Chapter 9 Summary: Getting a Gig

There are a variety of ways of getting your first gig.  Personal connections made from low/no budget projects help.  It helps to identify the potential work where you live:  film schools or universities with film or drama departments, video production houses--especially those that make music videos, ad agencies, DVD development companies and web designers who use motion graphics.  Internships are another place to start, however make it clear how long you are willing to work for free and what kind of work you are willing to do in the beginning.  Early in your career, you may take a flat-fee arrangement.  Again, the author cautions a clause specifying an end date.  Some people charge a sliding scale:  ad jobs and other work where the job is less creative must pay well, while a low paying job is acceptable if it is artistically satisfying.  Once you have a solid portfolio, you may consider an agent.  The advantages are that the agent is a more savvy negotiator, will look for work while you are busy on another job, and make sure you get paid on time.  However, the agent will take a cut, sometimes even on jobs you got on your own.  Additionally, you will be expected to be on call.  Unions for storyboarding are mostly unnecessary outside of LA of NY.  The small union is called #790.  You must work 30 days on a union job to become union.  Some people respond better to the more regular hours and security of an in-house job, some thrive on the more unpredictability of freelance.  In the beginning you may have to take any and all work that comes your way, but at some point you should determine what work and lifestyle works best for you.