Get on the Carousel

I got some fantastic advice from SB, a Brandeis alumnus with sixty features and an emmy under his belt:

"Here's what I think - Hollywood is a giant carousel. If you can figure out a way to jump on it - or pay for a ticket - you're in. You might start by sitting on one of those lame ass benches for awhile before you get to stand or sit next to a horse - but you'll never get off again. The problem you're experiencing is the "how do I get on the carousel" conundrum. As long as you stay out in the "micro-budget" world - that's where you'll stay. Only once a generation does someone send out a funny e-Card and end up with SOUTH PARK. Everyone else starts at the bottom. But you're below the bottom.

My suggestion - find a way to get some caché. Get on the carousel - one way or the other. I'd look for jobs in mailrooms at an agency or a studio. I'd look for PA jobs in production offices. I'd right kiss ass letters to anyone you admire on a series or film - and prove how smart you are (in the letter). You need on to the carousel. Focus on that. Once you get on, then navigating your way to directing will be easier. Someone you work for will let you direct a short or a trailer - and eventually someone will notice you. But for now, nobody on the carousel knows you exist."

I've heard this advice before, but never phrased in such a clear, illustrative way. This approach appeals to me, so I've been looking for avenues in to the studios, agencies and production companies. In the process, I've been meeting some very interesting people (such as SB, who I had met before, and MK, who's a big-shot in the TV world, and most recently, a VP of Variety, who responded to a letter that I sent in the mail!) It's very exciting, humbling, and encouraging to see so many people give a little upstart from the East so much of their valuable time.

-Arnon