Working in the TV/Film industry

[SeeEff]

Hey there. My entire life I've wanted to work in the TV/Film industry. I've writing and filming things since I was little. I went to college and majored in TV/Film. I got my degree and have worked on commercials, film and TV shows. (in front of the camera and behind the scenes).

This year I got a great job as a on-set Production Assistant. The job that almost everyone in the business starts from and then moves on to the position they really want.
I worked a minimum of 12 hours a day, 5 days a week (for minimum wage).
It was really hard on me (physically) but I loved it.
I worked with almost ever department and all the actors.
But after 3 weeks, I had to cut down my hours; it was affecting my health. I lost weight and was coughing alot more (not eating on a set schedule and not enough exercise).
When I was interviewed for the job, I told them I had CF (explained what it was). they hired me on a trial 3-week basis (wow, what a coincidence!).
I was good at this job. better then most of the other employees who had NOTHING wrong with them. Basically, I had to be replaced and he worked it so I could still work on the show when he could (which was usually 1-2 days a week, if that)

So basically, here's what I found out-
every department on a film crew, works 12hours a day, five days a week.
everybody. (props and costumes being the departments I was most interested in)

Is there anyone w/CF that works on a film crew and does NOT work 12hours a day, five days a week?
I haven't been able to find any without CF that doesn't.
I am really upset that my career of choice is basically over for me.
I though I'd try here for some help.
Thanks so much for your time <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[SeeEff]

Hey there. My entire life I've wanted to work in the TV/Film industry. I've writing and filming things since I was little. I went to college and majored in TV/Film. I got my degree and have worked on commercials, film and TV shows. (in front of the camera and behind the scenes).

This year I got a great job as a on-set Production Assistant. The job that almost everyone in the business starts from and then moves on to the position they really want.
I worked a minimum of 12 hours a day, 5 days a week (for minimum wage).
It was really hard on me (physically) but I loved it.
I worked with almost ever department and all the actors.
But after 3 weeks, I had to cut down my hours; it was affecting my health. I lost weight and was coughing alot more (not eating on a set schedule and not enough exercise).
When I was interviewed for the job, I told them I had CF (explained what it was). they hired me on a trial 3-week basis (wow, what a coincidence!).
I was good at this job. better then most of the other employees who had NOTHING wrong with them. Basically, I had to be replaced and he worked it so I could still work on the show when he could (which was usually 1-2 days a week, if that)

So basically, here's what I found out-
every department on a film crew, works 12hours a day, five days a week.
everybody. (props and costumes being the departments I was most interested in)

Is there anyone w/CF that works on a film crew and does NOT work 12hours a day, five days a week?
I haven't been able to find any without CF that doesn't.
I am really upset that my career of choice is basically over for me.
I though I'd try here for some help.
Thanks so much for your time <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[SeeEff]

Hey there. My entire life I've wanted to work in the TV/Film industry. I've writing and filming things since I was little. I went to college and majored in TV/Film. I got my degree and have worked on commercials, film and TV shows. (in front of the camera and behind the scenes).

This year I got a great job as a on-set Production Assistant. The job that almost everyone in the business starts from and then moves on to the position they really want.
I worked a minimum of 12 hours a day, 5 days a week (for minimum wage).
It was really hard on me (physically) but I loved it.
I worked with almost ever department and all the actors.
But after 3 weeks, I had to cut down my hours; it was affecting my health. I lost weight and was coughing alot more (not eating on a set schedule and not enough exercise).
When I was interviewed for the job, I told them I had CF (explained what it was). they hired me on a trial 3-week basis (wow, what a coincidence!).
I was good at this job. better then most of the other employees who had NOTHING wrong with them. Basically, I had to be replaced and he worked it so I could still work on the show when he could (which was usually 1-2 days a week, if that)

So basically, here's what I found out-
every department on a film crew, works 12hours a day, five days a week.
everybody. (props and costumes being the departments I was most interested in)

Is there anyone w/CF that works on a film crew and does NOT work 12hours a day, five days a week?
I haven't been able to find any without CF that doesn't.
I am really upset that my career of choice is basically over for me.
I though I'd try here for some help.
Thanks so much for your time <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[SeeEff]

Hey there. My entire life I've wanted to work in the TV/Film industry. I've writing and filming things since I was little. I went to college and majored in TV/Film. I got my degree and have worked on commercials, film and TV shows. (in front of the camera and behind the scenes).

