Want
to get & keep a dream job? Use Scott’s Advice.
Ridley Scott is one of Hollywood’s longest-running, most successful directors. His films include Alien, Blade Runner, Thelma and Louise (nominated), G.I. Jane, Black Hawk Down (nominated), American Gangster, Gladiator (Best Picture and Best Actor winner), Robin Hood, Prometheus, The Martian (nominated), Alien: Covenant, House of Gucci and the latest release, Gladiator II.
As executive producer, he produced popular TV shows such as
The Good Wife, The Man in the High Castle, Elsbeth, Kaleidoscope, and The Good
Fight. At 86 years of age, he is still going strong. How does he do it? During
a recent interview, he talked about his start in the business which was an
eye-opener to anyone searching for their dream job.
Scott attended both West Hartlepool College and also London’s Royal College of Art. He studied graphic design in school and was very good at it. Graphic design principles impact all visual and creative arts, including drawing, painting, photography, merchandising, filmmaking, etc.
Get a solid education. Apply it to your niche.
Scott discovered that, toward the end of his studies, you could make more money as a fashion photographer. He used his knowledge of design principles, got a camera, and assembled a photography portfolio. His portfolio got him a traveling scholarship, and he decided to head to New York. This was where the professionals and ad agencies operated. These days, if you have a great online portfolio, you can request to work virtually.
Go to where the work is.
In the 1960’s, a simple phone call could put you in touch with the head people at most agencies. Scott called Bert Stern, a famous photographer who invited him to lunch. He looked at his portfolio and told him if you come back in a month I can give you a job as an assistant. Scott had a job waiting but continued with his employment search.
Scott found the office location of Don Pennebaker and Richard Leacock. Don and Richard were two film documentarians at the top of their craft. He waited by a greasy spoon outside their offices and followed them in the building when they arrived by cab. He asked to share the elevator ride and showed them his portfolio. By the time they reached the end of the ride, he had a job.
Be ready to pivot for a better opportunity.
After graduation in 1963 Scott was hired by the BBC as a trainee set designer. By 1965 he was allowed to direct but was disappointed at his salary. Ridley teamed with his brother Tony and founded a film and commercial production company called Ridley Scott Associates in 1968. By the 70’s and 80’s they received acclaim for several successful commercial campaigns including the iconic commercial for Apple computers in 1984 and the popular Channel №5 commercials (featuring music by Vangelis)
Don’t like your situation? Start your own business.
Scott mentioned that he learned so much from directing over 2000 commercials, it became film school for him. He filmed in diverse environments under every challenge imaginable, always against the clock. As Scott has said “ If you see a problem coming over the horizon, cut it off at the head. He learned how to tell a story in under 60 seconds. Something that even Kubrick was envious of.
DIY is a great way to learn.
Motion pictures are visual and have a narrative. Having a good eye and being able to tell a story with pictures is very important. Having a good story that is character-driven is a plus as well. “If you can tell a story in less than a minute, you have something because everything else is enlargement”.
Filmmaking is Storytelling
Knowing how to storyboard is key. You worked out the kinks on paper. If you have a plan, go for it. Make your actors comfortable, and listen to their input, but stick to the plan. Storyboards can sell your movie. You can show the producers exactly what you’re after and they can see it too before you film. Think like a cameraman and get the shots.
Storyboarding is an essential filmmaking tool.
Be you’re your own biggest critic. If a film fails know why.
“You can think of 95 reasons not to do something.” Know your audience, know the
story, know your limitations, and “just do it”. Scott knows his stuff and just
keeps on doing it.
What have we learned from Ridley Scott, filmmaker extraordinaire?
The Tips Recap:
- Get
a solid education. Apply it to your niche.
- Go
to where the work is (or work virtual).
- Be
ready to pivot for a better opportunity.
- Don’t
like your situation? Start your own business.
- DIY
is a great way to learn.
- Filmmaking
is Storytelling
- Storyboarding
is an essential filmmaking tool.
- Stop
procrastinating and ” just do it.”
