TCurren:

The union thing is really a "catch 22". You need to be in the union to get a union job, but you have to have a union job to get in the union.

 

So how does it work?

 

You get someone with a union gig who really wants you. Then they hire you and you get in the union.

 

That's all there is to it. Simple in theory, difficult in practice unless you have the contacts.

 

But there is ALWAYS a work around. Way back when I was in school, I made a student film in which one of the actors I cast was SAG. So I had to sign a special contract with them that basically said if I ever made a penny on it they would take my first born. Who cares, it's a student film.

 

Guess what? All the other actors (mostly students at the school) were invited to join SAG since they were in a SAG production.

 

See how easy it is to skirt the rules in this game? The union wants lots of new members as that equals more dues, even though they have to feign a degree of selectivity.

 

Have fun. Be creative. And remember, no one will ever not hire you if they really want you because of some union status.

 thanks!!!

 hey carl, wes said that "fatboy" is exactly what he expects would hear from you. he told me some things about you. Apparently you are a Jedi Master. So, how is work in the London area? Say, for an Avid Editor with a very decent after effects skills. I am kinda convincing my fiancee that we move to London. For now, I dont think I will win that war, but who knows?

makasalanan:

 hey carl, wes said that "fatboy" is exactly what he expects would hear from you. he told me some things about you. Apparently you are a Jedi Master. So, how is work in the London area? Say, for an Avid Editor with a very decent after effects skills. I am kinda convincing my fiancee that we move to London. For now, I dont think I will win that war, but who knows?

Wes is too kind.  I merely set him on the path to the greatness that he already had within. ;)

Work in the London area has been good for me, but after I left ships I did 2 years of editing New York PR videos with clients in the room and 2 years at ESPN before I came here.  I definitely couldn't have gone straight from ships to the kind of work I'm doing now as a freelance editor.

AE experience will definitely help (I know AE a bit, but not enough to sell myself as having AE skills).  Do you have any non-ship video experience, or was RCI your first video gig?

good luck,
Carl

 Wes is a cool guy. He talks fondly of you and it was always a good laugh.

before RCCL, I used to work for the biggest Television Station back at home as a Avid editor/ and Technical Director for Big Brother, and doing some freelance editing and graphics on the side. I had some Pretty solid experience working in a TV station that does not can their shows man. I did it for 5 years before applying to RCCL, we still get paid sh!t back at home, about 2.50$ and hour. I wish I could stay in ships much longer though because the experience is nice, its not as hectic as broadcast in land, its quite different actually, but I like the groove.

I have more question for you bro if you dont mind, about New York, rates and practices, if you would allow me, I will ask wes for your email, I havent figured it out yet on how twe can send personal message in this forum.

ciao!

 Makasalanan:

If you click on Carl's name, you will see another link "send camoscato an email".

makasalanan:

I have more question for you bro if you dont mind...

No problem.  Like Larry says, just click on my username, and then click on the link to send me an email.

adios,
Carl