NEed a JOB!
- Thread starter nate
- Start date
D Rusak
Jedi Council Member
Yes, thanks for the suggestions. I actually am doing many of these for a while- have had a linked in account for about 2 years (never got anything through there though. My account is set up for music only though, I guess I could try to make multiple accounts, which I didn't think of). I've had a website for a while which people seem to check out- although everyone keeps commenting that I need a lot more pictures, head shots, etc. Also that I need more recordings, which unfortunately I can't afford right now (might be able to get the recording part for cheap/free, but then I need a good pianist. I don't know ANYONE who would do it for free, been putting the word out but no luck yet). I have a couple of videos now but only one is professionally done, the others are just ones someone took. Personally I don't think they are that bad but I guess everyone wants the best here. I am hoping to add a few more tracks from a studio session I just did though, when they are finished with the project.
I've had a facebook page for a while which I use just about exclusively for work/promotional purposes. Again, haven't gotten anything through here but it is good to remind people I am alive, to contact people, tell them about gigs I have, etc. So we'll see.
I actually find people, well, at least the real people, to be pretty real out here. Yes there are a lot of dreamer flakes and floozies, but in the east I felt a huge prejudice there if you weren't homegrown or didn't come through the proper channels/hierarchy. People also seemed a lot less open-minded out east, in my opinion, though I think racial and class prejudice is worse here, if that makes any sense. Maybe out here so many people have moved from somewhere else, people can remember what that is like and give you help or a chance. I really wasn't expecting this though. Now I just have to hope I run into someone who knows of an open job!
PS- Busking hasn't raised a whole lotta money for me yet unfortunately. I have been doing this a couple times a week, usually I really don't make much before I get chased away. I think it's because I don't do it during the busiest times, during which I have this other gig until Christmas. You have to buy a permit in this one area of town that's pretty busy and I just haven't had the extra dough to spend yet for that. The main area I go to is pretty busy also but there is a (free) permit lottery, I have not lucked out with this yet either and that's why I've had to leave early (for playing without a permit). Maybe I need to come up with a crazier gimmick like this guy _http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Perry_%28musician%29 I'm not so good on roller blades, though! (PS- This guy is super nice by the way)
I've had a facebook page for a while which I use just about exclusively for work/promotional purposes. Again, haven't gotten anything through here but it is good to remind people I am alive, to contact people, tell them about gigs I have, etc. So we'll see.
I actually find people, well, at least the real people, to be pretty real out here. Yes there are a lot of dreamer flakes and floozies, but in the east I felt a huge prejudice there if you weren't homegrown or didn't come through the proper channels/hierarchy. People also seemed a lot less open-minded out east, in my opinion, though I think racial and class prejudice is worse here, if that makes any sense. Maybe out here so many people have moved from somewhere else, people can remember what that is like and give you help or a chance. I really wasn't expecting this though. Now I just have to hope I run into someone who knows of an open job!
PS- Busking hasn't raised a whole lotta money for me yet unfortunately. I have been doing this a couple times a week, usually I really don't make much before I get chased away. I think it's because I don't do it during the busiest times, during which I have this other gig until Christmas. You have to buy a permit in this one area of town that's pretty busy and I just haven't had the extra dough to spend yet for that. The main area I go to is pretty busy also but there is a (free) permit lottery, I have not lucked out with this yet either and that's why I've had to leave early (for playing without a permit). Maybe I need to come up with a crazier gimmick like this guy _http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Perry_%28musician%29 I'm not so good on roller blades, though! (PS- This guy is super nice by the way)
seeking_spirals
Padawan Learner
D Rusak said:
There is a local band out there called Drugstore Fanatics that have an ebook on their website entitled "How We Made A Studio Grade Album For $190" available for free download. I haven't read it as I haven't any music to record :P but their album does sound really good, like it was professionally recorded. Their album is also available for free download on their website. Anyway I know recording can be expensive and reading your post reminded me of that ebook, which may or may not help, but may be worth a look.
Here is the website: _http://www.drugstorefanatics.com/page.php?id=3
Hopefully this helps and goodluck!
