Friends In Film’s Into the Industry Certification Program

I am now a full-time producer for Droga5 NYC, which is one the top creative ad agencies in the world. I HIRE the production companies, edit houses, VFX companies and casting directors who create the commercials for our clients—some of which hired ME when I was first starting out as a PA all those years ago. My second short film Something Unseen is on its film festival run, and has so far won two awards: Best Cinematography from Atlanta Women’s Film Festival and Best New Director from Mystic Film Festival.

I’ve walked Bane and his stunt double to set on Gotham, and I’ve been in charge of the cues for 300 extras. I’ve met Al Pacino (The Godfather). I’ve worked with John Krasinski (The Office) and Taylor Schilling Orange Is The New Black. I know how long it takes to get Cameron Monaghan into the full Joker look, makeup, and costume (four hours on the day and an eight-hour makeup test the day before). If you stick with it, this career will take you places beyond your wildest imagination.

I joined Friends In Film in the fall of 2016. At the time, I was a nonunion actor, supporting myself by waitressing. Just as I started getting my feet wet with PA-ing, I was fired from my waitressing job, so I had no choice but to jump into this journey and give it absolutely everything I had. Fast forward eight months and I was the Director’s Assistant for Isn’t It Romantic, working with Todd Strauss-Schulson, Rebel Wilson, Liam Hemsworth, Priyanka Chopra, and Adam Devine.

What I have experienced over the course of my career was beyond anything I could have imagined when I was hustling as a typical waitress/actor. On The Blacklist Season 5… motorcycle stunts, car flips, and stunt performers fully engulfed in flames were “another day at the office.” I would never trade this film life for anything.

I’m also a songwriter and performer and a stills photographer/DP for Saks Fifth Avenue.

I am an ex-engineer. I realized that wasn’t working for me anymore and broke into acting after joining Friends In Film. I am now making up to $3,500 per day working as an actor.

Recently, he’s worked on Into the Dark—Hulu, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty—HBO, The Grand Crew—NBC, A Journal for Jordan (Directed by Denzel Washington)—Columbia Pictures, Waffles + Mochi—Netflix, Kajillionaire—United Talent Agency, and the music video, The Weeknd: Out of Time (with Abel Tesfaye, Hoyeon, and Jim Carrey)—Vevo/YouTube.

She is a VFX Production Manager who is based in Berlin and Stuttgart, Germany.

Back when I first started on set as an actor, I didn’t really have any idea what it takes to make a film or commercial. People who I chat with about my experiences along the journey to becoming a Production Designer are blown away by the confidence that I have earned from learning and growing through those experiences (and making plenty of mistakes along the way).

The amount of cold calls, high-profile client meetings, and last minute change requests that I’ve participated in along the way is probably more than most people would do in their lifetime, and I’ve just been in it for a few years! I wouldn’t have gotten this far if it weren’t for the amazing, inspiring people that I’ve gotten to know and share the journey with.

The encouragement, conversation, and concrete information that I received as a part of Friends In Film was vital to this growth trajectory. Without that extra boost of knowledge, community, and celebration I would not have pushed myself to become this happy, confident, creative artist that I am today, working with top celebrities, directors, and companies. I’m glad to be able to share some of my experiences and bits of knowledge that I’ve picked up along the way with future filmmakers. When we share our skills and knowledge it makes everyone better.

I’ve worked on New Amsterdam—NBC, and Three Women with Shailene Woodley—Showtime. I’ve also worked on the Disney Plus’s docu-series Growing Up, and the FX Limited Series Retreat starring Emma Corrin and Clive Owen.

When I first started, I was anxiety-ridden. I was afraid I was going to screw up somehow and that I would never get asked back to set. I thought there is no way this dream is going to become a reality. But then I stepped on set, used what I learned from Friends In Film, and kept getting asked back again and again!

I screwed up a few times, but it didn’t phase anyone. No one even realized I was green until I mentioned I had just started out and am still learning. I remained coachable, received correction that I was given with openness, and adjusted accordingly.

I’ve always had a go-getter mentality inside of me, but never fully tapped into it. Being in the film industry and the Friends In Film community really unlocked that part of me. My mind changed from “I don’t know how I’m going to do this”, to “I’m going to learn to do this NO MATTER WHAT!”

I’m an actor and production assistant based in the UK. I’ve worked on commercials for Canon, and on the TV shows Brave New World—NBC, and Consent—Channel 4. I’ve also worked on various projects for BBC and S4C.

