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How to Get and Succeed in
Your First Job in the Film Business
The Program
Do you dream of selling your script to a studio or directing
an Academy Award winning movie? Maybe being the president
of a film studio or financing and producing independent films
is your passion? Is negotiating a deal on behalf of a major
movie star or discovering the next big talent your ambition?
Everyone who has accomplished these dreams started somewhere.
That somewhere is as an assistant.
Whether it’s producing, directing, acquiring or distributing
films, financing or becoming a development executive, breaking
into the film business is tough. A rare few obtain an executive
position straight out of film, law or business school. It
is typical to see a recent Wharton MBA graduate in the mailroom
at the William Morris Agency or a former banking executive
working on a studio executive’s desk. Most people have
to start at the bottom—as an assistant.
Landing the first job “in the business” is one
of the hardest steps in a film career. It is designed to separate
those who want it from those who “really” want
it. If you “really” want it, this course will
help you get your first job and succeed in it. The assistant
job is the catalyst to great things. It is a chance to see
from the ground up how the movie business works and apprentice
with established industry people. The hours are long and grueling.
The demands can be overwhelming. In return, you will have
access to people and events that are life changing. Because
of this – the competition is fierce. Give yourself an
edge over the competition, by learning some invaluable insider
information from a former senior development executive/independent
producer with over 15 years of experience.
What You Will Learn
This introductory course covers the basic skills for obtaining
an entry-level position in the film business. Additionally,
it provides “inside” information and tools to
succeed in the high pressure, low tolerance and intensely
competitive world of the film business.
* Is this business right for you?
An exploration of the personality types and temperament required
to be successful in the film business.
* Prep to impress.
Basic information and impressive questions to ask to your
interviewer to make you stand out from the competition.
* I've got the job. Now what do I do?
* Crucial industry terms and “insider” jargon.
• How to read and understand the entertainment trades
• Methods to help anticipate your boss’s every
need
• How to run calls
• Basic elements of coverage/story notes
• How to read a script
• How to write coverage -- The class will evaluate each
other’s coverage.
• How to create talent lists
• The relationship between studios and production companies
• Overview of agents, managers and their relationship
to independent producers, studios and production companies
• How to create and run a productive office
HOW DO I MAKE THIS JOB WORK FOR ME?
• How to use the assistant position to get to next level
• How to build a professional network
• How to set career goals
There are classes that teach script development, production,
marketing and finance, however, “HOW TO GET AND SUCCEED
IN YOUR FIRST JOB IN THE FILM BUSINESS” gives you real
world tools to enter the highly competitive world of film.
Who Should Attend
Anyone who is considering finding their first job in the entertainment
industry, whether you are college grad or you want to make
a career change, should attend this class.
Eligibility Requirements
No prerequisites necessary.
Program Instructor
Karen Kaufman Wilson, producer and former development executive
at Disney Animation (TOY STORY, LION KING), Trimark and Fox’s
Monarch Pictures (DEVIL IN BLUE DRESS, ONE TRUE THING) and
State Street Pictures (SOUL FOOD, BARBERSHOP). Before becoming
an executive, Mrs. Wilson worked in production on BOOMERANG
and SUGAR HILL and as a reader for New Line Cinema.
Schedule/Costs
For Further Information
Jim Bouchard
jbouchard@csudh.edu/310-243-3729
To Register
310-243-3741 or 877-GO-HILLS (877-464-4557)
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