Tom
D Rusak
Jedi Council Member
Hi, Seeking_spirals
Thanks for the link. Frankly, I don't have anywhere near $190 that I could throw at something like that right now, things are just way too tight. Unfortunately the book is rather misleading...they spent $190 for NEW equipment (drum heads, and a bass amp and cab rental). They already owned all sorts of mics, cables, recording equipment, etc.- right off the bat they say, "I'm going to assume that you have a basic home studio setup with a few toys laying around." I don't have anything of that nature. I do have a little zoom recorder though which could work okay it's not really the same as a real recording studio. They edited the recording themselves, which requires knowhow, more equipment, and software, which I don't have and am not familiar with. They also say that they cheated- they mastered the album with a big time engineer- which usually costs A LOT (the guy they mentioned would be in the category of 2-3,000+ easily, unless they knew him personally and worked out a deal) and makes a HUGE difference! Very misleading I must say, although it was an interesting read to think about how much projects like these could cost (any recording I've done has always been paid for by someone else- usually on someone else's project).
But the major concern as I mentioned is getting a piano accompanist who would learn material and dedicate time to rehearse and record. I don't know anyone who would do that for free, people just don't do that unless it benefits them somehow (I guess I need to start thinking about how I could make that happen). I've made some inquiries around and am just getting overwhelmed with no's (without even getting into price- just based on time they'd need to learn stuff), or it would cost several hundred dollars to get someone to learn material and record. So that's on the back burner for now it seems.
Thanks for the link. Frankly, I don't have anywhere near $190 that I could throw at something like that right now, things are just way too tight. Unfortunately the book is rather misleading...they spent $190 for NEW equipment (drum heads, and a bass amp and cab rental). They already owned all sorts of mics, cables, recording equipment, etc.- right off the bat they say, "I'm going to assume that you have a basic home studio setup with a few toys laying around." I don't have anything of that nature. I do have a little zoom recorder though which could work okay it's not really the same as a real recording studio. They edited the recording themselves, which requires knowhow, more equipment, and software, which I don't have and am not familiar with. They also say that they cheated- they mastered the album with a big time engineer- which usually costs A LOT (the guy they mentioned would be in the category of 2-3,000+ easily, unless they knew him personally and worked out a deal) and makes a HUGE difference! Very misleading I must say, although it was an interesting read to think about how much projects like these could cost (any recording I've done has always been paid for by someone else- usually on someone else's project).
But the major concern as I mentioned is getting a piano accompanist who would learn material and dedicate time to rehearse and record. I don't know anyone who would do that for free, people just don't do that unless it benefits them somehow (I guess I need to start thinking about how I could make that happen). I've made some inquiries around and am just getting overwhelmed with no's (without even getting into price- just based on time they'd need to learn stuff), or it would cost several hundred dollars to get someone to learn material and record. So that's on the back burner for now it seems.
FWIW, your currently in the "Movie Mecca" industry of the world. There are tremendous opportunities for employment by casting companies that are constantly looking for new, and talented people in all aspect's of the movie business, including opportunities for musicians for movie scores. This not meant to derail your attempts in seeking what you come Hollywood to accomplish, just provide a little extra cash during the leans times, for beans and hopefully a little bacon, and or some funds to buy the needed equipment you are needing.
Casting agencies are always in needed of people, to fill in on sets on movie lots, as well location shots. People of all shapes, sizes, ages, and ethnicity's, for commercials, voice overs, crowd scenes, (people used as background shots called atmosphere shots, that are established in a public park, that are carefully choreographed, and controlled which at times are handled by second unit directors) and what ever.
Agencies are always loaded with a roll call of current work that is available of what they are looking for to place people to go location production's, dressed and ready to go using your inventory as to wardrobe department at a studio. If one is to sign on they will be (the agency) interested in every aspect of what you might be able to offer including props, that you might use as means to survive out in the real world. I your case a musical instrument may by be part of the roll call not to play, (or maybe to play but that also come under another union as well), just to be included in the scene with you. Any acting experience as well as musical background will a plus to increase employment opportunities.
The time spent and the wages very. Some times it can 4 to 6 hours a day ranging from $ 70. (non union) to $135. at current union scale union wage. If the set is all union that day you be unionized for the one days work and pay a small fee to the local as well what fees are collected by the agency. If you by chance are given a talking line for what ever reason the union will at this time ask if want to join, as talking lines continue to pay residuals every time it plays or airs where ever.
