Getting hired in the USA

[MSProd]

I'm based in Paris and wanted to know if it makes sense for me to list myself on a site like onestopred.com or mandy.com to work in the USA. Obviously for a good job I would fly over. I realize I might be viewed a potential competitor but hoping for some solid advice. Thanks, Henri

 

[Jonas Rejman]

It sure makes sense, but you will either need a greencard or a working visa, and in all cases a serious employee will want to see a US social security number, in order to employ you.

This involves a lot of paperwork, patience and luck. You might find an employer, who will help you with the working visa, or a working permit, but even when you find him, you will be tight only to his company or a specific job. If you get fired, or want another opportunity, you will have another paper work run to do.

You can forget about freelance work, because for that you need the social security number. Without it you are a nothing in the US.

You might visit NYC or LA first and try to make some contacts. Depending on what you can do, you might do it from Paris later. As European you are allowed to stay for non-commercial purposes as a tourist for maximum of 90 days.

Living and working in the US is a long-term goal, and unless you already have a high reputation as e.g. a director, worth to be flown in, better than all the competition there is already, the chances are really slim. And even those people have troubles with visas. Everyone, not born there sort of does. There are many insane stories on how people managed to be legit in the US. Very seldom it is as funny as this:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099699/

Of course there are all sort of "creative ways" to get around that problem. But all I knew of ended up with a 15 year US ban in their passport and were deported.

 

[Florian Stadler]

Unless you have an American Passport, a Green card or a work visa you are not allowed to work in the US. If you can't find enough work in your own town you certainly can't find work in a very competetive market. If you have creative relationships in the us and projects that want you it's another story.

 

[Christian Munoz D]

It sure makes sense, but you will either need a greencard or a working visa, and in all cases a serious employee will want to see a US social security number, in order to employ you.

This involves a lot of paperwork, patience and luck.

Took me 4 years!!!!!!

 

[Mike Prevette]

Now how can I work in Paris?

 

[Tobias Straka]

Now how can I work in Paris?

Just came back from a shoot there - great city. And even greater with a RED...

 

[Rich Schaefer]

I do have to say, there are thousands and thousands of shooters here in the US! It is competitive.

 

[Harva Raj]

why don't start a production company than searching for a job in US.

 

[donatello b]

you can pretty much buy any "paper/cards/ID you need for employement once you get to LA ..
the law requires employers to ask/see your SS#/workpermit/greencard etc BUT the law does not required them check/make calls to see if it is "real" , legit etc ...
there are millions working in US with fake ID's ....
so ?????

 

[RougeDP]

I don't want the headache of having my own production company. I am happier as a DP for hire. Shoot and get paid

why don't start a production company than searching for a job in US.