Getting into The Biz: First Steps (FILM)

Okay, back in September I promised to start sharing tips and info wonderful mentors/friends have bestowed upon me regarding the elusive film world of LA. Whether you just want to dip your toes in the water, or take the plunge, here are a few things you have to do right away! Today, we'll cover...

Getting to Know The Trade Magazines - Research
Your go-to sources for everything film/industry related, these magazines will help you not only better your understanding of what's going on (deals being made, industry peeps stepping into CEO/important roles, others getting signed to agencies, what scripts/ideas are making the rounds through studios, studio problems, etc), but will also make your more knowledgeable about the industry as a whole.


The Hollywood Reporter
The price of this mag is fairly high, but the website is chock-full of much of the same information you can get on the newsstand. AKA: Start checking out their website daily NOW: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/

Below The Line
Want to be a part of the crew? Below The Line publishes articles and production listings whose primary audience is the film crew. So if you're wondering where a good place to start getting involved and finding out who's looking for crew members, working on what, etc., subscribe!
Check out their website: http://www.btlnews.com/

Variety
Somewhat similar to The Hollywood Reporter, Variety has been around since 1905! It offers industry news and the latest reviews. There are several different versions of this mag:
Variety - weekly edition
Daily Broadway - daily Los Angeles & Broadway edition
Daily Variety Gotham - daily East Coast edition
Variety.com - yep, it's subscription-based too
Variety On-The-Go - App version of the mag
See their website to decide what version you think best suits you (maybe all?):
http://www.variety.com/Home/