Introduction

HELP WANTED: Salao Film Studios wants to make a big splash at this year's film festival, and is seeking fresh new ideas for an upcoming project. Salao is also hunting for charismatic young talents to write, direct, produce and star in live action short films, because too many studios now are only producing animated film shorts.

Salao Film Studios is currently in the market for Producers, Directors, Actors, Storyboard Artist/Scene Designers, Editors, Camera operators, Costume Designer/Property Masters, and Publicists. Detailed Information to follow.

The Quest

Explore career options in the film industry to prepare you to apply for a job with Salao Film Studios.

The Process and Resources

TASK: Work individually researching jobs in film production.

GOAL: Find jobs that are interesting to YOU.

EXPLORATION: Examine Webpages from people who love film making and people who have careers in film.

START: Begin with websites that describe jobs involved in film-making and production.

CONTINUE: As you gain a better understanding of your interests, go to links for more information on speciality areas.

Phase 1 - Background: Something for Everyone

Use the links below to answer the basic questions of who? what? and why?

READ CAREFULLY! Using the information from the following websites choose three jobs that are the most interesting to you. On a piece of paper list each job and write two things a person with this job does. Following each job desciption also include what makes you want to do the job.

BUT WAIT! Make sure you try to make your own film online by going to either the first or last site below, and see how well you do at the box office!

• Interactive Simulation - This website allows you to create your own movie and see how much you would make. Very creative and fun!
• Admit One - A web site designed by Steven Spielberg to help young people interrested in movies.
• CINEMA: How are Hollywood Films made? - This site guides you through the film-making process. Tons of great information and hands-on, fun-filled activities. NOTE!!! This site is MANDATORY. YOU MUST VISIT THIS SITE!!
• Film Making-The Faq's - A fantastic site for directors and producers. Excellent place to answer any questions you may have.
• Try Your Hand at Making a Film! - Make a film, right now, for free! See how your film does at the box office.

Phase 2 - Looking Deeper from Different Perspectives

TASK: Familiarize yourself with the details of one of the following jobs.

JOBS -
Director
Producer
Actor
Editor
Camera Operator (Cinematographer)
Storyboard Artist/Scene Designer (Storyboards & Sets)
Costume Designer/Property Master (Costumes & Props)
Publicist (Marketing)

START: Select the 1 position that MOST interests you, and locate that title in the job headings below. Answer the questions under the instructions for the job.

CONTINUE: Follow the instructions under each Job Heading.

PRODUCER or PUBLICIST

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions.
1. Write down the URL of each website used (not just visited).

2.List the basic responsibilities of a producer or publicist.

3.Describe the qualities needed to be a good producer or publicist.

• Producing a Short Film - 'What does a producer do?'
• So You Want to be a Producer? - You are seated at the Oscars, and the announcer says....'The award for best film producer goes to....'
• What is the role of the Producer? - What does a producer do and is it for me?
• What do I do as a Publicist? - How exactly do I sell a film to the public, and am I interested in this job?
• What is the job of the Festival Organiser? - We will be having a film festival this spring. What makes a good film festival? What do you need to plan for? If you are good at organization look at this.
• Interview with a Publicist - An interview with an English publicist about her role in film.
• Interview with a Producer - Listen to a professional producer and learn new information about this career.
• Learn about Producers - How do producers work with directors and crews to produce films, and what do they do keep everything organized?

CAMERA/CINEMATOGRAPHER or EDITING

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions.
1. Write down the URL of each website used (not just visited).

2.List the basic responsibilities of a camera operator or editor.

3.Describe the qualities needed to be a good camera operator or editor.

• Ask A DOP - What is a DOP? The director of photography is a very important role.
• Ask A Cinematographer - What is the role of a cinematographer? Is it different from the director of photography?
• What does an Editor Do? - Here is a basic outline of the role of an editor. A good site for anyone interested in editing.
• Is a Cinematographer's job for me? - What is a cinematographer? Well, it's the person behind the camera, but they do much more than just filming...
• Editor's guide - Learn the basics of editing a film.
• Cinematography - Learn what a cinematographer does and why he/she is important.
• Cinematographer - The job of a cinematographer is both technical and artistic. Here is a list of the top 6 responsibilities.
• What is a Film and Video Editor? - The role of an editor is very important. Film editors have done their work well if it goes unnoticed.
• How do Hollywood Editors edit? - Like telling stories? Good with people? Like working with technology? Enjoy helping to finish a project? Read all about an editor's role in film making.