This year I got a great job as a on-set Production Assistant. The job that almost everyone in the business starts from and then moves on to the position they really want.
I worked a minimum of 12 hours a day, 5 days a week (for minimum wage).
It was really hard on me (physically) but I loved it.
I worked with almost ever department and all the actors.
But after 3 weeks, I had to cut down my hours; it was affecting my health. I lost weight and was coughing alot more (not eating on a set schedule and not enough exercise).
When I was interviewed for the job, I told them I had CF (explained what it was). they hired me on a trial 3-week basis (wow, what a coincidence!).
I was good at this job. better then most of the other employees who had NOTHING wrong with them. Basically, I had to be replaced and he worked it so I could still work on the show when he could (which was usually 1-2 days a week, if that)

So basically, here's what I found out-
every department on a film crew, works 12hours a day, five days a week.
everybody. (props and costumes being the departments I was most interested in)

Is there anyone w/CF that works on a film crew and does NOT work 12hours a day, five days a week?
I haven't been able to find any without CF that doesn't.
I am really upset that my career of choice is basically over for me.
I though I'd try here for some help.
Thanks so much for your time <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[SeeEff]

Hey there. My entire life I've wanted to work in the TV/Film industry. I've writing and filming things since I was little. I went to college and majored in TV/Film. I got my degree and have worked on commercials, film and TV shows. (in front of the camera and behind the scenes).

This year I got a great job as a on-set Production Assistant. The job that almost everyone in the business starts from and then moves on to the position they really want.
I worked a minimum of 12 hours a day, 5 days a week (for minimum wage).
It was really hard on me (physically) but I loved it.
I worked with almost ever department and all the actors.
But after 3 weeks, I had to cut down my hours; it was affecting my health. I lost weight and was coughing alot more (not eating on a set schedule and not enough exercise).
When I was interviewed for the job, I told them I had CF (explained what it was). they hired me on a trial 3-week basis (wow, what a coincidence!).
I was good at this job. better then most of the other employees who had NOTHING wrong with them. Basically, I had to be replaced and he worked it so I could still work on the show when he could (which was usually 1-2 days a week, if that)

So basically, here's what I found out-
every department on a film crew, works 12hours a day, five days a week.
everybody. (props and costumes being the departments I was most interested in)

Is there anyone w/CF that works on a film crew and does NOT work 12hours a day, five days a week?
I haven't been able to find any without CF that doesn't.
I am really upset that my career of choice is basically over for me.
I though I'd try here for some help.
Thanks so much for your time <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[Aspiemom]

This must be very disappointing for you. Was this job in the major sector? Have you looked into something on a small scale - local TV station, or filming done on a private sector, filming done for a documentary, a weekly talk show? I would think that some of these might be more flexible.

I hope it works out for you.

 

[Aspiemom]

This must be very disappointing for you. Was this job in the major sector? Have you looked into something on a small scale - local TV station, or filming done on a private sector, filming done for a documentary, a weekly talk show? I would think that some of these might be more flexible.

I hope it works out for you.

 

[Aspiemom]

This must be very disappointing for you. Was this job in the major sector? Have you looked into something on a small scale - local TV station, or filming done on a private sector, filming done for a documentary, a weekly talk show? I would think that some of these might be more flexible.

I hope it works out for you.

 

[Aspiemom]

This must be very disappointing for you. Was this job in the major sector? Have you looked into something on a small scale - local TV station, or filming done on a private sector, filming done for a documentary, a weekly talk show? I would think that some of these might be more flexible.

