Welcome to The Friends In Film Blog

Before this program, I was working as a retail manager and teaching yoga. I was working toward making films on the side and writing when I could, but ultimately would be really burned out by my jobs. I wouldn’t feel very creative after work. It me realize that I needed to pursue film more extensively.

Since I started Friends in Film, I’ve moved into freelancing full time. Now I am working in film full time and I love it! I feel so much more fulfilled. I’m a professional, working alongside other professionals. : )

I officially left my 9-5 job in June and started working as an assistant editor in July (for 4 months) for a production company that does documentaries for PBS Frontline. I feel so free and confident that I’m not worried about the next gig because I know I have the skill and the right attitude to make it in this industry. I have a network of passionate people around me that love working with me. And that network is only going to get even bigger!

At my old job I was a video editor for NBC Sports. Though I was getting a chance to edit it wasn’t the content that I wanted to be a part of. The people became negative, videos became so simple that I didn’t even need a full day to do my job. I wasn’t happy and began to be one of those people that complained and wasn’t doing anything about it.

Before Friends in Film, I was working late nights at a cocktail bar as a waitress. I was pursuing acting, I had a reel, but I was non-union and did not have legit representation or a manager. Commercials paid decent money, but not union rates, and what I really wanted to do was TV and film acting.

Even when you objectively make progress as an actor, it feels like you are in a standstill. Even though I was working so hard, I felt like a hamster on a wheel. And I didn’t like who I was becoming. Late nights at the cocktail bar made me sleep late, and then I felt like I didn’t have enough time in my day. Every waking moment was spent on my career, and I let my friends, my boyfriend, my family, and (in all honesty) my happiness fall to the wayside. And when fellow actors managed to find success, I felt worthless and jealous instead of happy for them. I felt selfish. I felt unhappy. I didn’t like myself anymore. And that seriously started to affect my craft.

Before Friends in Film, I was going to school, working retail jobs and freelancing. I wanted to make it to LA.

Since I started Friends in Film I’ve gained vital information about the entertainment industry and tons of knowledge gained from the one-on-one mentoring. From this, I’ve grown tremendously!

Before FIF I was stuck in a cycle of bad habits. Although I still have some of those habits, I am aware of them and working towards breaking them. The new story of my life is growth and happiness. I am pursuing my dream, I enjoy the work I am doing, I am constantly learning and I am discovering new things about myself.

I know that I am not my thoughts. This was perhaps the most profound thing I learned. Bad things can happen, things can go wrong but it is all about how I position those things in my mind.

Before FiF I was feeling “alone” in this film journey. No one in my family or close friends worked or in films. I felt I needed to become professional, not an amateur. Your tips made the difference!

I can’t thank you enough for anything you’re willing to contribute. Thank you for being a light for others!Thank you for all your patience, positive vibes and wisdom this year! Thank you for making a difference to this training too!

The first time I stumbled across Friends in Film, I found it super helpful but was also a bit skeptical of paying for the full program. I was certain that I wanted to change my career track and give a shot at my passion. This training has allowed me to start getting on shoots and getting my feet wet in the business. All of this while working with amazing, talented people!

From the very first day I attended a shoot the energy has been incredible. People are very open to teach you and hear your thoughts. One of the DP I work with always has me help him with camera equipment and that is so exciting to me.

My life before Friends in Film was I was not very active with film since I did not feel like I knew how to talk with people.

After the program I feel a lot more confident to speak and know what to say. And I have more film credits to my name.

Before FIF, I was a person who did not really go out there to find new work because I was a bit nervous. I kept myself and I did not make too much money at the time.

After getting involved with FIF, I got more work. I am working on a low budget feature film with Matt Green as the director and Roman Weaver as the D.P.! I worked on a pilot episode called “The Many Lives of Ayn Winters.”