The Truth About Finding Work In The Film Industry - Andy Rydzewski
Vložit
- čas přidán 4. 11. 2020
- In this Film Courage video interview, Cinematographer Andy Rydzewski on
The Truth About Finding Work In The Film Industry.
MORE VIDEOS WITH ANDY RYDZEWSKI
bit.ly/2TUBFhs
CONNECT WITH ANDY RYDZEWSKI
www.filmandy.com
www.imdb.com/name/nm2198503
/ filmandy
/ filmandy
SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A MEMBER
/ @filmcourage
CONNECT WITH FILM COURAGE
www.FilmCourage.com
#!/FilmCourage
/ filmcourage
/ filmcourage
/ filmcourage
BUSINESS INQUIRIES
bit.ly/22M0Va2
SUBSCRIBE TO THE FILM COURAGE CZcams CHANNEL
bit.ly/18DPN37
LISTEN TO THE FILM COURAGE PODCAST
/ filmcourage-com
PROMOTE YOUR MOVIE, WEBSERIES, OR PRODUCT ON FILM COURAGE
bit.ly/1nnJkgm
Stuff we use:
CAMERA - This is the camera we have used to film 90+% of our interviews (over 200 interviews and counting) It continues to be our workhorse - amzn.to/2u66V1J
LENS - Most people ask us what camera we use, no one ever asks about the lens which filmmakers always tell us is more important. This lens was a big investment for us and one we wish we could have made sooner. Started using this lens at the end of 2013 - amzn.to/2tbtmOq
AUDIO
Rode VideoMic Pro - The Rode mic helps us capture our backup audio. It also helps us sync up our audio in post amzn.to/2t1n2hx
Audio Recorder - If we had to do it all over again, this is probably the first item we would have bought - amzn.to/2tbFlM9
LIGHTS - Although we like to use as much natural light as we can, we often enhance the lighting with this small portable light. We have two of them and they have saved us a number of times - amzn.to/2u5UnHv
COMPUTER - Our favorite computer, we each have one and have used various models since 2010 - amzn.to/2t1M67Z
EDITING - We upgraded our editing suite this year and we’re glad we did! This has improved our workflow and the quality of our work. Having new software also helps when we have a problem, it’s easy to search and find a solution - goo.gl/56LnpM
*These are affiliate links, by using them you can help support this channel.
#film #filmmaking #filmmaker
Is your view of the film industry realistic or romantic?
Both. I know there's a massive amount of work that goes into any production, but the just the thought of being part of a production in general is romantic to me. The idea of putting out a product that will be enjoyed by many is just plain romantic.
If I get to wake up eager to live out my day through my projects? I’m in! Total romantic.
However, I also know that on the side I might have to do something else for my financial independence from the industry. Realistically.
Both? 😅
@@PurpleFistPictures agreed!!
Answer: I think my view of the film Industry is romantic.
romantic lol
It's a gypsy lifestyle. Do a movie and make a chunk of change, then your unemployed until your next gig. Have to do a lot of networking and have a lot of contacts and constantly keep in touch with them and try to line up one job after the other. It's truly a feast or famine business.
is it weird that I'm getting more attracted to filmmaking
Thank you for this information! I changed my degree to film and production but I think I'm changing it back. I don't think I could live with that. I appreciate your feedback!
But it's worth it if you love film and the work
You nailed it!
@@sarahmcguire7332 i love the film/tv industry but man is it hard to find work where i am from. i landed my first gig about a year ago with a major studio and season 2 will begin shooting soon and i really hope i get called for it again
As an aspiring filmmaker who struggles with anxiety on a daily basis, this was very healing and affirming to hear. Thank you Andy for being so honest and vulnerable because you're helping people you don't even know when you speak truth like that.
