Looking for a place to intern in Houston.

[Victor Nguyen]

Hi, my name is Victor Nguyen and I'm about to graduate high school in June. I'm looking for a place that I can intern under in the summer to get some job experience.

[Josh Bass]

Hi. In what area are you looking to intern? In news? Film production? Commercial/corporate? I would make a decision on that first, and then check out the Houston Production guide online:

Houston Production Guide

It's a fairly comprehensive database of every production company, service and even individual crew members/employees in the video/film business in Houston. Try to find the companies your field of interest and just cold call (I'm sorry, I wouldn't know who to ask for) and see if they're looking to hire interns.

I didn't catch if you were 18 yet or not, and I'm not sure if that matters (not too familiar with the labor laws), but there are generally movies and TV shows shooting all the time that are looking for intern positions. Many ads for those on the Houston Film Commission and Texas Film Commission websites:

Houston Film Commission - Texas Filmmaker's Showcase - Visit Houston Texas

Texas Film Commission, Office of the Governor Rick Perry - Job Hotline Crew Calls

Hope that helps.

[Victor Nguyen]

thanks a lot Bass, sorry for the late reply, I didn't know how to subscribe to threads back then. I would want to work for film production and corporates work. Not really interested in News. Do you now if there are any good film school in Houston? I heard from people that Houston Community College is good for film and Alvin ( which is close to me) have a really good broadcasting program. I might go into tv broadcasting if there is a higher chance of a stable job. And yes I am already 18, about to get out of high school in June 2nd and head off to college to follow my dream :)

[Josh Bass]

No worries.

There are not really any film schools in Houston. There are places with film/TV/etc. PROGRAMS, like, yes, HCC, UofH has something, Art Institute, etc. As I understand it these are by no means in the same league as attending a "real" film school. UT in Austin is pretty well known for their film program. Other than that, I don't even know what (if anything) is in Texas.

Please know that film school is not required or even any kind of guarantee that you will make it in the industry. It's just one of several valid avenues to get you there.

[Victor Nguyen]

yes I know, just hoping to make some contacts and the training might be useful. How about for television? is it the same as filmmaking where I really don't need a degree?

[Josh Bass]

Depends what you mean by "television".

I believe some positions as TV stations do actually require a degree, but that may more for working in news or operations (operations being basically helping run the station, in a technical sense -- master controller, stuff like that). There may be a few shows around town that need crew people (Hot on Homes, etc.), and I couldn't say as to whether those would require degrees or not.

Google "tv jobs Houston" or similar and see what pops up. Also check each station's web site for job listings and see if they mention degrees.

[Victor Nguyen]

Josh I am officially a freelancer. Been a P.A on a music video and going to be a second shooter for a wedding coming up. Any tips you can give me?

[Josh Bass]

Sorry, can you be more elaborate on what kind of tips you're looking for?

[Victor Nguyen]

mostly on finding more jobs and networking.

[Josh Bass]

Have I given you the spiel about using the Houston production guide to find and contact varous producers, etc.? If not email me and I'll do it via that so we don't take up forum space.


Other than that, unfortunately, it tends to be about who you know. Meeting people and leaving impressions. Things I'm REALLY BAD AT.

I would say get business cards printed up for whatever job position you are trying to get more work in (cameraman? PA? Grip?). Either an all in one card, or maybe, several different cards, one for each job position. Then, next time you're on a crew, hand those out to everyone at some opportune time (maybe toward the end of the day when you've had a chance to dazzle everyone with your mad skillz).

Look for opportunities to network with other crew members, etc. on shoots, let them know what you do and that you're available, attend mixers around town (there are several facebook groups, yahoo groups, etc. with mailing lists about upcoming industry events). Go to those, holla at people, hand out cards.

Look on Houston film commission and texas film commission website for jobs (they'll have listings of TV shows, movies, and maybe some other types of productions needing crew).

List yourself on any website you can (for free I mean), try to put up a portfolio of material.

I won't lie, I'm terrible on all the networking/self promotion stuff, mostly 'cause none of my (admittedly rare) attempts and putting myself out there ever landed me a single gig, so now I'm bitter and jaded, but it's a numbers game so if you're all Type A and whatnot then you will probably do better.

Oh yeah, lastly. . .I'm assuming you have a cell phone. Always (within reason, say between morning and evening) leave it on, near you so that when someone calls you don't find out three hours later. People tend to want to hire RIGHT NOW and so if you miss the call they're on to someone else three minutes later.