Behind the Scenes—Careers in the Moving Image Industry

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Behind the Scenes—Careers in the Moving Image Industry

By Marcus Schaller

It's broad daylight, and Times Square is deserted.
Everyone has vanished.
The only car in sight moves down Broadway, then slows to a stop in the middle of what was once the city's busiest intersection.
There are no other people or cars; not one sign of life.
The driver's heart pounds as he stares through the windshield, trying to understand what has happened.

This dream sequence from the movie Vanilla Sky was not just an illusion created in a digital studio. It was filmed right here in New York, without the use of computers or other special effects. This extraordinary scene was the result of a complex coordination between the movie studio, hundreds of production crew members, and multiple city agencies. Thousands of New Yorkers were rerouted around Times Square in order to make the shot possible. It's just one example of how the streets of New York are among the most sought after locations for movie and television production.

On October 24, 2003, The American Museum of the Moving Image, New York Citywide School to Work Alliance, and the Advisory Council for Career and Technical Education joined forces to host "Behind the Scenes: Careers in Film, Television, and Digital Media," an industry forum. The event was organized to provide middle and high school principals, assistant principals, guidance counselors and teachers with an overview of the current state of the moving image industries, the skills required for entry, and the best ways to access career paths that lead to success. Through a series of panels of highly experienced industry professionals, the event offered real-world examples of careers in the entertainment industry as well as advice about opportunities for students.

A 2001 study by The Boston Consulting Group found that New York's film, theatre and broadcasting bring in a combined $5 billion annually and employ over 100,000 people. This comes as good news for those young New Yorkers interested in a career in film or television production, but who don't necessarily want to move to Los Angeles.

For every star that works here, there are hundreds of crew members behind the scenes. The diversity of panelists at the forum demonstrated how skills as diverse as wardrobe design, computer generated special effects, public relations and cinematography all come together to make movies and television shows possible.

The day began with a keynote address from Katherine Oliver, Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting. She explained that her office is a valuable resource for those who are looking for volunteer and job opportunities in film and television. Next was a panel featuring John McIntosh, Chair of Computer Art at the School of Visual Arts and Emily Reardon, Sesame Workshop (Sesame Street) Producer, who discussed the academic credentials necessary for careers in the moving image industries.

According to John McIntosh, students interested in special effects and computer animation should focus on traditional art and drawing skills. "If you can draw, we'll teach you how to use the technology. We look for fine art students, with or without the computer skills." Emily Reardon stressed that higher education is important, but added that many of her co-workers substituted extensive work experience in the field for advanced degrees. She added, "It can really help to have studied or worked in a related field—something that demonstrates a desire to contribute."

The second panel featured eight professionals that represented a range of specialties in the industry. Panelists included Annie Ballard and Paul Moore from the Motion Picture Editors Guild, Sol Negrin, Camera Operator and Director of Photography, Ellen Kroner, Vice President of Public Relations for American Movie Classics, and George M. DeTitta, Sr., President of Local 52, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. Other specialties represented included costume design, film editing and transportation coordination.

As for ways to enter the field, panelists suggested college internships and volunteering in order to gain experience and make contacts. The entertainment industry is highly competitive, so students should consider getting real-world experience in order to stand out. It is also a people business, so the ability to network and work well in groups can help. On top of all this, making it in the business takes a commitment to life long learning, hard work, passion, solid writing and communication skills as well as basics like math and literacy.

The different panels and discussions were moderated and facilitated by Rochelle Slovin, Director of the American Museum of the Moving Image. Ms. Slovin played a large role in bringing together the experts on the panel. She also provided key information for high school students and school officials to consider as they think about careers in the moving image industry. After the forum was finished, guided tours were offered for those members of the audience interested in learning about the resources available at the American Museum of the Moving Image. For those who have had long careers in film and television, the price of success was well worth it. They have followed their dreams, beaten the odds, and are now part of movie and television history. While this business is not for everyone, it can be a rewarding adventure for those with the passion and drive to succeed.

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Winter 2004 Issue

> Alliance Workshops Offer Wealth of Resources

> Behind the Scenes—Careers in the Moving Image Industry

> Making Scents of Your Future

> Coalition of NYC Non-Profits Advances Career Readiness