Hey, Filmmakers Network!

My name is Shannon Litt and I'm an aspiring director, currently finishing up my last year at university (for film production, of course). Now that graduation is around the corner, I need to start looking for a full-time, fulfilling job. Basically something to pay the bills while I continue to make my own productions to gain more exposure as a director in my own right. I've worked on a number of productions in my 4 years at school, and have compiled a solid demo reel (http://vimeo.com/35018889) and a web-series that is almost ready to be released.

My question to you folks is this - what's the best way to approach finding a full-time, fulfilling job in the film/TV/new media industries? Cold-calling advertising agencies and offering my services as a director/director's assistant doesn't seem to work very effectively. Should I join a union and focus my efforts on art direction or another technical aspect of filmmaking in the meantime? Should I freelance for smaller projects? Should I invest my own time and money into producing a stunning short film or feature film to bring in more exposure for myself?

I figured I would ask Filmmakers Network since you're all industry professionals. How did you get your first paid, full-time positions in this tough industry?

Thanks for the feedback

Cheers,

-Shannon

Hi Shannon, I'm not an industry professional but I am an aspiring screen-writer. Life is always complexed. I'm currently writing a micro-budget horror flick to be filmed this summer. I'm dying to work on multiple projects this year. Perhaps we can work on 1 or 2 shorts? Building my resume or "filmography" is basically what I'm after this year.

Hi Shannon- how has it been since graduating? Are you making any films?