What is also a plus in this environment is that you will meet other musicians subsidizing there income for a little extra cash like yourself, until another playing gig comes along or to help with there educational pursuits.
There was once a time many moons ago that a friend and i (he was more into it then i, though as i always and had interest in Tinseltown and the movies industry) and we would go to locations shots in San Fransisco and see if the casting company needed any extras that day (back in the 70's). Sometimes we were lucky, other times we would stand the out skirts of the shot, trying to pick up some of the knowledge of the industry and watching them during production's.
There was one commercial i participated by chance. It was for car commercial. Having some JR. college drama experience i wasn't bashful and approached the film crew that day (making the commercial) and asked if they needed an extra for the day, and they did. There was an agency rep there on location and signed me right up. They were short as sometimes people don't make the location. I think i was there for about 3 hours, and in the final shot of the day i pulled a sort of Buster Keaton move and thought nothing of it just to do something different then the extras that i was working with. We got payed for that day and life goes on. Then a 2 month's later i remember i received another 2 checks in the mail form the casting agency totaling about $300 or $600 dollars, as they ended up show that commercial a number times in the north east.
If your interested i have included a a site for that area http://www.extra-casting.com On this page you find a tremendous amount of information of what is expected of you to be added on there rosters, as well as pertinent, valuable, information on guidelines and etiquette.
Remember this Tinseltown and you have to mange yourself, but that doesn't mean to prostitute your goals or self respect but just being honest with your agency.
Never Surrender Never Give Up, and as as everyone has expressed, Good Luck.
Casting agencies are always in needed of people, to fill in on sets on movie lots, as well location shots. People of all shapes, sizes, ages, and ethnicity's, for commercials, voice overs, crowd scenes, (people used as background shots called atmosphere shots, that are established in a public park, that are carefully choreographed, and controlled which at times are handled by second unit directors) and what ever.
Agencies are always loaded with a roll call of current work that is available of what they are looking for to place people to go location production's, dressed and ready to go using your inventory as to wardrobe department at a studio. If one is to sign on they will be (the agency) interested in every aspect of what you might be able to offer including props, that you might use as means to survive out in the real world. I your case a musical instrument may by be part of the roll call not to play, (or maybe to play but that also come under another union as well), just to be included in the scene with you. Any acting experience as well as musical background will a plus to increase employment opportunities.
The time spent and the wages very. Some times it can 4 to 6 hours a day ranging from $ 70. (non union) to $135. at current union scale union wage. If the set is all union that day you be unionized for the one days work and pay a small fee to the local as well what fees are collected by the agency. If you by chance are given a talking line for what ever reason the union will at this time ask if want to join, as talking lines continue to pay residuals every time it plays or airs where ever.
What is also a plus in this environment is that you will meet other musicians subsidizing there income for a little extra cash like yourself, until another playing gig comes along or to help with there educational pursuits.
There was once a time many moons ago that a friend and i (he was more into it then i, though as i always and had interest in Tinseltown and the movies industry) and we would go to locations shots in San Fransisco and see if the casting company needed any extras that day (back in the 70's). Sometimes we were lucky, other times we would stand the out skirts of the shot, trying to pick up some of the knowledge of the industry and watching them during production's.
There was one commercial i participated by chance. It was for car commercial. Having some JR. college drama experience i wasn't bashful and approached the film crew that day (making the commercial) and asked if they needed an extra for the day, and they did. There was an agency rep there on location and signed me right up. They were short as sometimes people don't make the location. I think i was there for about 3 hours, and in the final shot of the day i pulled a sort of Buster Keaton move and thought nothing of it just to do something different then the extras that i was working with. We got payed for that day and life goes on. Then a 2 month's later i remember i received another 2 checks in the mail form the casting agency totaling about $300 or $600 dollars, as they ended up show that commercial a number times in the north east.
If your interested i have included a a site for that area http://www.extra-casting.com On this page you find a tremendous amount of information of what is expected of you to be added on there rosters, as well as pertinent, valuable, information on guidelines and etiquette.
Remember this Tinseltown and you have to mange yourself, but that doesn't mean to prostitute your goals or self respect but just being honest with your agency.