I love how down-to-earth this guy is, despite everything he's been through. So humble. I'm inspired
This is the scary aspect of being in the entertainment industry for sure..
people don't be afraid of pursuing your dreams of being in this industry(I know I won't)...you could just be the next writer,actor,producer,etc
Yes it is
@@ahmedhashmi3584 True, but I think I like security better. I will still pursue this but I don't think I want to keep my degree as film and production anymore
@@ahmedhashmi3584 hi ahmed i see you watch these series as well. take care friend stay true to self.
You are providing a desperately needed service by people who couldn’t do their jobs without you so why don’t you all form a union so that you have stability to have a family and life that rewards you for the hard work that you do? People have got to demand that they are treated as the professionals that you are! Why do we allow the rich people to treat us like this? This makes me so angry to see how hard people work and then be treated like they are beggars just because we do an untraditional job? They need to provide wages that compensate for the irregular hours with rest periods and time off as well as full benefits. You will age out before a person with stability and you only have your health until you don’t and then they forget about you.
Now imagine pursuing this industry outside the US.
Facts
Canada is a manufacturing component of Hollywood. Its probably the only country in the world that a union will almost guaranteed that if you direct a film, one film, you will have given the next project when editing and so on.
@@MikelGCinema there’s a saying regarding CBC.. if you stay around long enough, eventually you’ll get your own show lol
@@RyanAnthonyDigitalMedia Quite accurate. So long as you display a picture of Trudeau on your desk.
@@RyanAnthonyDigitalMedia Very true!!! ha!
I was talking with a Uber Driver and I told him that I'm doing a degree in film, but I don't know if when I finish will help me to find a job.
He say to me " You don't go to the film school because you want to find a job, studying film is something else, above money"
This comment from the Uber driver has changed my life, and helped my to motivate my self and porsue my dreams.
I'm not rich and of course I need to work in order to survive, but what keeps me going is that for me is more important to leave something behind when I will be gone, something that will make the world a bit better.
So my advice is, if you are looking to build a normal life and have a salary don't choose film industry, do something else.
✌️
Thank you for the comment and for sharing your story (very interesting, BTW). Although I can't speak to which choice you should make, it love the idea of a stranger guiding someone's experience. Have heard others who have had deep conversations with rideshare drivers or while standing in line at the grocery store. Sometimes hearing advice from "strangers" is the best since they have no vested interest in getting you to do something. Maybe you can make a movie about it! :) Appreciate you watching the video. Thanks again and hope everything turns out well.
@@roastme2079 damn tell me more about your experience on film sets it’s really interesting
@@roastme2079 What I've found is that a lot of people who pursue filmmaking as an artist (director, writer, dp etc) think that they have a special talent for their interest in filmmaking. They think that it'll all work out for them because they managed to land in Hollywood and they're gonna be the next Spielberg or Lucas. But when they are confronted with the hard questions, like who are they as an artist, do they even have a voice, how do they plan on networking, etc, they draw a blank. They think, ehhh it'll just happen for them and work out. No worries. And then reality sets in that they have to support themselves and they come to realize that actually their wacky idea about alien frogs invading their hometown isn't going to get them into any festivals, and maybe somehow they find out from their wanna be agent assistant friend that there are parties they have to go to, but not certain ones, and you have to know how to schmooze. All that alone is enough to deter a lot of people. Truth is that many if not most artists are, like, effected by the time they manage to even land some form of representation, agent, lawyer etc. Sad thing is that many if most of them trying to get noticed in hollywood think that once they've landed an agent, that they're on easy street, but then they find out eventually that not all agents have the same ability to get them work, or maybe don't even have any ability at all. All the while, they stop focusing on making new projects to sell and maybe even networking and they wonder why they aren't getting anywhere. My advice is to become fantastic at schmoozing and networking, which is a talent in and of itself, and to have a laser focus on your desired craft. Without that focus, you're not going to reach your potential as an artist ever while simultaneously managing to land work.
