Camera operators, grips, and production assistants; Some of the video production freelance jobs of those crazy enough to search on the daily at classifieds and just about anywhere someone could post, seeking assistance (for a low wage it always seems). When the work is done and your job commended, your left with inconsistent paychecks 30 days or more later, some from the biggest corporations in the industry that flat out ignore you and your payment, indefinitely. Left with no clear communication, on what they don’t seem to understand is your sole livelihood. The struggle just to take a step on set to a passion that you don’t want to give up, just because you don’t live in New York or California. Either way you go, to make it, is going to be tough. Unless there is a name in the game you know willing to help you, luck is your next best bet.
Stubborn bullhorns can’t stop charging, but halted to the back for not having equipment, a truck, being a female professional, and to add a cherry on top, being black, it becomes a sport like snowboarding. Coming to the realization that the industry you are trying to break into is a privilege and no matter my degree, my experience, and qualifications I find myself likely not to exceed next to male counterparts. On set there is a hierarchy so relevant it has created a toxic environment over the years. That is finally gaining media attention from the fruit of. To be apart of the magic, making, crafting, trimming, creating goose bumps and hope. Get the highest of recognition from institutions with most of the population’s attention, for your work. So if you want to be a part of it, bust your ass working hard for no money and eventually maybe we will give you a position but it will be temporary.
The voice inside us speaks loud, outside we reek silence because we need the job and if we just hold on a little tighter for a little longer, we know we can work our way over. They think you never seen a Star Wars episode or the Rocky Films, assumes the worst before you can ever answer a question. “Do you need help?” “You got it?” Yeah, it may look like I am struggling and though my arms not as big as what society has equated as strong. It is still capable, I may struggle, but I still get it done. Never suggested for work, while networking because I am not a “buddy”. Veered to roles like Actress, Makeup Artist, and Wardrobe. Weary, approaching a new set and crew, alert to how the order is, how to address them, some can have the ego of a fictional villain.
I am not saying it is like this all the time and that all male crew member’s are like this because that would be an absolute lie. I have met an equal amount of great colleagues I’ve worked with and have referred me. Just like any industry you have the good and the bad, yet what still remains the constant, especially in the mid-western region is the lack of women.
The solution; just hire more women from a plethora of diverse background to cut the locker room environment. Video and production work is not hard, yes a lot of money and stakes are put in the production from the quick advances in technology video undergoes frequently. However, studies show women are known for having a higher attention to detail, sense of urgency, time management, able to think a few steps ahead, and caring and thinking about the rest of the crew and talent consistently. But, if stepping out of the normal for a creative project is jusy too scary, then we’ll show you. If you can’t already recognize and see the premonition of the future in Video and Media for women as creators and customers, then will make the platform. This is what I had to personally and the reason I have created Milan Arielle Productions, mostly out of necessity, but it will be better this way. While corporations continue to scrounge up a video dude every two years, with bad interpersonal skills and behind on the latest design trends. My platforms will bided on by the competition.
To be the boss and trust the creative vision, see the success when put into fruition that would of never been given a chance to. So please if you are in the Detroit area, support a local business that is woman and minority owned, together we can shift the paradigm