Pablo Diez Posted March 18, 2012 Report Share Posted March 18, 2012 Hi there!, My name is Pablo, and I'm new to this community that by the way, I find it completely amazing. This is my first post, and I wanted to talk about some ways of getting gigs, I live in NYC but this can be useful to anybody in U.S. I believe. The first website I find myself using all the time, is Craigslist.com, I can find some gigs around there ( almost always low budget productions ) but is very good to keep the work going during the dry periods. The second one I use the most is Mandy.com, where you can find better profile gigs, but it requires more time to find them. The third place I look is Productionhub.com, I like this one, because you can create a more in-depth profile. But you need to pay in order to get the best gigs. I know that this business is mainly moved by networking and connections, therefore the more gigs you do, the more gigs you eventually get, but I believe is good to share some places that maybe can get you out of " slow time ". Finally, it would be very nice if anybody could tell me something that I'm missing or any new place to look, would be awesome. Thanks to everybody for your time and I hope you can get something out of this post. Best, P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
studiomprd Posted March 19, 2012 Report Share Posted March 19, 2012 Hi, and welcome... CL and Mandy are discussed here frequently. The industry "trades" publish information on upcoming and current productions, and there are several subscription (paid) services that provide production information (aka leads)... happy hunting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Blankenship Posted March 19, 2012 Report Share Posted March 19, 2012 Trying to find quality, well-paying gigs on Craig's List is like trying to find a virgin in a whorehouse. Both are possible, but... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RPSharman Posted March 19, 2012 Report Share Posted March 19, 2012 For well-paying jobs, I have NEVER received one by sending out resumes. I use IMDb Pro for listings, as well as findfilmwork.com, and I send out resumes all the time. I have done so for years. But I'll repeat, I have NEVER been offered a job this way. All of my "new" work has come from refereals from other mixers or UPMs, and each job helps me to establish relationships with new people who often hire me on their next job, etc. My very first feature length movie, "weekend warrior"-style over a number of weekends, was found on Craig's List. Not a single person associated with the project has ever worked on anything else, except me and the lead actress. So that Craig's List movie led to nothing. I don't mean to cast a dark cloud, I just mean to point out that it's tough out there, but if you stick with it and are prepared, then something will eventually come your way and will kick off your career. Be kind to everyone. It'll make for a more pleasant experience at work, and you never know who the next "big shot" will be. Robert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
studiomprd Posted March 19, 2012 Report Share Posted March 19, 2012 All of my "new" work has come from referrals from other mixers or UPMs, and each job helps me to establish relationships with new people who often hire me on their next job, etc. ... each professional job helps me establish relationships with new people who refer me, or hire me on their next professional job... We are artistic technicians who are interested in our craft, not the "really great story", or the ... "shot on a <flavor of the week>", or "everyone really believes in this project", or all the other <crap>. We are looking for a job, that is, we want to be hired -and paid--. It may be "their" passion project, but not ours; for us it is a business deal, a gig! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Visser Posted March 19, 2012 Report Share Posted March 19, 2012 I used to have a pretty low opinion of strippers myself, but low and behold, every time I go into a strip club, I see off duty librarians there. Who would of thought, beautiful body and well read? Remember that you can't always judge someone based upon preconceived notions of their occupation. I also see quite a few nurses. This would make strip clubs a repository for well informed and medically educated persons. Now, the only whorehouse I've ever been to, I walked out of and had my wallet pilfered from me, but I'm not about to unilaterally judge the character or virginity of every whorehouse based upon this one little experience. Trying to find quality, well-paying gigs on Craig's List is like trying to find a virgin in a whorehouse. Both are possible, but... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
studiomprd Posted March 19, 2012 Report Share Posted March 19, 2012 (edited) Hi Jim: So Sorry... you don't know what "the trades" are ?? Daily Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, both printed and online (subscription may be required) You don't know Breakdown Services ?? Mercury Report?? or others?? Google is your friend Yes, I started a thread called Cutting the Grass... discussing giving away equipment Edited March 19, 2012 by studiomprd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dominiquegreffard Posted March 19, 2012 Report Share Posted March 19, 2012 Trying to find quality, well-paying gigs on Craig's List is like trying to find a virgin in a whorehouse. Both are possible, but... Haha good one john! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Blankenship Posted March 19, 2012 Report Share Posted March 19, 2012 I used to have a pretty low opinion of strippers myself, but low and behold, every time I go into a strip club, I see off duty librarians there. Who would of thought, beautiful body and well read? Remember that you can't always judge someone based upon preconceived notions of their occupation. I also see quite a few nurses. This would make strip clubs a repository for well informed and medically educated persons. Now, the only whorehouse I've ever been to, I walked out of and had my wallet pilfered from me, but I'm not about to unilaterally judge the character or virginity of every whorehouse based upon this one little experience. Keep in mind, I wasn't judging people, I was discussing odds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnpaul215 Posted March 20, 2012 Report Share Posted March 20, 2012 What kind of jobs are you looking for? Anything? Reality/doc with run+gun rig? Boom op? One of the worst films I worked on (found the job on CL) had a great crew. They tossed my name around for a lot of jobs and made me a lot of new contacts. The producers on a lot of those hell projects may not give you the good jobs they promise down the road, but it gets you in the loop with crew people. I agree with Robert, that while I send out resumes/CVs when things are slow, I always get work based on recommendations, or people I previously worked with have something new that pops up. I would suggest listing on those websites, your local film office etc. I have picked up a few clients from my online listings. If possible link it to a website that you control and can list your experience, gear etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