@@roastme2079 thanks for the reassurance
As an entrepreneur I can relate to this guy. Even when you're making money there is this voice in the back off my head keeping me cautious
Same
Even a ”real job” is unsure. I worked in the printing industry for 25 years and that’s a dead industry now. Since the nineties the work I was getting was temp work while working on my screenplays and art. Now with the internet and youtube I feel I can get the work out and draw more clients. Not easy but I enjoy it.
I’ve been a chef for 15 years right now cause of the Rona it’s like back to square 1 lucky I go full time never do casual work why I picked the chef life
If you're writer you can pretty much go to any medium. Story is everything.
Hell yeah, I’ve been writing an original story, which is kinda rare to come by these days, but I’m hoping to get the book I’m writing on it published soon.
This was great. And so true. I’ve been in the industry from corporate, to sports to funded short films to tv pilots and almost 40 myself, I agree with all of that. Great honest interview.
I work in the industry and boyyyy-howdy, the physical demand of 12+hour days. I am chronically sleep deprived and looking to get out this year because I just can't do it. I can see a bleak future for me continuing on this path
Totally agree. That's why some actors and others in the industry setup up business.
A handful of actors owns production companies.
Even 9-5 employees have business on the side.
The only guarantee is uncertainty and the best you can do is diversify.
Thank you so much for being realistic and just blunt to me. I've romanticized being in this industry and have pushed away all the concerns and now entering my 2nd year of college and looking for internships I finally realized how tough it is to find work especially comparing to my friends who are able to find internships left and right in their respective majors. Film will always be a part of me but its time to be realistic and have a safety major where I will have a stable career that also allows me to be near the industry.
so which major are u choosing?
@@m4gix46 Ended up with strategic communications with a focus on advertising and marketing
Great hearing a more grounded reality of what it's like to work in the film industry. Also couldn't help but see the resemblance to john malkovich, and the mannerisms of Chris Evans.
I agree with Chris Evans mannerisms and if I may add a bit of resemblance to a younger Richard Dreyfuss
What he said was lacking and doesn't apply to everyone. Very talented people might find that they are always in demand while someone talented, gifted maybe even might find themselves hard up for work for a variety of reasons, typically those have to do with the state of their relationships. What he didn't mention is that that town is all about who you know, meaning that it's mostly about your connections and then your ability to capitalize on them. One thing I appreciated about his explanation was how brutally competitive it is. If you can't handle ridiculous competition, then you should not invest any of your time unless you can be satisfied working without any recognition of renown ever. Most people leave entertainment because they cannot endure the sheer isolation coming from lack of support, the lack of certainty and competitiveness. The first thing alone can take a lot out of anyone, famous and successful or not.
Completely understand this guys run.
Would love to give him a huge hug if I could.
Thanks man.
This dude really spoke to my soul
Back in the days of the big studios, the work was constant. Like a factory job. It was for life.
Just started a movie review channel, started taking movies more seriously, doing research and that's how i've come here. Never heard of this channel or this guy, but i'm subbing now. this was very insightful. great job!
@UCIh09jnP3Y438M5Sth4CwrQ Wow. That was a compliment and a half. Thank you!!
👀
Critical watch for Writers, Actors, everyone in Hollywood. Great info on no residuals for writers who sell to streaming services.
I'm a producer, I have banned both of my sons from entering the movie industry.
I already have a speech prepared, should I have kids one day. It can be a kind of hell at times.
could you elaborate please?
_Gratitude_ is a life-saver.
I receive residuals from Netflix on a consistent basis. If a show is SAG, which the lion share of tv and features are, at least actors are getting residuals. I can't speak to directors and writers.
I trully wish this channel existed in 2007. There where barely anybody around to guide you and teach you realistic strategies to balancing the film industry jobs and side job and other areas of life. Everything was dream talk, mis information, and lie. Im grateful for this channel and the people giving there life stories to help you have a happier career and life with the TRUTH and REALITY. 🙏🙏🙏
Well, studying film makes you realise that everything he said it's true...you never know if you are gonna get a job....scary but we need to power through. Great talk!
