Start building relationships with people who work in the scripted world, and make sure those people know you're a capable, trustworthy camera assistant. Without those relationships in place, there's a very good chance you'll start back at the bottom. Good luck!

This is an important distinction to make. We should all develop the ability to work with people we might not like. Particularly when it comes to working with (or for) people who have the power to move us forward in our career. That's a no-brainer skill to develop.

But I don't think it's necessary to put up with everyone around you no matter what. Because some people will endlessly deplete your time and energy, and engaging with them won't do a single thing to further your career or your enjoyment of life. Since our time and energy are our most valuable resources, sometimes it makes sense not to devote resources to people who don't make the cut.

It's maybe a cynical approach to networking, but it works wonders for building a quality network over time, instead of just schmoozing with anybody and everybody.

I actually agree with pretty everything you say here, but it seems like a bit of a cheap shot there at the end considering you don't know anything about me.

My current path through the world of film is far from traditional, because I tried the traditional path of working in the industry with people I didn't much care for, and it made me miserable. And I value not being miserable way more than I value working in the industry.

So yeah, my advice comes from a different perspective than others. I've learned how to be a filmmaker on my own terms, and it makes me far happier than just being another cog in the industry machine.

If that's what you want from your life, more power to you, and best of luck. But don't discount my advice because it doesn't fit in with your preconceived narrative of how to "make it" as a filmmaker. Because there are plenty of ways to succeed in this world making the films you care about with the people you like. You just have to stray from the traditional ways of doing things.

It might be bad advice if working as a crew member in the film industry is how you define success. I'll give you that. But in my personal experience, I've learned that "sucking it up" and working with people you don't like is a recipe for not enjoying your life very much. Been there. Done that. Won't be doing it again.

For Paul, if it's super important to him to get work in the industry, then sure, maybe that's a worthwhile tradeoff. But if his goal is make cool work and live a good life, then it doesn't make sense to surround himself with people who undermine those goals. Because you can absolutely make a living as a filmmaker without being part of the industry, and you can absolutely do it alongside the people you like.

I was about to write a lengthy reply to this, but Andrew totally nailed it with his comment. It's all about finding your people, the ones who are likeminded and passionate and driven, and completely ignoring everyone else.

I spent years trying to work on every set I could, and it burned me out and made me question whether I was a good fit for this industry (I'm not). But what I did learn is that finding your little tribe of filmmaking peeps, making cool stuff with them, and taking on increasingly ambitious projects is just as good a way to break into the film world as anything else. And way more enjoyable too.

As the old saying goes, find your people, make cool stuff, and don't let the bastards get you down.

Dan's the man, and this poem is the best thing I've read all week. Thanks for sharing!