underdog prove its worth.

Arthur is a smart dog that helps a man achieve his ultimate adventure.
Arthur is an intelligent dog who helps a man achieve his ultimate adventure. 

11. Arthur the King (2024)

A true story about a dog who guides Michael Light, played by Mark Wahlberg, who is desperate for one last chance to win the Adventure Racing World Championship. Over ten days and 435 miles, a bond between a pro adventure racer and a scrappy street dog companion.

Dog Movies for Family

Dog movies are great family movies because the stories are real, even though some dogs play basketball or talk. The story can be distressing, but the tension adds to the movie’s excitement, making the happy ending even more enjoyable.

Most of the time, the dog steals the limelight because they are so cute, cuddly, and innocent, validating the fact that we watch these dog movies over and over again.

Ruby Dee – First Black Actress in American Shakespeare

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Ossie and Ruby

Ruby Dee was not only an actress but a poet, playwright, screenwriter, journalist and activist.

Civil Rights

Often, with her late and talented husband, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee is a multiple award-winning actress. She lived through seven decades of accomplishments – first on stage and then on the silver screen. She lived to be an excellent ninety-one-year-old example of being a powerful woman.

Ruby Dee was a strong woman who held her own in adversity. She set a path for future actresses of any color.

Participating in the civil rights movement came naturally to her. Ruby Dee’s inner strength shone through in her performances and her participation in the civil rights movement. Her dear friends were Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr.

In 1970, Ruby earned the Frederick Douglass Award from the National Urban League for her civil rights work. She once said, “I never remember, like, saying, ‘Well, I’m going to belong – join the civil rights movement.'”

“I never thought about myself as an activist when we were coming along. I love the people I love. I didn’t care whether they could be a Democrat, Republican, communist… anything but a racist.”— Ruby Dee

Ruby Starred with Denzel Washington

Academy Award Nomination for Best Actress

Dee earned an Oscar nomination for her performance in American Gangster (2007), where she co-starred with Denzel Washington.

Directed and produced by Ridley Scott, the movie follows Frank Lucas, played by Washington, a hardened American gangster. The story is a fictional account of his criminal career. He smuggled heroin into the United States on planes coming back from the Vietnam War.

American Gangster

Married

Born Ruby Ann Wallace, she kept her married name, Dee, after marrying blues singer Frankie Dee Brown in 1941. The marriage didn’t last long, and she ended their marriage about three and a half years later in divorce and married Ossie Davis in 1948. Davis passed away in 2005. Their relationship held steady throughout their years together, as they participated in the civil rights movement and helped other black artists succeed.

Ossie and Ruby at the 1989 Cannes Festival

“I learned that having great sensitivity is important. But being strong is just as important.”— Ruby Dee

Long and Happy Life

Her life included an acting career on Broadway, film, radio, and even television. Both the white and black audiences cherished her skill and talent. Her long and happy life with Ossie stands out most because they shared many interests, including cultural and civil rights issues.

They spoke candidly about their marriage because it lasted so long. Both Ossie and Ruth talked about having an open relationship in one interview, though neither acted on it. Ruby once said, “‘Commitment’ is a marvelous word.”

“Do The Right Thing”

Her talent shines as Mother Sister in Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing. The 1989 drama-comedy launched Lee as a director, and he also starred as Mookie. Ossie Davis also starred in the movie.

Davis and Dee

“A Raisin in the Sun”

Ruby Dee was not only an actress but a poet, playwright, screenwriter, journalist, and activist. She starred opposite Sydney Poitier in A Raisin in the Sun, where she originated the role of Ruth Younger on the Broadway stage. Her list of books includes children’s books, memoirs and spiritual reflection.

Women’s Rights Activist

Ruby, a vibrant and gracious soul, supported and spoke about women’s rights. She performed her poem Call All Women on the Sundance Channel.

The video shows her performing a version of the poem at a friend’s memorial service. The final words in her poem are hilarious because they convey honesty.

“I think all human beings have a godlike, divine power, only most of us don’t tap into it.”— Ruby Dee.

Shakespeare

As mentioned before, Ruby starred in several Shakespeare plays. Peers and audiences spoke highly of her natural aptitude and skill. Her first performance was Katherina in The Taming of the Shrew at the American Shakespeare Festival in 1965. That same year, she played Cordelia in King Lear. In 1975, she played Gertrude in Hamlet at the New York Shakespeare Festival.

Because she was the first black actress to play a role in a Shakespeare play, she opened the door for many talented black actors.

Build a Successful Career in Film

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Film Career Paths

Becoming a Makeup Artist

Laura decided she wanted to make this her film career, so she contacted some notable studios. However, they wouldn’t hire her because she wasn’t a union member, and she needed a job to join the union – a common problem for most who want a film career.

But she never gave up. She got smart and contacted several independent movie companies. She did her homework and found out that those who work on independent films are not necessarily union members. With persistence, she talked her way into a job as a makeup assistant on a biker movie, helping the makeup artist do whatever they needed.

As these things happened, one thing led to another, and eventually she got a job working on a horror film, helping to create and apply the monster’s makeup. Although the work wasn’t easy, she enjoyed herself.

She still works for independent film companies that produce horror, science fiction, and biking movies. She doesn’t have a union card, but she makes a good living doing what she does best: creating monsters in film.

