Work for free - a lot. You have to show people you are very hard working and produce good relationships. Perth's industry is small, but good to get into. The filmmakers that make it up, all appreciate someone who is willing to do their best - no matter what.

It's hard at first but very rewarding in the long run. Start out on Student/No Budget pictures and go from there.

Best of Luck,

Wade K. Savage
www.darkhouse.com.au

The pro-bono thing, as good and altruistic as it may be, can also nip you on the arse if you expect too much.

When you in your turn want to call in a little help you may find yourself in the orphanage or the leper colony.

I'm talking two feature length projects and several shorts - over five years worth.

It begins to become a little ridiculous when you have equipment failures on your own projects because it has been worn out on all the others.

Except for one or two of the genuinely faithful reciprocators, I now filter out the tourists from the lovers of the crafts by charging a fee on equipment.

If they really want it to happen, they'll find a way or find somebody else's resources to consume.

The knack is being able to discern what is going to pointlessly burn off your lifetime from that which is worthwhile and should be supported.

Be prepared to give heaps and simply be satisfied with the networking opportunities.

Be prepared to donate ongoing time if for no other reason than to maintain your prescence. Maintaining recency in your skillset and learning stuff from others is the payback.