First up: a reminder to check out the Kickstarter campaign for Crew Call.
On to the real topic of the day! Holly writes in with a question that a lot of people can probably relate to right about now:
With a little over a week left of shooting, talk of “the next show” has already begun. Some people in my department are getting ready or sending bids out for their next job. I’ve only been on this show for 3 weeks. I was a replacement for a political hire who had to go back to school. I’ve managed to make some good relationships in a short amount of time. When the time is right (when is that time even given my situation???) how do I approach these people about bringing me on to another job? And is there a “wrong” or “right” person to ask? I’ve worked in post before but this is my first big production so its a bit of a new step for me.
Our showrunner is in talks to do another show soon. He has a tendency to keep the same staff. Any advice would help. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Asking the showrunner for a job is probably a bad idea; he’s got more important things on his mind.
But if people are talking about their next job, it’s alright for you to, too. The best way is probably to be direct– “Oh, you’re going to be working on X? That’s so cool! You know, I don’t have anything lined up, yet. If you need a good art PA…” Or, if they’re not in a position to hire, you can say, “Could you put in a good word for me with the coordinator?”
I’d basically say that to anyone you’re on good terms with. Certainly the art department coordinator, but probably the other artists who work out of that office. Even the art director and production designer, if you get along with them.
Basically, if they know your name, it’s okay to ask them to keep you in mind for the next show. This advice applies to pretty much anyone, no matter what department you’re in.
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