Beware the Gatekeepers

I was found out last night. I had previously worked as a recruiter with a local casting agency in the San Antonio area. I have to, on occasion, "explain" myself. The quick version is that the talent agency I worked for, although not technically doing anything illegal, was not all that is was made out to be. I will carry my share of the blame, and I did sincerly believe that the owner had the actor's best interest in mind.

The problem was that the owner portrayed himself as a gatekeeper. To clarify, when someone portrays themself as the only road to travel, the only one in the know, the only show in town, I call them a "gatekeeper". They will play with your mind, and they will have enough general knowledge of the film industry to answer the majority of your rookie questions intelligently. Often, they will posses real skill, wether it be in front of or behind the camera. The common detail is that they prey on your desire to make it big.

There are some things that are standard in whatever industry you get into; most independent filmakers use Final Cut Pro, all actors will need good headshots, and writers should be writing everyday. My advice on this topic is to make your connections in groups, like at the Film Forum held by the San Antonio Film Commision held monthly at the Main Library downtown (affectionatly known as the "enchilada red" library) . Check out their website at http://www.filmsanantonio.com for details on their next meeting. There is also a competion for filmakers coming up the 2nd weekend of August, and the participants are looking for actors, writers, and various crew positions. A very good experience for all involved, more details at http://www.48hourfilm.com/.

In conclusion, just be reasonalble in your expectations and get to know who you work with if at all possible.

Until next time,
Armando Guerra /PapaBear