Help for Veterans Seeking Movie/Entertainment Jobs

By Chuck N. Baker
(Hollywood, California) — Breaking in as an actor or in other sectors in the movie industry is universally known as a tough career choice. And yet each week new names and faces seem to appear on the silver screen, on magazine covers and on television talk shows.

Veterans, especially those who have recently returned to the States, may not be aware of just how the entertainment culture is moving and what is required to make it in Hollywood. But there is some hope for veterans especially who want to pursue such a goal.

It must be stated here that anyone who is serious should absolutely begin with acting classes or education in other creative disciplines, be it at a formal acting school, at a college or with a community theater. There are unwritten rules and details that newcomers should adhere to as they attempt to enter the market. But over and above that, the business is located in Hollywood. That’s where the studios are, and that’s where the auditions and employment interviews are generally held.

To be seriously considered, local individuals must be prepared to make the drive to Los Angeles from time to time, a three-to-four-hour trek from southern Nevada. But there is an organization there that has been working to make it a little bit easier for veterans who have the courage to try and make a living using their creative skills. It’s called Veterans in Media and Entertainment (VME). And it’s not just for veterans who want to appear before the movie camera. There are listings and job boards for those who want to work in television, labor on a crew, work as a writer, cinematographer or in other positions within the wide- ranging entertainment industry.

Meetings are held inside various veterans’ posts. For example, a recent mixer was held at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, a downtown city facility dedicated to veterans. But regular meetings are held at the American Legion Hall Post 43 in the middle of Hollywood, known to regulars as a 1940s-era gem that screams of pristine film-noir architecture inside and out.

Industry information that is provided exclusively to veterans begins with signing up for VMEconnect, a platform that connects former military to professional networking opportunities with current and former members of the military working in film, television, media, gaming and music. Members come from creative and corporate leadership positions to production trades and artisans, and at all career levels. The non-profit VME boasts of 52 recent job placements at ABC/Disney, Sony, Television, HBO and Warner Bros., 12 paid internships with such shows as “Ballers,” “Westworld,” “Barry,” “Crashing” and “Lucifer,” and 72 actors cast in “Unbroken 2,” “Hawaii Five-O,” “The Night Shift” and others. Also offered are educational classes and invitations to advance and premiere screenings.

Army veteran Caitlin Bassett reports that “New York City is tough, and this industry is even tougher. VME gave me a home and a built-in community of people who are all working hard toward accomplishing their dreams. She said, “It is similar to the military — it gives you somewhere to belong.”

Navy veteran Ryan Binse found a productive internship at HBO, saying “I’m just grateful. Two years ago, I was fixing electrical boxes on ships. Now, I’m reading screenplays for the most award-winning distributor in television, thanks to the VME Internship program.”

Recent top professionals who have spoken at VME include CEO/COO Ron Meyer of NBCUni, “Walking Dead” producer Gale Anne Hurd, and casting director Robert Ulrich from “CSI” and “Glee.” VME is a top-drawer organization dedicated to helping veterans who seriously want to work in entertainment. And while the vast majority of positions are in Hollywood, it seems there is always another film being shot in Nevada that began with a California audition before moving to the Silver State.

Examples of films shot in whole or in part here include two “Hangover” films, “Get Him to the Greek,” “Last Vegas” and “War Dogs.” And while Las Vegas is closer to Hollywood than Reno and Carson City, there are also many features produced in the north, including an upcoming Hallmark TV production. So, if you are a serious veteran (or active duty individual) who wants to break into the industry, Google VME, or send a query to info@vmeconnect.org

If you end up walking the red carpet, hope you remember who got you started!