I used Friends In Film’s methods to start getting on set and worked on TV series in Poland in 2018. Since then, I’ve had so many experiences, which I couldn’t imagine doing in the past. Before working in the film industry, I had never really worked before and only knew that I wanted to be an actor after graduating. Since working on professional sets, I’ve become more confident and got more things done. Every day is different and the film industry offers so many jobs in various departments. There is something for everyone.

Things do fall into place and things are always working out for us even when it doesn’t feel that way. When we don’t judge the process and just do the work, everything always works out. Trusting the process is very important in this kind of career.

I have worked on Top Gun: Maverick—Paramount Pictures, Our Souls at Night with Robert Redford and Jane Fonda—Netflix, and Anti-Cupid, where I was the director.

When I was in Colorado, I worked on a Netflix movie. I kept in touch with all of those people and when I got to LA, I started connecting with them. I didn’t know but the ADs from the movie in Denver were also the ADs on Top Gun Maverick.

I had no idea. I contacted them when I got to LA and said, “Hey I just got here to LA and I’m ready to work.” They sent me a call sheet for the next day’s shoot. I didn’t know what it was because everything was disguised. I showed up on set and I was like “Oh my gosh! I’m working on Top Gun!”

The biggest change I’ve witnessed since starting out is how resourceful I’ve become.

When first getting into the industry, I was truly unaware of how much problem solving was going to be involved on a daily basis. Luckily I love a good challenge! Over the years, I’ve been blessed to have worked alongside some great department heads and as a result I’ve picked up many of the dos and don’ts from them.

My biggest piece of advice to those finding early success is to start framing this industry as a people business first and foremost. Try thinking of film/tv making as a big symbiotic marriage between those above and below the line—and like all marriages, remember that one must work hard and one must nurture the relationship for it to be fruitful and long lasting.

Since the beginning of my film journey to now, I almost feel like I’ve grown up as I’d only worked in hospitality up until entering the film industry, so it was all relatively new to me and I had to not be afraid to ask questions and get things wrong, but accept that it was all a learning experience, and I LOVE to learn.

I think it’s important to remember that everyone started at the bottom so everyone has been in your position before and had to learn to progress in their department too. I’ve been working regularly in the film industry for a year now and I can say that my confidence has definitely grown and I pick up the phone to make calls now as if it’s no big deal, but before, phone calls would terrify me! It’s a big part of my job in Production though so I have to make many calls almost everyday.

My message for everyone is “Don’t be afraid to get things wrong. You are learning and you are progressing in the career of your dreams so as long as you have a positive attitude and you’re willing to help, you’ll go far.”

I have felt the most growth in the area of respecting the craft and each individual position on productions. When I first started out I was gung-ho about pulling projects together and just getting things done. I’m still very much about that, but much wiser about the technical process and the planning that needs to happen on the front end so the results meet expectations.

I have always enjoyed meeting people that are hungry and passionate for the industry I grew up dreaming about. I still geek out when I meet someone that has worked on a show or film I like. Being someone that now gets to play in the same sandbox, I’m out here having fun every day, all day long. The change for me has been about stepping into the work I love and being able to do it full-time regardless of the position. I realize it’s a privilege and a blessing to be working, so I don’t take anything for granted.

At the beginning of my film journey, I was looking to find a place for myself and struggling to get any footing as an actor outside of submitting for roles. Once I followed what Friends In Film was teaching me and committed to learning all I could about the industry through the immersion of being on set, things began to change…

I began to know people and people began to know and trust me. This trust turned into further job opportunities and still produces opportunities when I least expect it.

I am now leaning into producing/directing and these same professionals I have worked with are now offering to help me on my own projects. Oh, and I also became SAG-E along the way! I am much more confident and settled in my abilities both as an actor and a production member. Working in the film industry has given me the confidence to know that I can do anything and affirmed for me that we are all more alike than different.

I am currently working on an Amazon show called The Horrors of Dolores Roach, which is her first show as Cast Set Supervisor. She is also working on Rabbit Hole—CBS.

Working in film has changed my life, for one I can afford to be independent and take care of myself, which has given me a lot more agency, freedom and confidence in my skills. I grew as a person alongside film, becoming more empowered and sure that I am on the right path. When I worked on show calls full time, my endurance, dedication and skills were always tested and I continue to learn new things on each show.

