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JobMonkey
Volume X, Issue #54
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Movie Work &
Asking for a Review
Who among us hasn't dreamed, at least a little, about how much fun it would be to work on a movie set and maybe even be a big star? Whether you have acting aspirations or not, working on a movie (or television) set is definitely possible - and maybe even easier than you think. In this edition of the JobMonkey Newsletter, we'll take a look at how you can be a part of the movie magic. Plus - how to ask for your annual performance review.
IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
Career Adviser: Ask for Your Annual Review!
Spotlight: Movie Magic Jobs
Advice Spot: Should You Pursue a Risky Dream Career?
Hot Jobs from the Job Center
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CAREER ADVISER: Ask for Your Annual Review!
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by Amy Lindgren
Do you know when your annual review is? In some companies the answer is a frustrating, "Never." As in, some bosses just don't hold reviews.
If you've never had a review and your company has no process either, you might feel a bit confused about how to proceed - or even whether you should get a review at all.
First things first: Yes, you deserve a review. You need the opportunity to ask how you're doing and to express your goals for learning or promotion. To make this happen, try asking for a "check-in" meeting. Then it won't sound as if you only want to ask for a raise, but that you're honestly trying to assess your performance.
To prepare, review the list of duties you've been performing, and match them to the original job description. If some things aren't getting done, ask yourself why and prepare to ask your boss if they're still a priority. If extra things are getting done, prepare to ask the boss if they are now a permanent part of the job. In both cases, it's just good to have a sense of clarity and agreement about what your job actually is.
Finally, think about what you'd like to have happen in the job over the next year or two. Do you want to learn a certain skill? Reach a certain salary? In your meeting, try presenting these as requests rather than demands, as in "I wanted to ask what it would take to get me to xx dollars in the next year?" For a boss who isn't used to conducting reviews, being collaborative might be your best bet.
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SPOTLIGHT: Movie Magic Jobs
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Are the lights of Hollywood calling to you? Becoming an actor isn't your only option. It takes huge teams, usually made of over a hundred people, to create what you see in the theatres. Here are a few other options:
- Movie Makeup and Wardrobe
Working as a movie makeup artist or in a wardrobe or hairstylist role might feel like a thankless job sometimes, since few people will know your name even if you win an Oscar, but without proper makeup and wardrobe, movies wouldn't be nearly as magical. In this kind of position, you could do everything from create the costumes for a period piece to bring a mythical being to life through makeup.
- Direction
All movies have directors, many of whom started as writers or even actors. You'll be responsible for giving directions when you're a director, working closely with both the actors and the editing team to tell a story. Directors have their fingers in all departments, so it pays to have experience in everything from makeup and wardrobe to sound to props.
- Writing a Script
Working as a writer is hard no matter what your field, but it is very difficult to have your screenplay produced. As a writer, you'll need to develop characters and a plot, and then find an agent to help you shop the script in Hollywood. Many writers get their start working on independent films or writing novels.
- Video Editing
The production team takes all the short clips a director provides and cuts it into the film moviegoers see at the theatre. They also do a sound cut for DVD and may additionally do special longer cuts or directors' cuts. This team also includes computer generated imaging workers, special effects teams, sound mixers, and more, so it isn't as simple as just sticking a bunch of clips together.
- Extras
Of course, if you are interested in acting, it makes sense to pursue this dream by serving as an extra - basically, standing in the background so the set looks more realistic. Extras don't get paid the big bucks, but this valuable experience gives you first-hand knowledge of what it's like on the set and allows you to network with others in the industry.
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ADVICE SPOT: Should You Pursue a Risky Dream Career?
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Working on a movie, especially becoming an actor, is definitely a risky career dream to follow. There's no guarantee that you'll be able to support yourself this way, but it's hard to hold down a regular 9-to-5 job and also pursue your movie dreams. In addition, most studios are based in California, so you typically have to be willing to movie there to get your start.
Acting isn't the only risky career out there. Pursuing any job where there are many applicants and not so many open positions if going to be a different path. Should you take that risk? Is the payout worth it?
Unfortunately, I don't have a cut and dry answer for you. While pursuing your dreams is something I highly recommend in order to have satisfaction with your job, taking that risk could also mean never fulfilling your goals and ultimately feeling disappointed (and in many cases, finding yourself with little money in the bank account). Whether or not you "go for it" is a personal choice! But I will say, in my own experience at least, going for it has led to great things. Here are a few things to consider:
- We rarely regret the things we do as much as we regret the things we don't do.
- If you try and fail, you can always go back to your old job.
- The fact that you're signed up for a jobs-related newsletter shows that you have more ambition than most people out there - and this drive is part of what it takes to succeed in a tough field.
Job satisfaction is only a part of life. You can also be perfectly happy in a less risky career, especially if you're surrounded by people you love. Before you take the plunge to pursing something like acting (or becoming a freelancer like me or taking any risky job) weigh the pros and cons carefully with your loved ones.
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