found changing filters or lenses, ordering equipment, slating the cameras,
setting marks for the talent, maintaining time cards for the camera crew,
and even getting their breakfast when they can't step away.
"This is not a desk job. The job can be physically demanding. You'll
work 12 to 16 hours a day, sometimes under unpleasant circumstances
(rain, snow, smoke, whatever . . .). Sometimes you may be employed for
months on end; sometimes you'll be unemployed for months on end.
This is the nature of the beast, and most people in the industry experi-
ence this on one level or another."
Special Skills
"While I always recommend a college education," say Gentile, "it's not
really necessary for most careers in the film industry. In my opinion, the
best skills for a career in film are: 1) People skills and networking. You
have to know a lot of people in order to work on a regular basis. And,
more importantly, they have to like you and your work skills and habits;
2) You have to successfully adapt to an ever-changing, unstable lifestyle."
Advice for Someone Seeking This Job
"Film school doesn't hurt, but don't get cocky," says Mike Gentile.
"Most people on a film set don't care where you went to school; school
doesn't prepare you for working on a film set and the rules of set eti-
quette (how to properly handle
equipment, procedures, etc.). If
you can, try to get a job at a
camera rental house or at least
visit them periodically. You can
meet a lot of ACs (assistant
cameramen--your future
bosses!) there and learn a lot
about the equipment."
Professional Profile:
Mike Gentile, Film Loader,
2nd Camera Assistant
Mike Gentile grew up in
Somerville, Massachusetts, and
attended Emerson College in
Boston, planning to become a
television news reporter/
anchor. "Once I began taking
What do you like
least about your job?
"The lifestyle can fre-
quently be unstable and
even problematic . . .
This type of erratic work
schedule can also affect
your personal relationships, usually in a
bad way."--Mike Gentile
What do you love most
about your job?
"As goofy as it may seem, one of my greatest
rewards has been watching my name scroll
by on the big screen of a movie theater.
For that moment, all the hard work seems
worthwhile."--Mike Gentile
VOICES OF
EXPERIENCE
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