Graduation Day
![[ I'm in there somewhere. Where's James? ]](http://hooverdust.com/wp-content/images//grad_day.jpg)
It’s all officially over. University life is no more. Sure I finished my last exam in November of last year but after attending the graduation ceremony this morning, it’s a reminding realisation that it’s the end of 4 years hard work. Strange that the ceremony was so early in the day and also a shame because the post-ceremony drinks were restricted to water, tea and juice when what most of us really wanted was a beer or several. One thing I thought they should have done was give the Bachelor recipients (that’s us on the left) one colour band per degree. I, along with a few others there, had two degrees under our belts so shouldn’t we receive two bands? I know that sounds extremely wanky but on the flip side, we did essentially study for a separate degree so shouldn’t it show? If the phD students get orange robes, the least we could have got was an extra band.
In the end though it’s that piece of paper that counts towards scoring a graduate job. That search so far hasn’t been easy, especially when you’re trying to break into the film/television/advertising sector essentially as an outsider. I’ve been knocked back more times than I care to remember, even with good qualifications but I expect all of that. If I have one piece of advice for anyone interested in getting a foot in is network like it’s a bodily function. Call everyone and anyone you know because they just might have a contact who can land you that first break. 99% of the jobs won’t be advertised in the papers or online so you gotta go out and find it. Stay positive, don’t let minor setbacks derail your vision, and appreciate the support of family and friends.
![[ Check out Plasma displays! ]](http://hooverdust.com/wp-content/images//avid_display.jpg)
Last week, I attended the Digital Media World Festival to check out the latest gadgets and software for digital film-makers. I spent most of my time at the Avid display (since I’m targeting film/television editing work) checking out their new Xpress Studio package. It’s not a cheap set-up (around AU$14000) and most ‘freelancers’ couldn’t afford such a package but for post-production houses and film/TV companies it’s ideal. I wonder though whether the Apple alternative is a more attractive (and cheaper) offer. Avid is considered the industry standard for editors and has been for many years but Final Cut Pro is also widely used (especially in smaller post houses) so I wonder what the future might hold for Avid. I’ve used both and find FCP more familiar and user friendly.
I also got my hands on the relatively new Sony HDV Camcorder which is what all digital film-makers and video production houses drool over. The reason being is that it can record high definition 16:9 video onto a standard miniDV tape and is reasonably (around AU$8000) priced. The quality of the image is superb and has enough manual controls to satisfy most. I left several pools of drool over at the Sony stand.
Finally, did you all see the Enough Rope interview with Spielberg on Monday night? Rod expressed his thoughts and I agree. None of the questions posed were particularly difficult for Spiely and it almost appeared like he premeditated the answers. Plus as Rod states, if he didn’t have War of the Worlds coming out, he wouldn’t have agreed with the interview. I’m not sure about the movie. I mean, I’ll see it (hey it’s Spiely) but none of the trailers have got me pumped. All in all, not a particularly insightful interview and you’re better off reading one of his biographies (which there are many). Still, Enough Rope is one of the best talkshows on the tube right now. One piece of advice for Andrew Denton though - never attempt rapping on air again.
13 Responses to “Graduation Day”
Congrats on the graduation.
About networking, i think becoming borderline alcoholic can do wonders for networking in the media. Find the bars where media types hang out, when they’re trashed, approach and befriend. After a while you’ll become ‘one of the boys’ and job opportunities will be revealed.
Congrats James!
Cheers fellas!
Dan - hadn’t really thought of that one yet so thanks for the heads up! There’s only over 2000 bars to choose from in Melboure alone! Luckily I am a borderline alcoholic so I just gotta nail down a few of those media hangouts. Surely most in the Fitzroy area would be ideal and I frequent them fairly often so :)
James, you’re scaring me… Borderline alcoholic, worked in a video store, worked for Woolies, studied film and tv…
Are you really me in three years time playing some sort of sick time travel joke?
I know it’s a freaky coincidence. But haven’t all filmmakers done those things?
hey,
I found your website through searching for James Cameron.
anyways, I just wanted to say Congrads on graduating and good luck in the future.
You have an awesome website. Well done.
Thanks Oksana. Appreciate the kind words.
I think Cameron is in full pre-production swing at the moment on Battle Angel with a 2007 release scheduled. My guess (and that’s all I can offer) is that shooting must begin soon since filming will probably last the most part of a year and then post another year.
You’re welcome.
I’ve heard about his new project. It’s exciting. James Cameron is one of my all time favorite directors/writers/artists. I love his “aliens” “terminator” and “titanic” movies.
Also, when I found your page, it was awesome to learn that you are a future filmmaker. That “Fluoro Tan” video clip is great!
Congratulations, James.
I really admire what you’ve done so far and the sky is the limit.
Yeah well done James. What exactly are the letters appearing after your name on the business card? B.A. Media?
Thanks again everyone for the congrats.
Rod - B.Bus E.Comm B.Arts MM. Although it might just be shortened to B.Bus B.Arts. I’ve been waiting of the day I can throw them on my business card.
Just watched Garden State again on the ole DVD, and for some reason it didn’t hold up as well as I hoped it would. It was still good, but the weaker points just became more prominent.. I dunno, I feel cheapened. My backs sore. Peace out.
Yeah it ain’t perfect but there’s a lot to like about it. Did you end up watching Episode III on DVD?