How I got into the film industry
Here's the short version. I like movies, I had a course in TV broadcasting in college and then I interned at a TV station. Being involved in film crew jobs is more of a hobby right now, but I see it as potential for a future if the work ever comes to this state with any consistency.

Projects I've been involved with
-- "Bite Me: The Movie"
Excuse my french. It's a vampire movie. Going to the first shoot weekend for my first film project was like going to summer camp. After one meeting and a couple phone calls I was in a car driving to a cabin in Luther Michigan with a person I didn't know. As Best Boy, I would be assisting the Gaffer in lighting. The script titled "Bite Me" was in my hand and I'm skimming it to wrap my head around what I was getting myself into. At the end of the weekend I had met a lot of interesting people and worked harder than I had ever before, but I was excited for the next weekend. I was hooked.

-- "Harmless Thoughts"
My second film crew role was as Lead Lighting Designer or "Gaffer" (hey i'm already moving up). This project was a genre shattering and unique film called "Harmless Thoughts". Using the experience I had gained from my earlier work proved useful as I was relatively unguided in the lighting design. Experimenting with light on sets and getting it camera ready is a creative and fun job. It's rewarding to immediately see your work through the viewfinder. This production offered an opportunity to take my creative vision to the next level and seeing it come to the big screen was a joy. 

-- "Everyday Outdoorsman"
Currently I'm working with a local producer on a startup hunting show. We are currently producing some episodes and are exploring sponsorship opportunities. This project offers  a chance to do two things I love, produce video and doing outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. I found this work by searching the tv / film / video page on Craigslist.

On working for no-pay
An aspect of being on film projects that I can't highlight enough is the feeling of community with the other crew. Working on no-pay projects has a unique benefit. At the end of the day when everyone is dead tired people are still eager to pitch in, because they love what they do. Not to mention that you never know what crew member might be the next Sam Raimi and hopefully he or she will remember you. Also it is my impression that you need to have documentable credits to get any paying jobs.

Developing a film career
To work your way up you have to do projects for little or no pay. This allows you to build a resume. Without some documented credit in productions you will not be admitted into the film unions. These unions are the gatekeepers for big budget productions. Hopefully the film incentives that Michigan is offering will stick and the amount of talent, crew and most importantly WORK will grow. Without quality individuals in the unions and guilds of Michigan, the studios will pass over our state.

Check out the Related Links section on this page to get to the following resources.

• Mandy.com - a film and TV site where you can find postings for cast and crew jobs - most are low or no pay
• Craigslist - tv / film / video jobs listings page
• Visit the Michigan Film Office for up to date information on job postings, training and more.
• Daft online is a great resource for events and training.

If you already have film experience here are some resources for getting yourself on the radar of bigger productions.

• Register yourself in the Michigan Production Guide
• Submit your documentable film credits to the film and stage unions in Detroit. If you've been credited in films give them a call. They will direct you on how to submit your resume for review.

IATSE Local 812 is Detroit's Motion Picture Studio Mechanics Union.
IATSE Local 38 is The Detroit-Pontiac Stage Employees Union.

"Bite Me: The Movie" - Official movie site
"Harmless Thoughts" - Movie page on MySpace