Foreigner working in the US

[Brent Van den Abbeele]

Hi guys,

I'm European, Belgian and as far as I know we have totally different systems. We don't have guilds, society's, unions... and also, we have way too many competitors who work for no money.
Other camera operators are starting to start with some kind of union, but it goes really really slow.

So I'm curious, is it possible for foreigners to work in the US as a camera operator? If you can get your hands on a visa off course.
Or are all foreigners completely on their own?

Greets

 

[Alex Lubensky]

If you're expecting less competition in the US - this won't happen. The competition in the US is crazy. There is a Society Of Camera Operators, but it's not that easy to get into it. My guess is - you should focus on your own PR/Marketing/Pricing and work on that path too, instead of relying on a guild and shifting somewhere. You'll end up in the US with same problems as in Belgium, unsolved.

 

[Brett Harrison]

It's worth going if you're invited there. The abundance of work is favourable for exceptional skills.

If you have something you do that is a point of difference, start getting in touch with people who may be interested there, and see if you can get something started. You need to get a visa on some basis.

 

[Brent Van den Abbeele]

It's not that I want to come to the US because there is to much competition here, because I have it pretty good here (although it's not organized). But my wife might have to go there for her job for about 4 years, so I might have to go with here. Or get a divorce ;-)

 

[Matt Uhry]

Hi guys,

I'm European, Belgian and as far as I know we have totally different systems. We don't have guilds, society's, unions... and also, we have way too many competitors who work for no money.
Other camera operators are starting to start with some kind of union, but it goes really really slow.

So I'm curious, is it possible for foreigners to work in the US as a camera operator? If you can get your hands on a visa off course.
Or are all foreigners completely on their own?

Greets

Depending on where you are and what you're working on Unions will be a different factor. There are many foreign DP's and Op's in Hollywood. You're success is going to hinge on your reel, attitude and probably a lot of luck. I don't think being Belgian is going to matter all that much.

Matt Uhry
www.mattuhry.com

 

[Dan Kanes]

Generally speaking (very broadly) - if you have a visa you will be fine.

For major “Hollywood” productions you can join ICG 600 - which is an international guild covering camera department.

However there is a decent amount of non-union work at times (feast or famine as I’m sure it is everywhere) , even in union oriented states like California. (Full disclosure - I’m strongly in favor of Unionized labor and am myself an ICG600 member)

A friend network is absolutely important. If you’re coming to Los Angeles, please let me extend my friendship to you here.

The key to sharing work with friends is “the code”

1. Never steal a friend’s client.
2. Always return the favor of a job when you can offer it.
3. Always bring your “A game” to a referred job no matter if the Job sucks or the client is a jerk.
4. Never steal a friend’s client. Always speak highly of them.

PS - plenty of people who work for too low / no money here, but the amount of content being created is ever expanding, so this is naturally related.