John_1902

I am currently specialising in post-production and editing, I have a years left to complete my degree. I've always wanted to work in the US (main the experience), but I don't really know how to go on about it. I was thinking applying for an internship for the summer, also not sure about how to go about applying.

So if anyone on here works on the industry or with similar experience could give a tip or info would be really appreciated.

Thank You

Bob

Welcome to BE!

Have a look through the wiki - http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Pulaski's_Ways:_How_to_Live_and_Work_in_the_USA

That's a good starting point.

J1 internship visa, possible, but production houses are unlikely to bother.

Getting a visa, well you'd need loads of experience for them to bother...tends to be contract based work here rather than in house employees, so that makes it harder to find someone to sponsor you.

Blue Sky Productions in Greenwich CT might be worth a look, they did the Ice Age movies and have a couple hundred employees I think.

Bug it you don't have much experience, see if the uni has exchange programs in the US and see if you could get on one of those and make contacts

cowtowntaff

Alright mate.

Move to LA. It is the absolute epicenter of the industry and is an experience you won't forget. Internships regularly crop up on Mandy.com and to a lesser extent on craigslist. Despite the economy there is still plenty going on here although salaries for freelance work have taken a bit of a nosedive because it's a bit more competitive and a hirer's market.

But if you want an internship with a bit of perseverance you should find something.

I am myself carving a bit of a niche as a trailer editor which is something a lot of editors here consider beneath them but is fantastic for networking and having your skills seen.

Have you the savings to simply come here and get unpaid work experience? Do check that's legal but it could lead to a J1 if you can wow someone. My network here is small but I'll be happy to help you out if I can if you do make the move.

Bob

Would still need a visa to do that, J1.

ian-mstm

Advising someone to break the law isn't a smart thing to do in a public forum. You are not allowed to "work for free".

Ian

cowtowntaff

Your eyesight appears to be perfectly calibrated.

ian-mstm

My eyesight is fine. Telling someone to check whether or not it's legal after advising them to do something illegal doesn't negate the fact that you told them to do something illegal. It was still stupid... even though you might feel better about yourself for trying to CYA.

Honest officer, after advising him to shoot someone I was very careful to tell him to check first to see if shooting someone was legal... so it's not my fault.

Book 'im Dano! <in memoriam>

Ian

cowtowntaff

Thanks for that. I accept my heinous crime of advising someone to check the legality of something before doing it. Sorry

Was speaking to someone about this today littleman, he suggested contacting the film school at USC as they may be of some help. Apparently they are well connected and have collaborated well with foreign unis in the past. Worth a try by the sounds of it.

http://cinema.usc.edu

N1cky

Try the big studios, Universal, Warner Bros, Disney, Nick... Internships are fairly common and they are used to sponsoring visas.

nejicano

Hey,

I'm applying for work in post as well for editing. I live in LA now, though I have my degree in Broadcast Journalism. Anyway, there is really loads of stuff going around here, it's just a matter of knowing where to look. I've been looking/applying for 2 1/2 months in-country, and so far no luck. I have a contact pretty high up at CBS who was impressed with my resume, but even so there weren't any jobs to recommend me for.

I don't really know anything about the US visa process because I'm an American. I did it the other way around and went to England for uni. So moving here wasn't an issue for me; in fact, it's what had to be done, which sucks. Want to trade passports?

Really though, all I can tell you is that there are things you can look at. Like it was suggested, look at the bigger companies. They'll be in a better position to sponsor your visa. Also, do some research and see if there are any post-houses run by Brits or that employ a lot of internationals. I know it's a long shot and a lot of work, but it could totally be worth it if you found something. Just apply everywhere. If you're going to make it in the entertainment field, it'll be in LA.

Have you thought about coming out here for a bit and asking around whilst you're here? You wouldn't have to do any work and could enter as a tourist I think, but you could take the opportunity to send out your resume and cover letter to loads of different places.

Where are you studying, if you don't mind my asking, and what's your course?

You're a trailer editor! Are you based in LA? Which systems do you use? What kind of trailers do you cut? How long did it take you to find your current position? Sorry for all the questions, it's just exciting to meet somebody who's doing what I'd like to do.

Bob

It's a double edged sword though, on one hand you're in a hub, but the other, there's already a shit ton of people already there who are qualified and don't need a visa.

Move to an area that's a smaller hub who struggle to pull people away from the big hub and you'll probably find a company more willing to go through the hassle of visa sponsorship...and for post houses, that'll be around NY...even more so if you know mo-cap set up, Harmonix used a big studio down there for the rockband games.

John_1902

Cool...thank you so much. I haven't been on here for a while with uni and etc. but to answer ur earlier post, yes apart from vis there is nothing that can stop me from coming there, as I have my uncle who gave me idea in the first place. Also, many intern jobs seem to be asking for current college students, my plan is to finish my two years in uni and then move there, so uni credit is out of the question.

p.s. I can seem to contact u on private.... would love to hear from u cheers

ian-mstm

That's an odd thing to say considering that without a visa, you won't be coming to the US. Getting a visa isn't a mere formality... it's a must have, and you must also be eligible!


You need 3 posts to private message. Oh... and I think you mean "I can't seem..."

Ian

John_1902

I know obtaining a visa is not a formality, but I was referring to a place to stay, I wouldn't need as much money as some who has to find a place to live.

John_1902

Most big companies do offer internship, but they don't anything that is connected to post production. Its all programming, marketing and HR.