I dont know if i should feel comforted for not being a sole person in the same exact situation - or if i should get depressed, cause even after 16+ yrs in the industry i keep deceiving myself that maybe things will get better, maybe i might still one day find some stability, some certainty in my work and life...
Well, this interview really speaks my own thoughts and experience...
I like watching videos like this to kinda punch me in the face and ask myself if film is something I still want to pursue. Still is
OMG. Andy and myself have _very_ similar points of view regarding "film grain" of older television/cinema media. I, too, *love* film grain. It somehow makes movies more real. The gloss of today's entertainment, whether it is television or cinema, is so glossy it seems hyper-realistic, which separates me from what I'm trying to consume.
Yea the glossy or really modern look is distracting and looks fake
Wonderful series of videos! Love this gentleman's input.
What? There are no residuals from streaming like Netflix? How can they survive? Projects don't come every month but you have to pay bills every month.
Thank you to share. I think this talk can help a lot of people who face similar industry situation and unknow of future. We all need to be honest to ourselves so we have more courage to face all the challenge of Artists. Thank you.
i can relate brav. it’s a road most traveled.just keep going. one love.
Watching this on July 16, 2023, writers and actors currently on strike: I would love his take on the long view of Hollywood.
I prefer a friends with benefits relationship to the film industry. Cheers Film Courage!
Huh
...uh
I lived in LA pursuing entertainment as a career since 2014.
COVID ended that. My eyes are fully open to what LA is, what California is, and what working in the industry is.
All I know right now is: I'm not heading back. I've had enough.
@ghost robles LA is like Kings Landing in GOT--the people around you are always scheming, and (unless you are surrounded by a really trustworthy crew, which is rare) getting stabbed in the back is just a normal thing. In addition to this, it's uber competitive--there's a ton of money to be made, and people hunger for imagination and creativity they can profit off of like sharks hungry for blood. You have to be careful who you throw an idea to, because they might take it and run with it. There's a consistent expectation that you stay late and sacrifice everything to achieve--a constant push to be the best no matter the cost. To work 15 hour days 6 days a week no matter what. To keep pumping out content endlessly, giving little regard to substance.
LA doesn't produce art, it produces content. It's a massive factory, and whether you're a director, producer, writer, editor, actor--you are just a cog in a massive money making machine. If you're there by yourself, like I was, it's hard to make friends you can really trust, and even harder to make friends outside of the industry. People just don't know how to be fully developed, emotionally vulnerable humans there because you can't be--you'll get taken advantage of at every turn. There is a false image LA tries to present itself as--a city with roads paved in gold, that's laid back and carefree--but the truth is the entertainment industry needs desperate young labor to keep the machine running.
@@77xdivaokurrr7atsymbol6 Wow that was eye opening
All actors are paid handsomely, it just isn’t in any recognisable currency. It’s in experience. If you can act and pay your way it’s a good life.
I needed to hear this, thanks.
Thank you so much Andy.
When these streaming companies finally become profitable they will be expected to provide residuals. If they don’t then expect to see people creating their own platforms to distribute their films.
So insightful. Thank you! Stay strong guys
Thanks Emilio, you stay strong as well!
Very inspirational! But also very real and grounded, cheers for sharing Andy.
There's no guarantees or stability indeed. Took me years to realize this.
I am doing a graduation in finance and always wanted to have a career in film making as a cinematographer. All of the reasons that he mentioned is why I am still scared to drop out and pursue film making. I love it, I want to do it but I dont feel i have the balls for it.
It's true that the dream will being working in a banger film, BUT the beauty of arts is that you can always start on your own. Quite hard to motivate yourself and feel balanced between perfect craft and just good enough, but legit you can buy your own camera, lighting, and audio equipment and start your own. I think it'll be great to do it as a side, but as a freshman who's full sending in film and audio engineering degrees and occupations, I accepted that life is meant to have fun responsibly. Sometimes, the work without the label and stress is worth more than having it as a main occupation. I ended up developing the view of life as a bunch of side quests meant to be accomplished lol.
i literally have no clue what else to do, the only thing that interests me is film industry, particularly production design and art direction. i know it’s incredibly demanding but..
