Opportunities to learn and gain hands-on experiences are all around their local communities. In today's world, everyone implements multimedia into their events. From setting up and running town and county fairs, church streaming/media production, town hall meetings, local theater, etc. These events utilize the basic media technology and skills that will serve as a foundation to build upon.

Plus as a bonus, they will have real-life experiences to share with next level opportunities.

Kids today have exceptional opportunities none of us had in our early years, a handheld device that records and edits high-quality audio and video, a place to share and showcase their talents and creativity, Social media/YouTube.

Remember the phrase "Garage Band" used to describe young musicians, typically in their teens, who formed bands independently. Some of the players were self-taught, while others had a few years of lessons under their belt. They would write and work out songs, record them on crude cassette records, and then go out and audition for local gigs. Sometimes, school dances which hopefully transitioned to local bars.

The technical and musical skills, talents, and experiences gained in those years were the foundations for most, if not all, of the legendary bands that rose through the 60s, 70s and into the 80s all started this way. Today's kids can gain the same experiences by utilizing today's multimedia tech.

First, we need to qualify and redefine the term 'Film Production.' Instead, we use the phrase, "Feature", to describe long-form storytelling.

(Since 2016 over 90% of major films were shot on digital video. As of 2017, 92% of films are shot on digital. Only 24 major films released in 2018 were shot on 35mm. Since the 2000s, most movies across the world have been captured as well as distributed digitally.)

With semantics aside, there are three simple approaches.

1. Utilizing basic production gear, iPhone, DLSR, simple LED light package, inexpensive microphones, and free editing software. Then, collaborate with a few classmates to create a short or long form "feature".  Doing so will gain them invaluable experience. Too many to list here.
2. Search the trade websites to find out if there is a feature being shot in their area. Hanging out by a shoot is an amazing opportunity to gain insights into how real production is done.
3. Utilizing production websites or social media production groups, Reddit subreddits are awesome for this. Look for Indy production companies looking for temp help on a shoot.

None of us has a strong expectation or need for "Newbies" or "Rising Professionals" to have much training. What we do look for is, first, genuine passion and interest in our craft. Second, the ability to conduct themselves appropriately in a professional environment. Third, personal skills to learn and retain.

With those attributes, we can train and teach the skills and talents needed.

The initial approach would be to watch as many BTS (Behind the Scenes) videos and articles as possible. These can easily be found on YouTube or FerroTV.

Second, listen to and watch interviews with a diverse cross-section of industry professionals featured on the FerroTV series, ON LOCATION.

Networking in the entertainment production industry, as in most industries, is critical. But unlike the social media world, where your "network" is just a numbers game of "followers",  a network of valuable and reliable contacts is the goal. Parents can begin the process by asking friends and coworkers if the know anyone who works in the industry. Remember, these people don't have to be staff at a network. They could be the people sitting behind the sound and lighting console at a local theater. Maybe the next time you attend an event that has stage lighting, sound, a band or DJ, walk up to them when they are on break or the show is done, and ask if they be okay if your child contact them. Make sure you stress how passionate your child is about what they do, and you have no insights.

Many of them would be willing to talk to your child at some point. Many may not. It is a real life version of the numbers game.

Finally, it's essential that you allow your child to make the follow-up contact. Learning to interface with people at all levels of the industry is key to their future success. They need to learn how to be persistent without being annoying. How and when to follow up. And how to ask if they can help in any capacity on a real gig.

Join: All sectors of the entertainment production industries have many associations related to their sector. For example, production groups on Ferro City, Reddit, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Then, join industry associations, such as the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters). Music: NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants). Theater: (??) recording: AES (Audio Engineering Society)

Some of this association may not be directly related to their initial interest, but it will give them a deeper exposure to the wide range of opportunities in specific industries.

Watch: Watch as many BTS (Behind the Scenes) videos and articles as possible. These can easily be found on YouTube or FerroTV.

Interacting: Parents need to be on the frontlines of exploration. Walking up to a sound or lighting board op in the back of a theater or bar/club. Talking to a tech person with a wedding band, at a local festival that has entertainment, basically anywhere there are camera, sound, lighting operators.

Ferro City was founded on the basic principle of exposing and networking all aspects of the entertainment industries.  We do this presently with our FerroTV industry interviews and our CEOs blogs. Our scaled growth includes member participation in live community discussions and project collaborations.

Other resources for insights would be accessing many of the associations related to the various sectors found throughout the industries. For example, production groups on Ferro City, Reddit, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You should join associations, such as the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters). Music: NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants). Theater: (??) recording: AES (Audio Engineering Society)

Join as many as you can find. Some of these associations may not be directly related to your child's primary interests but will give them a deep exposure to the wide range of opportunities in specific industries.

The industry is no more or less competitive than any other industry. The significant difference is getting in and navigating through. The entertainment production industry lacks a defined entry point, except for the few opportunities that arise at broadcast networks. Most of the work is "freelance," which means individuals are "self-employed" or hired as a temp, similar to the construction industry for their tradesmen.

These then identify the competitive component as developing a network of valuable and reliable peers.