DESIGN- EITHER Storyboard, Costume, Props, or Set

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions.
1. Write down the URL of each website used (not just visited).

2.List the basic responsibilities of a Storyboard Artist/Scene Designer or Costume Designer/Property Master.

3.Describe the qualities needed to be a good Storyboard Artist/Scene Designer or Costume Designer/Property Master.

• What is the role of the Costume Designer? - Do I need to be a good artist with a great sense of style?
• Ask A Costume Designer - What is involved in costume designing? Is this something that I would really like to do?
• What is a scene designer? - What is the role of a scene designer, and is this a job that I might want to do?
• Costumes/Makeup - How do you transform your classmates into fictional characters? Here are the basics for anyone interested in costume design or makeup.
• Learn about Storyboard Artists - What is a storyboard? How does this help to make a film?
• Learn about Costumes and Make-up - Learn different techniques used in costume design and make-up design to give a film the effect you really want.
• Learn about Scene Design and Set Construction - How is a set designed? How do you build a set if you need something special? Is this something I am going to be able to do?
• Attn. Storyboard Artists - Learn the difference between long and close shots, and why you really need a storyboard.

DIRECTOR or ACTORS

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions.
1. Write down the URL of each website used (not just visited).

2.List the basic responsibilities of a Director or Actor.

3.Describe the qualities needed to be a good Director or Actor.

• What does a Director Do? - What is the responsibility of a director, and is this job for me?
• Interview with a Director - Look at some interviews with professional directors, and see what they think about their careers.
• Learn about Actors - How does an actor get into his role? How is acting on stage different from a movie?
• Learn about Directors - When does a director's job begin, and what does he/she do to direct a successful film?
• Acting - What makes a good actor? Here are some tips on what is an actor's role.
• How do Hollywood Directors direct? - Do you have a 'Director's vision'?
• How do Hollywood Actors act? - Learn some tricks of the trade to really get involved in an acting role for a film.
• So ya wanna be an actor? - What drives you? Do you always jump at an opportunity to perform? Here is some information on acting.
• Hot Tips for Actors - Here are some techniques to make your character come alive.
• Breaking down the Script - A great resource for people interested in acting. Provides ideas on how to relate to other characters and how to memorize lines.

Phase 3 - Debating, Discussing, and Reaching Consensus

GOAL: Examine your OWN qualities in order to make the best match with a career choice.

TASK: Analyze your history in working on group projects. Make a list of your best qualities and strengths using these questions as a guide:

Do you keep everything organized?
Are you a problem solver?
Do you provide creative ideas?
Do you stick to deadlines?
Can you make decisions?
Do you keep everyone in your group on task?
Do you like to work with special equipment?
Do you like to try new things?
Are you a mediator? (Do you keep the peace?)

Phase 4 - Real World Feedback

Finally, you will need to apply for the job at Salao Film Studios that most appeals to you. Several people might apply for each job so you need to be convincing as to why you would be the perfect person.

First: Fill out an application that can be can be found at the Salao Film Studios personnel office. Though you are applying for one job only, there is space on the application for 'other preferences'. Please be sure to fill this out as well.

Next: Create a cover letter in form of a business letter explaining why you want this job. Discuss how your interests, strengths and hobbies fit the job for which you are applying. You need to be specific, and know what you are talking about! Tell us what responsibilities you think you would have, and how your talents and experience prepare you to accept the responsibilities of this job in film production. Attach to the cover letter your three previous assignments from phases One, Two and Three.

Last: Bring in one letter of reference from a former employer, teacher or other adult that holds you in high regard. This letter should discuss you as a person, explaining how the writer knows you, and why he/she thinks Salao Film Studios should hire you.

Your Contact is: Pat Pinney

Conclusion

Film Production is a complex topic with many different aspects. It is important to see where you fit in the film production process and how you can work on something that really interests you. If you have carefully looked at all the jobs that Film Production offers you are now prepared to apply for a position and get started in making a film for Salao Film Studios.