I hope it works out for you.

 

[Aspiemom]

This must be very disappointing for you. Was this job in the major sector? Have you looked into something on a small scale - local TV station, or filming done on a private sector, filming done for a documentary, a weekly talk show? I would think that some of these might be more flexible.

I hope it works out for you.

 

[CowTown]

I've known a few people in the TV and film industry (actors, grips, production ppl, sound editors), and everything I've heard is that it requires grueling hours. None of the ppl I've known have had CF. Unfortunately it's a very cut throat environment, so from what I've heard, you have to pay your dues (hours and not fun tasks, etc) in order to move up or over or anywhere. All I can think of is keep trying and hope you get in with a good group of people that understand.

I also wouldn't mention the CF in the interview. If they hire you and then you need time off, just tell them then and go with the flow and hopefully by that time your boss will have seen your talents and appreciate what you have to offer them.

Especially as cut throat as that industry is, I would deffinitely not offer up the CF info until you need to. Good luck and take care of yourself.

 

[CowTown]

I've known a few people in the TV and film industry (actors, grips, production ppl, sound editors), and everything I've heard is that it requires grueling hours. None of the ppl I've known have had CF. Unfortunately it's a very cut throat environment, so from what I've heard, you have to pay your dues (hours and not fun tasks, etc) in order to move up or over or anywhere. All I can think of is keep trying and hope you get in with a good group of people that understand.

I also wouldn't mention the CF in the interview. If they hire you and then you need time off, just tell them then and go with the flow and hopefully by that time your boss will have seen your talents and appreciate what you have to offer them.

Especially as cut throat as that industry is, I would deffinitely not offer up the CF info until you need to. Good luck and take care of yourself.

 

[CowTown]

I've known a few people in the TV and film industry (actors, grips, production ppl, sound editors), and everything I've heard is that it requires grueling hours. None of the ppl I've known have had CF. Unfortunately it's a very cut throat environment, so from what I've heard, you have to pay your dues (hours and not fun tasks, etc) in order to move up or over or anywhere. All I can think of is keep trying and hope you get in with a good group of people that understand.

I also wouldn't mention the CF in the interview. If they hire you and then you need time off, just tell them then and go with the flow and hopefully by that time your boss will have seen your talents and appreciate what you have to offer them.

Especially as cut throat as that industry is, I would deffinitely not offer up the CF info until you need to. Good luck and take care of yourself.

 

[CowTown]

I've known a few people in the TV and film industry (actors, grips, production ppl, sound editors), and everything I've heard is that it requires grueling hours. None of the ppl I've known have had CF. Unfortunately it's a very cut throat environment, so from what I've heard, you have to pay your dues (hours and not fun tasks, etc) in order to move up or over or anywhere. All I can think of is keep trying and hope you get in with a good group of people that understand.

I also wouldn't mention the CF in the interview. If they hire you and then you need time off, just tell them then and go with the flow and hopefully by that time your boss will have seen your talents and appreciate what you have to offer them.

Especially as cut throat as that industry is, I would deffinitely not offer up the CF info until you need to. Good luck and take care of yourself.

 

[CowTown]

I've known a few people in the TV and film industry (actors, grips, production ppl, sound editors), and everything I've heard is that it requires grueling hours. None of the ppl I've known have had CF. Unfortunately it's a very cut throat environment, so from what I've heard, you have to pay your dues (hours and not fun tasks, etc) in order to move up or over or anywhere. All I can think of is keep trying and hope you get in with a good group of people that understand.

I also wouldn't mention the CF in the interview. If they hire you and then you need time off, just tell them then and go with the flow and hopefully by that time your boss will have seen your talents and appreciate what you have to offer them.

Especially as cut throat as that industry is, I would deffinitely not offer up the CF info until you need to. Good luck and take care of yourself.

