For all of those who think the world of Film and TV Production is full of glamorous lunches with celebrities and driving around town with the top down, Abby Rogers, Production Coordinator for Primitive World Productions would like to set you straight. The job of a Coordinator is just what it sounds like, but for a Production it means making sure everything from equipment to crew to actors have everything they need to make a day on set go as smoothly as possible.
Abby didn’t plan on working in this industry. An opportunity arose while she was lifeguarding during college. One of the professors in the Video Services department was also a regular swimmer and would try and convince her to work on some of their projects. “I finally gave it a try,” she remembers. “Not only did I like it, but I was actually good at it!”
After filming music recitals, lectures, theatre and dance performances on campus, Abby decided to set her sights a little higher and intern through The Philadelphia Center (run by the Great Lakes College Association) during her senior year. This led to working for Banyan Productions on a little show called Trading Spaces. “I fell in love with Philadelphia that semester, and moved back here [from Michigan] after I graduated.” Abby climbed the ranks from freelancer to full timer by January 2010 at Primitive World Productions.
A few things Abby wishes she knew before she dove into production was just how much time it would take to get started. “I got very discouraged early on when I was applying and applying and sending resumes without any response, but it was before I knew anyone.” After this she realized just how much networking factors into getting jobs. “I was actually able to get started because a woman I went to college with was in Philadelphia doing production as well, and she gave me a chance on a couple of low and non-paying gigs, where I met more people who hired me for more jobs, and on those jobs I met more people who hired me for even more jobs, etc. etc.”
Abby advises those who are looking to be a part of the Philly Production world to not give up. “Take a couple low or non-paying gigs, but don't work for free forever… be nice to everyone, you never know who someone knows, and word travels fast in this industry.” Also, just like any other production market, the days can be “painfully long,” and “that three minute clip in the movie… took us an entire day, twelve different camera set ups, and hundreds of takes to make.”
With all that said, remember that the Philadelphia market is different than its larger counterparts. “We are a close knit community who watches out for each other.” However, just like anything else you need to put yourself out there. “Get in there, work hard, and know you're not going to hit the big time overnight.” Get the glamour out of your head, work in the Philly market instead.
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