Every few months there is a new story, new crew and new challenges, which create a very dynamic and exciting work environment I haven’t experienced in other jobs. Socially networking is my other favorite part of the job. I got to know so many different kinds of people, some of those bonds grew into friendships. The film industry really works for my personality; and allows things to always stay interesting and have freedom of movement, as I can take different roles at each show allowing me to be creative, doing breakdown or sewing for example. Since I started I became a member in my local union which means I work more often and have more choices available to me. I have been working in film now for five years and have since filled in a few key positions on set and am hoping to continue my way until I can start designing with higher tier shows. It is an exciting journey, and the possibilities to go further are definitely there.

Dylan has worked on Echos—Netflix, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (with Rachel McAdams)—Lionsgate, and Powerpuff—CW. He’s also worked for Warner Brothers.

I was a medical doctor from Chicago who used the Program to gain experience in film, move to LA, and work for 20th Century Fox/Disney and HBO Max.

Working in film for the past several years has mainly brought about significant internal change. It’s strengthened certain core character traits, such as patience, perseverance, resolve, and compassion. It’s also challenged me to work on certain blind spots I never paid attention to.

There’s been a huge personal evolution from the moment I decided to pursue filmmaking. I’ve tapped into my creative nature more than ever before. I’ve learned to see things through the lens of a storyteller. I now see personal and social struggles as opportunities to frame and present them to the world through the medium of film, in order to heal, uplift, and enlighten.

Each production, each day, is not only an opportunity for me to show up and contribute but also an opportunity to grow and learn more about myself.

Tara has worked as an Associate Producer, Segment Producer, Writer, and Production Coordinator on TLC, Lifetime, ABC, Hulu, The CW, and Magnolia Network (Discovery+). She is currently working on Superstar S2—ABC—as Production Manager.

Adam has worked as a writer and director, and script supervisor. He’s worked on a Lifetime movie—name TBD, The Quarantine Files—2 East 8th Productions, and is the executive producer and producer for many shorts, including 6 months in 2063. Adam has also worked for HGTV, HBO, and Discovery.

I’ve been a DP, Director, Production Designer, SFX Tech, and Set Designer. I have worked on Emancipation with Will Smith (Apple TV), Jurassic World, Fear the Walking Dead, Battle Angel Alita with James Cameron, Aloha with Emma Stone, America’s Got Talent, and American Ninja Warrior Seasons 9 & 10, as well as National Geographic, just to name a few. I’ve also worked with Morgan Freeman on a History Channel commercial.

Before Friends In Film, I attended Loyola Marymount University, interned in the office for Capitol Films and Unity Film Productions, and for the Mayor of Los Angeles as a camera operator while earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Finance.

Lera has worked some big feature films and TV shows: The Greatest Showman (Hugh Jackman, Zach Efron, and Zendaya), Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Irishman (Scorsese), and Tik Tik Boom (with Lin-Manuel Miranda).

I have been with Friends In Film since 2015, and it’s been an amazing ride. My background is in acting, but learning the FIF skillset enabled me to start building my acting career to include producing, writing, and casting. I’m based in DC, NYC, Dallas, and Atlanta.

While in Manhattan, I studied with improv, stunts, and ballet, Hip-Hop, and Contemporary dance. Additionally, I’ve produced and directed different film projects and theatre works off Broadway with my NYC network.

I love the FIF community and our actors. An Atlanta local as of 2020, I’ve been enjoying building new opportunities in the Hollywood of the South while being of service virtually to actors all over the globe.

I landed her first co-star role in the TV show Snapped, Season 31 Ep. 5 as Susan Gigliotti—Oxygen.

I’ve turned Dr. Forbes Riley’s quote “Life Happens For You, Not To You” into a pop/gospel song called “Smile, It’s Your Best Makeup” which has been broadcasted on the radio show “The Forbes Factor”—airred on Voice America, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts and more.

I was cast as a Bollywood dancer in the music video One Name by Selah, which led to a nomination for a Josie Music Award for best performance in a music video.

As a singer-songwriter, I released my debut EP Love (2017), produced by Mark Roos… followed by Fun House (2020), produced by Charles Pettiford. I’ve performed throughout New York at the Metropolitan Room, Zinc Bar, Drom, Don’t Tell Mama, West End Lounge, Triad Theater and many more.

I’m now a producer and TV host of my TV show “Songs of my Life”, where I interview songwriters about their musical journeys. The show is currently airing on Access Nashville on Tuesdays at 10 pm CST, Thursdays at 6:30 am CST and on Saturdays at 5:30 pm CST.

All these accomplishments were possible to achieve because I made a decision to take the leap and work my way up in the film industry with Friends In Film. I gained a lot of knowledge working BTS, which I now implement in my field of music, and I love helping other people follow their paths.