Is there anyway to get a decent paying job in the film world in NYC without knowing anybody? Stupid question?

Answer 1

No there isn't. You have to network like crazy. If you are already experienced it will be easier, but if you already were experinced then I guess you'd know someone who could give you some contacts. If you are starting out people will want you to work long (12 hrs+) days for very low day rates and no overtime, as well as treat you like crap. If you can get in good with a busy production company you can make a living on TV work, mostly cable shows. Otherwise most film work in NYC is "independent", meaning no or low pay. Real features hire union help, good luck getting into a union. If you really want to work in the industry - work as hard as you can, never complain, know how to drive big vans and get around NYC, and be good at networking, which means taking occasional small jobs for free if they are with the right people.

Answer 2

I admit I only skimmed what you said. The problem is any job you are in is ruled by authority. Even if you worked alone, you are still a slave to your consumers, as they can simply choose someone else to do that work. And they are as much slaves to you, as they depend on you. If you do not want a job where you have an authority over you, then you wish to be unemployed. The will to survive is to eventually find happiness, and perhaps reproduce. Yes, if you take a man down to the base of existence and past the conscious, he will fight for his life without cause, however everything above that has a purpose. If the will to survive was universal and causeless, when why would there be suicides? Lastly, jobs are NOT settling your existence into a little hole. It simply means you are giving to the community, and as such are being payed money that you can spend any way you want. It is not the end of a free life, as you could easily save up enough money to go to college. A job is more of a requirement for a happy life, not even for the money, but for the sense of working and earning what you get. It does not take away freedom, but instead gives you more freedom - Your father is probably mad at you because you are, to him, someone who is still leeching off of HIS earned money and not doing anything productive in your life. Get out of your meta-philosophical bubble and realize that in order to live in this world free from any resentment, you must first prove yourself independent of all welfare.

Answer 3

Sure, there is an apprentice program to train New Yorkers in film making.

Here is the website:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/film/html/news/092305_nyc_announces_fund_indie.shtml

Good Luck, you have to apply to the program.
Look on the website for information.

Answer 4

You have to start networking. I would wait tables at a trendy bar or restaurant. Start there and ask around.

Answer 5

Actually my friend hung around NYU and made networked.