New Media, New Venture

I am trying something new. I have partnered with MDistribute.com to license and distribute my original content for Mobile phones and the web. My first submission is a video ringtone version of some Ostriches feeding at Ostrich land in Solvang, CA. I shot this with a "Helmet Cam" attached to a feeding pan for extreme close up. I mixed the music with samples from Peace and love Productions.
If you produce music professionally or for fun you should check out their loop libraries.

Osrtich Feeding

License this Film Now

Job Hunting- Shooting arrows at the sun

So, in my quest for income, I've hit a dry patch. My last gig ended in August, 2 weeks earlier than planned and I've been out in the employment ether ever since. I search the job boards everyday and send resumes out whenever something looks remotely promising. I've had some luck with Mandy.com and Media-Match helped me get a gig once. But for the most part I get no response what-so-ever from these site listings. Most of the time, I don't even know whom I'm applying to! More often than not they say "Anonymous" or "Undisclosed!" I mean WTF? I'm supposed to tell you all about me and you won't tell me who I'm even sending this to?

I had one where the ad said they were looking for a year long commitment with some travel and final post in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I have relatives in NM so it sounded great. I was sent a 12 page application to fill out! A little unusual but, there were specific questions about Avid and other editing experience. They did ask for Social Security number but I left that blank. I faxed it to the number provided and then, ...nothing. I looked up the name of the Production Co. and found a listing in Pennsylvania. I called them and the receptionist said that they didn't post any jobs or send an applications like that. Then she remembered that another person called with same question the week before. I don't know who I sent it to, but I'm glad I didn't give them my SS#!

What's worse (I see this mostly on Craig's List) is the listing for jobs that are "Entry Level" and yet you are required to have tons of experience on all the latest software, Avid, Final Cut, After Effects, etc. and they only pay $11 per hour. Even more annoying than that are listings that explain everything they don't want! I saw this recently: "Looking for a sharp video editor that does not think they are Steven Spielberg for the rates they are asking." Anytime an ad has more about what they don't want is usually code for "we are cheap and difficult to work with". Similar to that is the more insidious phrase "Looking for some one who is a 'Team Player." These are huge red flags and I don't even bother applying. Note to potential employers: I am a Team Player, I want to be your MVP! Just so long as the rest of the team doesn't suck!

The third thing I've encountered lately is a listing that look's great, just the gig I've been looking for! I send my carefully tailored cover letter with links to my online reel, and resume to the email address indicated. I get a reply with instructions to fill out an online application. So I have to then break out the resume and fill in each field (apple C, Apple V) and wade through the myriad of pull down menus for the category that best describes you ( they rarely do). In my experience, these are not the jobs for me anyway, but I have to try. "Ya neva know!"

What do producers look for in a Demo reel?

I'm revamping my demo reel and I'd love to see some examples of "good" reels. Also I'd love some feedback on my current reel. Please send me links in the comments!

1985 My first video appearance! I'm mostly in the background but I am proud to have been part of it. Thanks Jim for posting this!

...and Back ground action!

It's people like this that made me go work in post!

Need a gift for the Editor in your life?

Media Offline T-shirt is a great gift for any Avid editor available at www.deerinheadlights.biz. They also have a selection of TV centric Ts.

Dumb TV Crap I Think about-Movie Editon! "The Wizard of Oz"

I know it's a movie but, growing up every year they would show this on Thanksgiving so I've only ever seen it on TV, so it counts.
This is what I think, Dorothy crash lands in Oz and is immediately blamed for the death of one person, the Wicked Witch of the east. Glinda The "Good" witch gives Dorothy the dead witch's shoes and tells her she need to find the Wizard and she has to walk the entire way. Glinda floats away in her big bubble. The Wizard, in exchange for granting the wishes of her friends, tells Dorothy to steal the Wicked Witch's broom and Dorothy accidentally kills her in the process. Then, after all that, Glinda tells Dorothy she could have gone home anytime she wanted. I would be pissed. I'd be like; "Are you serious? You put me through all this shit and I could have gone home anytime WTF? I KILLED SOMEONE!"
I have come to the conclusion that Glinda is as much a villain in this story as the Wicked Witch of the West. She wanted to protect her image so she took advantage of an innocent stranger in order to eliminate two rivals.
Stuff that in your turkey