studiomprd Posted March 21, 2012 Report Share Posted March 21, 2012 You don't know Breakdown Services ?? Mercury Report?? or others?? Google is your friend or: productionleads.com ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pablo Diez Posted March 21, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 21, 2012 Thanks a lot everyone for the opinions and sorry for my late answer ( I can't complaint, I was working! ). About CL I think that is like finding an apartment deal in Manhattan, you have to be 15 hours a day in front of the screen waiting for the dream post to show up, I don't think is worthy, too much time invested and little results, but hey, that doesn't mean that in a lucky day you can find a good client that is going to hire you 15 more gigs, I think that's what is about, networking and contacts lists. SENATOR mike, I didn't know the " industry leads " nor the " Breakdown Services ", I'm going to research about them, thanks so much, ( even though I've tried hundreds of combinations in Google search engine and almost all of them with the same three words, " Sound, Film, Job ", but never saw them before, really appreciate it ) I think it's going to be very useful. Robert, I think I understand now what CL could be useful for, even though it didn't work in your case ( neither in mine, yet hehe ) but I think I will continue looking for gigs, you never know!. John Paul, thanks for your answer, I'm looking for anything that is related to location sound recordings including ENG, events, run+gun, short films, featured films ... ( I think like everybody in slow-times hehe ) and the position ( as long as is not a slavery contract ) is not relevant for me ( don't take me wrong, I'm talking in the sound-related field ). But I'm sure I'm not doing post-production, not ADR sessions , Voiceovers... . I'm already a member of some sites, but I didn't search about a " local film office ", thanks I will look for it. Lastly, I know reference and networking plays a huge role on the sound mixer's life, wether we like it or not ( personally I don't like to deal with buro-crap, jerarchy, meetings and meetings that goes nowhere... and I know that if I don't do it, I won't eat, so is very good to know that everyone here have the same feelings towards this statement. Thanks a lot everyone, if I find a new outlet, I will post it ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
studiomprd Posted March 22, 2012 Report Share Posted March 22, 2012 almost all of them with the same three words, " Sound, Film, Job ", the references you are looking for deal with two out of three... and, BTW, most "movies" are no longer shot on "film" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OmahaAudio Posted March 22, 2012 Report Share Posted March 22, 2012 and, BTW, most "movies" are no longer shot on "film" WHAT? WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN? The next thing you'll be telling me is that Kodak has gone bust. You kidder... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheAudioSynthesist Posted March 23, 2012 Report Share Posted March 23, 2012 WHAT? WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN? The next thing you'll be telling me is that Kodak has gone bust. You kidder... hahaha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccsnd Posted March 25, 2012 Report Share Posted March 25, 2012 you can always use mandy to get on these jems - This is a No - Pay Position. PL Entertainment is seeking the following for the critically acclaimed web series produced and directed by Danielle Earle called "Brooklyn Is In Love." It has been nominated for Indie Soap of the Week, featured in Time Out, and the Village Voice. We are currently producing Season 2 of the web series, and we seeking the following: PA - Production Assistant - To help with promotion of the series, assist the cast and crew during our productions. DP - Director of Photography - at least 1 - 2 years of experience. Must be familiar with the Canon 60D Camera. Must be willing to volunteer ( 1 - 2 days a week for 4 to 6 hours - Food Included) Sound Person/Lighting - Must have 1-2 years of experience. Must be familiar with using the H4 Zoom on set and lighting setup. (1 - 2 days a week for 4-6 hours, Food Included) Wardrobe Consultant - We need a Wardrobe Stylist that can help search for costumes for the cast of Brooklyn Is In Love. Must have experience in Fashion Design. (1-2 days week for 4 - 6 hours - Food Included) Location Scout - Must help in finding locations, apartments, scenery, etc. for film shoots Again this is a Non-Paid Position, but you will be included in the credits, and have clip to be used for your reel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Futterman Posted March 25, 2012 Report Share Posted March 25, 2012 I've had some luck with a free listing on production hub. I've gotten calls from people who *gasp* don't haggle my rate down and call me back. Not really a site to actively seek employment, but it's worth checking out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnpaul215 Posted March 25, 2012 Report Share Posted March 25, 2012 Pablo - as for networking, even just working on jobs with new people works. Around here, there are pretty regular meet-ups of production people. Even you posting this probably put you on the radar for a few NY people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pablo Diez Posted March 30, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2012 John Paul - Thanks, is very good to know that, I totally agree with the idea of getting into new projects to meet new people. I recently found a website related to our industry that could lead us onto some work : www.simplyhired.com I'm still trying to get the hand of it, but it could lead to new outlets, maybe it's worth a try. Also, I was wondering if its better to send only my imdb profile and equipment list or the whole resume with all the info, degrees and yara yara yara... , for now I've been only sending the imdb + equipment list, it would be nice to have more opinions about it!! For now it works . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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