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Topic: HELP. Breaking Into Broadcasting in Your 30s: How?
| Author | Message |
| mentat | Posted – 3/12/2008 3:20:24 AM | show profile | email poster This is for a friend of mine. I want to help him and I'm stumped. He majored in Theater Arts in college, hoping to pursue acting. Well, of course, like so many countless millions out there, that dream went down the toilet (he has anxiety issues that worked against him, so he never really pursued acting aggressively). He's miserable because he feels "stuck" in food service, doing mostly catering now. He's getting older, pushing into his mid-30s, has nothing to show for himself aside from a long list of catering and waitering jobs, and has gotten depressed. It's frustrating for me to sit by and watch him wallow in self-destructive self-pity, feeling he has no options. He thinks that applying at film and TV studios is out because, as he puts it, "All they want are bright, eager, fresh-faced kids right out of college who they can mold and shape to their whim." His undergraduate studies included things like lighting and sound design/engineering, so I figure there must be SOME way for him to put that knowledge to practical use. Unfortunately, I am all too aware of the obstacles that exist for anyone trying to break into an industry without prior experience. It's as if anyone who didn't at one point do an internship is just shit out of luck. especially someone who's done nothing but wait tables since college. Ideally he'd love to work at a TV station or even a theater company, but with no experience, what can he do? He is highly reluctant to take a $11.00/hour P.A. job since that would be a huge pay cut and he lives in a very expensive city. (Those kids working for $11/hour usually still have some help from parents or somesuch--my friend is in his 30s and has a lot of expenses.) One important note: He has NO extra money, so taking classes in TV production (or anything else!) is OUT. He has trouble making rent every month! So is he right? Is he doomed? Please help. If you have any advice at all I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks. |
| justthefactsman | Posted – 3/17/2008 8:27:42 PM | show profile I don't think he would have a shot at working in the production side unless he was doing something clearical. Does he know how to type and organize? Those skills are always helpful and he might be able to get in as an Administrative Assistant. If he's in a city like New York, I would think about going to the the local opera or symphony. The salaries there are pretty good, plus I've found to be lots of parties. |
| aameade75 | Posted – 3/27/2008 1:23:39 PM | show profile | email poster breaking into broadcasting He can always get some free training in production or as on air talent at the local public access station. He can even start his own show and put it on his resume. It's a really great resource. |
| poisenrogue | Posted – 3/28/2008 2:50:31 PM | show profile There is hope I work with people who break into broadcasting at all ages. He will have to go to a community tv station to get some experience though. If he's stuck in a big city, it will be hard to get a job though. Pay goes up the bigger the city, but tv jobs don't really pay that well unless you're on air. Hey, I'm 28 and graduated with a J degree when I was 26. I went from print to tv as a writer and producer. I love tv, but the pay is so bad, I can't live. Maybe he should try getting a side job at a local production company. A writer at my station wanted to do video, so she got a job at a production co. |
| J David Moeller | Posted – 4/16/2008 5:07:12 PM | show profile | email poster Breaking into Broadcasting... My near half century in show business (Feature Film, TV, Stage, etc) includes stints as a TV host and radio DJ in the Dallas, Houston & San Deigo and other markets. It's not easy. Lily Tomlin, when asked "How do I get into show business?" answers with the question, "Do you have to?" If you "have to", you will find a way. Do anything. Everything. Knock on doors. Take a class. Knock on more doors. Do it for free. Get experience any way you can. Do community theatre. Whether it's performing or Technical work, the principles are similar: follow any leads anyone you meet can give you -an introduction to the cousin of your butcher's brother's former high school football coach's sister who's a receptionist at a studio, theatre, or station. "Do you HAVE to?" Good luck to your friend. ------ J David |
| ManhattanMatt | Posted – 4/22/2008 1:22:46 AM | show profile Poisenrogue ... ...what city are you in? I wouldn't classify ALL television writing and producing jobs as being so badly paid that you cannot live. I know quite a few six, seven, and even EIGHT figure television writers and producers. But it is true that television is extremely difficult to transition into if you can't afford to take a pay cut. With no experience, especially in New York, you're looking at a $30K desk assistant job at the entry level. |
| sunnyskies | Posted – 4/23/2008 11:14:58 AM | show profile Forget about it. It's a horrid business. |
