Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: How can I codify these career goals?

This is topic How can I codify these career goals? in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Douglas Carmichael (Member # 1930) on 09-03-2004, 02:45 PM:

(I'm posting this here even though it's not strictly LFF-related because I know that LFF/special-venue people have dealt with some of the things I've talked about in my goals.)

I've been thinking about where I see myself in ten years. While I have been able to codify what I see myself doing as part of the job, the part that I am not able to codify is both how to describe it and what type of position/occupation it would be described as.

Here are the elements of the position I have thought about. Does anyone have a clue as to where you would see this type of position and what you would describe it as?

* Building/specifying, managing, and maintaining computer systems/networks used in A/V applications (Includes: UNIX system administration, Mac/PC support, Cisco hardware, etc.)

* Producing audio content e.g. as a production assistant mostly on the audio side because that is where my interests lie, but also having a healthy knowledge of video.

* Integrating multiple A/V devices and elements according to specifications for a facility or production. (show control, facility integration, e.g. theaters, conference rooms, etc.)

* Coordinating special events/productions according to the requirements of the facility, including managing all technical elements and liasing with event management.

* Mixing live/broadcast audio content in real-time when needed.

Any comments welcome.
Thanks.

--Douglas

Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 09-04-2004, 02:53 PM:

The reason you are having difficulty codifying all of that is that your experience/interests are a bit scattered.

I don't know what your goal is but, just in case you plan on making a living in Showbiz, I should tell you that Hollywood does not trust a "Jack of all trades." There are always exceptions but, as a rule, people in sound tend to stay out of picture and vice-versa. Creative types stay out of technical areas. Production folks stay out of distribution/exhibition.

And it gets more specific than that, too. The production of Music, Effects and Dialog tracks are all specialty areas -- subcategories of sound dept. -- as is final mixing. Certain writers are hired specifically to "polish" dialog, whereas others are better at doing major rewrites or perhaps enhancing structure. Makeup is a separate department from hair. In some circumstances, wigs require a specialist. So if you plan on working in Hollywood my advice to you would be to choose a very specific area of specialization and leave everything else off of the resume.

If you have no interest in working in Hollywood, and if you're really passionate about doing everything on that list, then you might consider starting your own audio-visual company someday. Maybe you would consult on new projects, sell or rent equipment, provide installation or troubleshooting services and create content. Your level of expertise and current market conditions would determine whether you could do this part-time or full-time; with staff or all by yourself.