Hi Seni,
In this case you may find more value in these 3 interviews - czcams.com/video/Z6sLO_sZHy8/video.html and czcams.com/video/p29vj8rZRIw/video.html and czcams.com/video/kclup5dc9oM/video.html
@@filmcourage aw thank you so so much, didn’t expect you to reply!! great interview by the way
i love ur pfp sm but sameee like nothing else interests me other than film i have no idea what else i should do that would actually make me happy 😕
Interesting interview for sure Gratitude is very important . To answer your question I think when I was younger I was romantic about the film industry now it's very realistic
i want to be friends with this dude 😂seems like such a cool guy
Fascinating.
Good vibes from him!
Andrea yep very sincere good guy here
Really good outlook!
I worked with Andy on a streaming series as Unit Stills Photographer + BTS, and he was amazing to work next to! Great guy!
Very good episode
Grips, electrics, drivers, 1st ADs, 1st ACs, all in short supply in the Toronto area film industry. Anyone qualified to work in these areas, will work. The issue is that 99.99% of film school students look down on all these roles and only wish to train as directors. I direct, but I am also a flight booker, location scout, continuity supervisor, you name it.
I’m planning to study film in toronto after graduation, and i’ve been feeling discouraged that maybe i won’t find work. I really just want to be apart of a team and productions and find work in film, even if it’s not making every creative decision. In the Toronto film industry, would you say there are plenty of jobs that aren’t director roles? Trying to be hopeful
it’s pretty daunting as a young person researching, watching youtube videos on the topic. Especially when i try to be realistic. Because i’m trying to be hopeful for what i really want to pursue but all i see are videos about the dark side of the film industry, mixed messages on whether film school is a waste of time
@@lilychiasson2890 If you're willing to work and don't want to be the director, lot's of jobs available, yes. Be prepared to get up at 5am, work 12-16 hours and do it again the next day. Then get laid off and looking for your next job. If you're young, think carefully about a film career, it is very tough.
@@rboddington Cheers for these comments
thanks a lot
Great advice here.
gratitude, I agree
It was romantic when i was in school. I went to Juilliard for Drama and graduated in the pandemic. I had stars in my eyes about it growing up, but heartbroken to learn that the industry does not care about the art…but only the money.
So true.
I’m aspiring to be a screenwriter for films, I’ve come up with an original plot and I am currently writing it out as a book that I hope to publish.
If it goes well, my plan is to sell the story to a producer and co-produce it as a film.
Anyone in the Philadelphia area that wants to work/learn together?
I’m new and need to network.
I also write, but I’m looking to learn about every aspect of film.
Look up filmmaking groups in your area, especially online
What a great guy
This man hits the nail, Buddy's sister is a stage hand , 40 years old no relationships. Cool work but somewhat sad, and yes very unstable , she worked on house of cards
@CZcams Freak Sure i will pass it along! Yeah nice lady
I love that Tim Blake Nelson is getting this kind of role!
I chose a film degree (UK) and I massively regret it. I'm about to go into my final year and after that, I have no idea what to do. I want to take a route in business but am not sure how to and maybe having to go back to university and study for another degree for the next 3 years. I chose film because I thought it was stable and enjoyable, and since learning it I have fallen out of love with the art.
dude I am in ninth grade in sweden so basically 1 year of from choosing a path In life. and i find the film industry really interesting but after seeing this video and your comment i got unsure. do you have any thoughts?
@@hanneslidehall3710 Yes, Im going into my second year and its hard to be honest cause I've romanticized this idea of being a filmmaker but I don't think I have the grit to stay. I decided on double majoring just as a safety and also with my 2nd major, It would provide me with experience and networks to work near/within the industry. So first you need to be realistic with yourself and ask if you want to pursue it and if you still do then I think you should have a back up plan just to be financially safe. best of luck!