Never Surrender Never Give Up, and as as everyone has expressed, Good Luck.
Attachments
![can2-southerncalifornia[1].jpg](/forum/data/attachments/0/669-0ad99a10271ca4ea8929db62b15d0cf7.jpg?hash=CtmaECccpO)
D Rusak
Jedi Council Member
Hi,
Thanks for the idea. I'm actually signed up already for a couple of casting services for musicians, they hire out musicians to be, well, musicians, on set. If you are lucky you will get to record too and make even more money. I haven't gotten called yet though. These ones also list you on the database for general work as well. I looked at a couple of other casting things and it didn't seem all that promising- they wanted you to show up, wait in line for hours, and then MAYBE you get picked. My roommate actually tried to get me in a commercial for a place he works but they said I needed more [cough, any] acting experience (all they were doing in the video was yoga though...whatever.)
BUT! I have some interviews lined up in the next few days with some temp agencies, I got the names of some good ones and hopefully something will work out. Some colleagues said these were good for musicians, you can take employment based around your gig schedule, so I will be keeping my fingers crossed.
Thanks for the idea. I'm actually signed up already for a couple of casting services for musicians, they hire out musicians to be, well, musicians, on set. If you are lucky you will get to record too and make even more money. I haven't gotten called yet though. These ones also list you on the database for general work as well. I looked at a couple of other casting things and it didn't seem all that promising- they wanted you to show up, wait in line for hours, and then MAYBE you get picked. My roommate actually tried to get me in a commercial for a place he works but they said I needed more [cough, any] acting experience (all they were doing in the video was yoga though...whatever.)
BUT! I have some interviews lined up in the next few days with some temp agencies, I got the names of some good ones and hopefully something will work out. Some colleagues said these were good for musicians, you can take employment based around your gig schedule, so I will be keeping my fingers crossed.
Bernhard
Jedi Master
seeking_spirals said:
Fwiw, the guitar player (Koichi Fukuda) and bassist (Ryan Collier) of Drugstore Fanatics happen to be my former band mates and are good friends of mine. They both have facebook profiles and are very approachable (especially Ryan) with any advice or suggestions. When we were in a band together 6 years ago (_http://www.myspace.com/revolve) we did everything on our own ( I was the drummer). We paid and produced our own album and booked our own tour. In the end we cut even and made our expenses back, but we certainly couldn't live off it. It was a lot of work and in the end the business side of it took away from the joy of making music (for me at least). But I think that Ryan and Koichi are doing good now and they are involved in other projects as well and both are well connected in "the industry". So, if you have a FB account you may want to try to network with them as they could refer you or may know someone who could help you.
D Rusak
Jedi Council Member
Hey Spiral Out,
I will do so, thanks! Also, I got hired for the temp agency I interviewed for today, so hopefully I will start to get some calls soon. I have another two temp agency interviews lined up this week, and found a job at a local university that I am highly qualified for AND know some people who can put in a good word. Thinks are looking a little better.
Sorry for hijacking the thread, I hope some of this might be useful to someone else! I highly recommend the temp agency thing: if you have some basic office skills there is a strong possibility you would be considered for immediate work. Even if you don't work every day (most days are full time, so it's 8 hours at least) you will be earning something, networking (anyone you work for could be a potential hirer), and gaining experience. It's a good way to get paid while you are either networking or figuring out what you want to do.
I will do so, thanks! Also, I got hired for the temp agency I interviewed for today, so hopefully I will start to get some calls soon. I have another two temp agency interviews lined up this week, and found a job at a local university that I am highly qualified for AND know some people who can put in a good word. Thinks are looking a little better.
Sorry for hijacking the thread, I hope some of this might be useful to someone else! I highly recommend the temp agency thing: if you have some basic office skills there is a strong possibility you would be considered for immediate work. Even if you don't work every day (most days are full time, so it's 8 hours at least) you will be earning something, networking (anyone you work for could be a potential hirer), and gaining experience. It's a good way to get paid while you are either networking or figuring out what you want to do.
Trending content
-
Thread 'Coronavirus Pandemic: Apocalypse Now! Or exaggerated scare story?'
- wanderingthomas
Replies: 29K -
-
-
-