 

[MrWilliam]

hey, I'm in the industry. I'm one of the actors, so I don't know exactly what you're going through, but I'll give what insight I can.

you were a PA, were you working union or non-union. If it was non-union disregard most of what i say because you know non-union... they don't always follow the rules. but, assuming you were working for the union..

Firstly, look into the laws. I've spoken with a lot of people and in the industry about this because it is a huge issue for us. how do we get a job we can do, and hold it while also being given the time we need to take care of ourselves. This is why we need to know the law. Because it sounds like they fired you for having cf, and that ain't legal. Also, we're on a slipper slope when it comes to disclosure. Everyone I've talked to has told me that during interviews I shouldn't bring it up. Unless they directly ask, i should let it slide. Never lie. You should acknowledge it in all the paper work, and make sure it's taken care of once you have the job, but there's no point in bringing it up before you have the job because it's just shooting yourself in the foot.

Also, from what I understand pretty much all jobs, for you and me are going to be crazy hard to keep up with. Again, this is why we need to know the law, because they have to accommodate us. This might mean you only work 8 hours a day, it might mean you get Wednesday off to catch up with yourself, it varies depending on the situation. But they can't fire you because of the CF.

Just be responsible, take care of yourself, and keep plugging away at it. It'll come together, it'll just take a bit more work for us than everyone else. And with what I said about disclosure, be careful with this. It's a thin line we're gonna walk between taking care of ourselves and being blacklisted.

So yes, 12h a day is normal from what I hear, so you're just gonna have to shop around until you find the right fit for you.

Good luck. I know what you're dealing with.

 

[MrWilliam]

hey, I'm in the industry. I'm one of the actors, so I don't know exactly what you're going through, but I'll give what insight I can.

you were a PA, were you working union or non-union. If it was non-union disregard most of what i say because you know non-union... they don't always follow the rules. but, assuming you were working for the union..

Firstly, look into the laws. I've spoken with a lot of people and in the industry about this because it is a huge issue for us. how do we get a job we can do, and hold it while also being given the time we need to take care of ourselves. This is why we need to know the law. Because it sounds like they fired you for having cf, and that ain't legal. Also, we're on a slipper slope when it comes to disclosure. Everyone I've talked to has told me that during interviews I shouldn't bring it up. Unless they directly ask, i should let it slide. Never lie. You should acknowledge it in all the paper work, and make sure it's taken care of once you have the job, but there's no point in bringing it up before you have the job because it's just shooting yourself in the foot.

Also, from what I understand pretty much all jobs, for you and me are going to be crazy hard to keep up with. Again, this is why we need to know the law, because they have to accommodate us. This might mean you only work 8 hours a day, it might mean you get Wednesday off to catch up with yourself, it varies depending on the situation. But they can't fire you because of the CF.

Just be responsible, take care of yourself, and keep plugging away at it. It'll come together, it'll just take a bit more work for us than everyone else. And with what I said about disclosure, be careful with this. It's a thin line we're gonna walk between taking care of ourselves and being blacklisted.

So yes, 12h a day is normal from what I hear, so you're just gonna have to shop around until you find the right fit for you.

Good luck. I know what you're dealing with.

 

[MrWilliam]

hey, I'm in the industry. I'm one of the actors, so I don't know exactly what you're going through, but I'll give what insight I can.

you were a PA, were you working union or non-union. If it was non-union disregard most of what i say because you know non-union... they don't always follow the rules. but, assuming you were working for the union..

Firstly, look into the laws. I've spoken with a lot of people and in the industry about this because it is a huge issue for us. how do we get a job we can do, and hold it while also being given the time we need to take care of ourselves. This is why we need to know the law. Because it sounds like they fired you for having cf, and that ain't legal. Also, we're on a slipper slope when it comes to disclosure. Everyone I've talked to has told me that during interviews I shouldn't bring it up. Unless they directly ask, i should let it slide. Never lie. You should acknowledge it in all the paper work, and make sure it's taken care of once you have the job, but there's no point in bringing it up before you have the job because it's just shooting yourself in the foot.