Finally someone just says it how it is!!
what a nice dude
Big King Andy Rydzewski
Oh, wow! I didn’t know that streaming services don’t do residuals!
Cool dude
The struggle is real.
Simple truth
The best thing I ever did after graduating university (engineering) was to take the time to enroll in a financial literacy class. The way most of us are taught about money, the habits we learn from our parents, friends and media, are incredibly detrimental to our financial situations most times. There’s a reason why the rich get richer. They know how to play with money and they teach it to their kids.
I was surprised at how little it takes to start on the journey to financial freedom even (especially?) in my twenties.
what's that financial literacy class you enrolled?
@@adershgr hi. I’m in Kenya and it was a Kenyan course, but I think you can find one anywhere in the world if you search for it. I started out reading financial literacy books before taking the course. The book that came closest to what I learnt in my course was “The Barefoot Investor”. It was written with an Australian audience in mind, but the guidelines in it can be used in different country contexts when extrapolated.
We gotta hit the film lotto
above the line, cast or crew...it's all a gamble. But you can always fall back into the BG morass.
Bg
If the ratio between making and earning is greater than 40:60....production companies should have reasonable days to shoot. It will help to make better product.
This guy is cool
As a set dresser, I can attest to this.
Ditto as an actor and a background actor.
In all honesty, I saw a film the gentleman in the interview produced and it's just another cringy timewaster. So in the end realities are different, but respect for the work ethic.
This guy is talking the truth
I'd love to see Andy Rydzewski with Erica Wernick talk together
It’s tough to have an steady gig. I would look for other sources of revenue like CZcams or other stuff.
I have a CA CDL Class A License and would like to drive for a studio in LA if anyone is hiring drivers. Had my CDL since 1987.
Water is your friend. So is a pail bucket wash!
✅🤙
I would save some money if I got paid for acting or film. If they stop buying high price cars, and 10 houses etc. They can have some money saved.
You can rent one or two of those houses.
Jeepers, coming from 16 and 35mm film to digital, relief not to see the shitty grain. 😭 How retro has now become fashionable. Peeps talk about digital noise, I don’t think they really understand what we had to put up with.😭
i mean construction work is kind of like that too
The entertainment industry is a joke. You make absolutely no money or you make too much. There is no steady paycheck at a reasonable pay rate growth.
U get a steady pay check for steady working. As a director, you cant expect to get paid unless you’re working on a film. It’s like asking for paycheck from a job you dont work at anymore.
Who is this guy?
Important enough to be interviewed
The money is not there for most
Sad to hear some of this .. i guess i need a different approach, too much romanticism not enough realistic thought until behind thebbig scenes
I'm in the so called real world, it's 8:30pm and I'm a temp employee and have been since Obama's election. I wouldn't mind it so much if I was passionate about my work. This is why I write.
Also, Johnny Carson was the best.
Agreed on Johnny Carson! As always, thank you for your comments Lon. Hope you're doing well.
What about canadian film industry?
I mean at the end of the day everyone n anyone can do it so it’s unlimited 💀
It's sad because it's true 😭😭😭
How does a nobody from the middle of nowhere become an agent?
Are you jewish?
Move to a city, get a job as an office runner in a big time agency and then get to be an assistant agent during this time build up your own list of 'clients'. When the time comes become an agent and represent your clients. Get it in your contract that you can have full control over the actors you sign then bam you are an agent.
Please keep KERN county in the past like ten years of past no new movies or tv shows and no news real that is of now except emergency and the alearts
You want to make a movie but you do not want the movie to be to cheesy am I right?
Either way you want to solve problems in society
Just sneak on. Then don't leave. Worked for me. Bring a tent!
No residuals! Yikes!
The life of a freelancer.