How to make a living in Europe...

[Fredrik Callinggard]

I've moved my biz and carrier from Sweden to London to Denmark and it's all about contacts.

If you already have some contacts in Amsterdam with some promises to it then yes, if not, well then it's a clean start and it's harder.

But generally with all these things it's like your first mortgage. After awhile you wonder why you didn't do it sooner.

 

[Yannick Hagman]

Some heavy changes happening in my life at the moment and while business with RED in NYC could not be better, I am considering Europe.

Sorry, this doesn't make any sense.

 

[Priyesh P.]

Sorry, this doesn't make any sense.

Yes. I`m also still trying to understand the logic.

Anyway. Competition in this field is tough and if you don`t know the mechanics here it`s gonna be even more tough...

 

[Hans von Sonntag]

It all depends on what you want to achieve and what your personal situation is. Personally, I know that some years abroad are great for one's career. It broadens the horizon significantely and creates new, valuable contacts and friendships.

The only reason that would prevent me from trying something new if I want to change my life are kids. Ecomical success is surely no reason - only if I need fast cars and the other worthless stuff.

However, there are examples who never left their village and still created the most stunning pieces of art. E.g. the painter Morandi who just once in his lifetime left his village in the Toscany. He painted the most awsome still-life paintings dealing with only one object: pottery. The artist is in you and not in the environment; nevertheless, it's vital for success (at least in the film business) to know the "right" people. Here, a change can do miracles.

Apart form all this: Europe and the US are mentally closer than most people might think and the pond is no real barrier anymore. A flight from NY to LA is almost as long and expensive as from Amsterdam to NY. Almost all people in the industry speak English and American colleagues are heartly welcome.

Side note: As an US citizen you can easely get a temporary residence permit and as an freelancer (most people who do film crew jobs are freelancer) you can work on your own bill with now resrictions. BUT, you have to pay the taxes in the country you live in. Here in Europe taxes are much, much higher than in the US. On the other hand health insurance is generally much better and cheaper than in the States.

Hans

 

[Petr Dvorak]

Sorry, this doesn't make any sense.

He he, no wonder, it`s because he didn`t told us all aspects of his story.
Probably more personal than bussiness ... whatever

 

[Radoslav Karapetkov]

Sorry, this doesn't make any sense.

Maybe he's looking for a spiritual inspiration? :shiftyph34r:

 

[Yannick Hagman]

Oh.. I didn't intended an insult here. All the best with your decision you make.

It's just that I certainly wouldn't do it, if I would be in your situation and owned a Red One with lots of requests, however goodlooking the girl is or whatever..