Also, from what I understand pretty much all jobs, for you and me are going to be crazy hard to keep up with. Again, this is why we need to know the law, because they have to accommodate us. This might mean you only work 8 hours a day, it might mean you get Wednesday off to catch up with yourself, it varies depending on the situation. But they can't fire you because of the CF.

Just be responsible, take care of yourself, and keep plugging away at it. It'll come together, it'll just take a bit more work for us than everyone else. And with what I said about disclosure, be careful with this. It's a thin line we're gonna walk between taking care of ourselves and being blacklisted.

So yes, 12h a day is normal from what I hear, so you're just gonna have to shop around until you find the right fit for you.

Good luck. I know what you're dealing with.

 

[MrWilliam]

hey, I'm in the industry. I'm one of the actors, so I don't know exactly what you're going through, but I'll give what insight I can.

you were a PA, were you working union or non-union. If it was non-union disregard most of what i say because you know non-union... they don't always follow the rules. but, assuming you were working for the union..

Firstly, look into the laws. I've spoken with a lot of people and in the industry about this because it is a huge issue for us. how do we get a job we can do, and hold it while also being given the time we need to take care of ourselves. This is why we need to know the law. Because it sounds like they fired you for having cf, and that ain't legal. Also, we're on a slipper slope when it comes to disclosure. Everyone I've talked to has told me that during interviews I shouldn't bring it up. Unless they directly ask, i should let it slide. Never lie. You should acknowledge it in all the paper work, and make sure it's taken care of once you have the job, but there's no point in bringing it up before you have the job because it's just shooting yourself in the foot.

Also, from what I understand pretty much all jobs, for you and me are going to be crazy hard to keep up with. Again, this is why we need to know the law, because they have to accommodate us. This might mean you only work 8 hours a day, it might mean you get Wednesday off to catch up with yourself, it varies depending on the situation. But they can't fire you because of the CF.

Just be responsible, take care of yourself, and keep plugging away at it. It'll come together, it'll just take a bit more work for us than everyone else. And with what I said about disclosure, be careful with this. It's a thin line we're gonna walk between taking care of ourselves and being blacklisted.

So yes, 12h a day is normal from what I hear, so you're just gonna have to shop around until you find the right fit for you.

Good luck. I know what you're dealing with.

 

[MrWilliam]

hey, I'm in the industry. I'm one of the actors, so I don't know exactly what you're going through, but I'll give what insight I can.

you were a PA, were you working union or non-union. If it was non-union disregard most of what i say because you know non-union... they don't always follow the rules. but, assuming you were working for the union..

Firstly, look into the laws. I've spoken with a lot of people and in the industry about this because it is a huge issue for us. how do we get a job we can do, and hold it while also being given the time we need to take care of ourselves. This is why we need to know the law. Because it sounds like they fired you for having cf, and that ain't legal. Also, we're on a slipper slope when it comes to disclosure. Everyone I've talked to has told me that during interviews I shouldn't bring it up. Unless they directly ask, i should let it slide. Never lie. You should acknowledge it in all the paper work, and make sure it's taken care of once you have the job, but there's no point in bringing it up before you have the job because it's just shooting yourself in the foot.

Also, from what I understand pretty much all jobs, for you and me are going to be crazy hard to keep up with. Again, this is why we need to know the law, because they have to accommodate us. This might mean you only work 8 hours a day, it might mean you get Wednesday off to catch up with yourself, it varies depending on the situation. But they can't fire you because of the CF.

Just be responsible, take care of yourself, and keep plugging away at it. It'll come together, it'll just take a bit more work for us than everyone else. And with what I said about disclosure, be careful with this. It's a thin line we're gonna walk between taking care of ourselves and being blacklisted.

So yes, 12h a day is normal from what I hear, so you're just gonna have to shop around until you find the right fit for you.

Good luck. I know what you're dealing with.