work experience

[beana]

Hi, I've only recently discovered this site. I'm becoming increasingly obsessed with making my own films, but I have to admit I have little experience. If anyone knows of anyone who might be able to give me some work experience of some kind working on a low-budget film, doing anything, please could they let me know? I would be very grateful.
My other problem is could someone recommend to me a decent film camera to use and where I might be able to get hold of one cheap?

[shirt]

You can find a decent cheap 8mm film camera for under 20 bucks at an auction or on ebay... now finding and getting cheap film is another. 8mm film works out on average to be about a buck a foot... expensive compared to digital 8 and mini DV. (You can at least reuse these tapes!)

My advice is to go out and find a cheaper digital camcorder, or even just a simple hi8 camera... it can at least get you started!

[Gurdeep Samra]

Photo Optix is your best bet. If you can afford ?160 a month for nine months you can become a proud owner of a Sony TRV900. This is 3CCD miniDV camcorder which makes the deal sweet

[noddy]

i am only 15 but very keen to be in the film making business and i would like to know which is the best way to get in to it.does it mean going to a film school?

[Xendar]

One really good way of getting work experience is to look through the Yellow Pages, ring up Video Production companies & ask them. This is invaluable, if you've got the free time. Sometimes they'll pay you, sometimes they won't. But it's a really good way to gain experience, get you face known, and possibly get your foot in the door.
I did this whilst at college and got some valuable experience out of it.

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Mark Smith
Neon Films - Low / No budget films in West Yorkshire
www.neonfilms.freeserve.co.uk