Laura advises those who want to do special effects makeup to get a job selling cosmetics. “Once you learn the basics,” she says, “you can offer to do makeup for school and community theaters or talk to your friends into letting you practice on them. The important thing,” she asserts, “is to practice your craft.”

There are many sound jobs in film, from production to post-production.
There are many sound jobs in film, from production to post-production. 

Career in Film Production

ADR/Foley Sound Recordist

Mike came out to Hollywood from Chicago. He had no definite plans yet knew he wanted to work in film. So Mike wandered around, working in temporary jobs in the film business, going to productions, feeling awkward and confused, making many hesitations and some embarrassing mistakes. He worked as a production assistant until someone offered him a job as a camera assistant.

The camera assistant suited Mike well. He was responsible for tracking camera shots. He also learned to set up the “road map” for editors and other post-production people. The experience helped land the job he has now, an ADR/Foley sound recordist. He was fortunate to be trained for this position, and it is now his permanent job. He is a success story of making it happen in Hollywood.

When Mike started working as an ADR/Foley sound recordist, his company was non-union. Later, the local sound union stepped in to organize the company, and Mike was able to join. Joining the union opened the door to many opportunities for many different jobs. But his love is ADR/Foley because it requires patience and attention to detail.

What does ADR/Foley involve? The hours are super long. Mike sometimes works a 15-hour day. But he is a union member and is compensated with overtime pay. He came a long way from being a confused and awkward production assistant.

ADR/Foley Sound Editors

ADR/Foley sound editors are part of the Motion Picture Sound Editors Guild. Being a part of the guild ensures proper wages and health care benefits while watching your back.

To get into the union, you need a job in any production. Sometimes, directors are looking for temp work. Like, they have a big production and are coming to town.

They need someone in the office at the desk, making thousands of calls to secure five hundred extras for a major shoot in a couple of days.

It might not be what you want to be or do in the industry, but it gets your foot in the door.

Film Career Websites

Multiple film career websites offer details on how to get into the industry. You can Google “film career,” and the list is endless.

The sites offer more than the fundamentals of breaking into the business. Experts or non-experts provide feedback and any information they want to share with the visitors.

I noticed the sites deliver knowledge and terms used in the business, including links to other websites. You can find data on any profession in the film industry by googling it.

FX offers many jobs, from working on the set to post-production.
FX offers many jobs, from working on the set to post-production.

How to Do Special Effects

Learning Hollywood visual and special effects is a way for you to work with animation and model building for film, television, and video and computer games.

Every medium uses special effects today. Learning about Hollywood special effects can open the door to a magical, artistic career that influences millions of people yearly. Apply the following steps to gain knowledge about Hollywood’s special effects.

A green screen is a common form of special effects. After the filming, hundreds of computer artists build the imaginary set.
A green screen is a common special effects technique. After the filming, hundreds of computer artists built the imaginary set.

Movie Special Effects

Become familiar with the fields of Hollywood visual and special effects. Visit bookstores, look over, and study the magazines on visual and special effects. Even subscribe to a couple of magazines that stand out with vital and informative articles about visual and special effects. Take the time to visit websites that pertain to the topics. Get to know the industry so you know these fields in Hollywood.

You can find vocational schools or colleges that offer special effects technology. You get hands-on training in subjects like Basic Motion Picture Techniques for Animators, Screenwriting Fundamentals, Introduction to Film, Video and Computer Animation, Contemporary Animation, Animation Production, Directed Studies in Animation, Case Studies in National Media and Film and Related Art.

How Relationships Work

Based on what you have learned during your vocational training, establish a relationship with a special effects post-production house. Students often take on internships through their schools and get in the door that way. If you are more of a maverick, you cold call, offering your knowledge and skills to independent film producers.

The nature of filmmaking tends to create instant close relationships. You share the drama, trauma, madness, and magic of creating images and stories that move people. It isn’t hard to keep the relationships up once “that’s a wrap,” but it does take some effort. Projects change, companies move, and people freelance around. You become forgotten if you don’t keep in touch.

Learn about computer technology because computers play a huge role in the film industry.
Learn about computer technology because computers play a huge role in the film industry.

Film and Gaming Careers

Working in game design overlaps with the film industry because there are similarities with movie franchises, developing a game like Jurassic Park, or a game becoming a movie like Tomb Raider.

A bachelor’s degree in Game Design prepares students for the competitive computer and video game industry. They can join game development teams in studios like LucasArts, Electronic Arts, Nintendo, and Sony, and even work in the military, architectural and educational fields.

Even though designing games is not the same as creating special effects for a movie, they are similar and require computer engineering and great imagination. You work in state-of-the-art hardware and software locations where you immerse yourself in all aspects of computer and video game design, from storyboards to polished products.

The software game industry growth is not slowing down, and revenues are steadily increasing. According to DFC Intelligence Studios, they are looking for talented game designers to join their development teams.

Giganews reported that salaries in the computer and video game industries vary widely. Prominent designers earn significantly higher wages than the average, depending on job requirements. Research by placement companies suggests that the average annual salary for designers ranges from $35,000 to $75,000.

Hollywood Studios

Just watching the latest Hollywood movies tells you that the big players are putting a lot of time and money into visual and special effects, which span movies, the Internet, and video and computer games.

Other careers in the film industry include makeup, hairstyling, costume, set painting, and more. Whatever your career path, your success depends on building lasting relationships with those you work with on each production.