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Name: Gretchen
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Occupation: Assistant to Accountant
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What attracted you to the Entertainment Industry, and what was your first job or big break in the business?
My mother used to get us all excited about the movies. After seeing "Lawrence of Arabia" we walked around the house wearing towels and belts on our heads. This job is my first big break in the business.
What is the biggest challenge you faced trying to break into the industry, and how did you overcome it?
Leaving the advertising field was sort of an obstacle. I had always wanted to work on a film but I was tied to a job. Then the market went berserk and the agency I was working for closed down, and then it really wasn't hard to leave.
What advice can you give those trying to break into the "industry?"
Someone in the business told me, "never work for free." I think that's wrong if you want to start out.
Please describe your job for those who might not know what an Assistant to the Accountant is.
Earl, the accountant, hired me to help him with the paper work, because there is lots of it. I started by making files for all the cast and crew (everyone that's on the payroll and interns). Everyone needed to fill out agreements (the crew has certain forms which are different from the actor's SAG contract). I also became very good at taping down receipts for petty cash.
Can you share any tricks of the trade that help you work faster/cheaper/better?
Keeping properly organized files is imperative. If everyone's paperwork is in the right file, you don't have to spend a lot of time looking for it. This goes for accounts payable as well; all vendors and bills from wallpaper to renting '70s cars have a file with copies of checks to show that we have paid them.
Please illustrate the way the performance of your position can help or hurt a movie. Name a movie that you've seen (or worked on) that we could view and understand the difference between a good job and a bad job.
It's not my position, but the accountant makes things possible for the cast and crew by providing them with cash and dealing with the budget
Are you a writer, and if so, how many screenplays have you written?
I have worked as a copywriter at an ad agency. At this point I've written a lot of direct mail pieces, including bill inserts, door hangers and form letters.
What's the best lesson you've learned in regards to working in Hollywood?
Hollywood is a place where I've never worked. My advice for working in Chicago would be to keep yourself grounded.
What advice would you give to writers on how to craft a script that addresses practical production issues?
Read scripts that have been produced.
List your top 5 favorite films
- The Birdcage
- To Kill A Mockingbird
- Midnight Cowboy
- Private Benjamin
- Girl, Interrupted
**Please feel free to add other comments here
Working on "Stolen Summer" was a blast. I really had a great time learning about how a film is put together and helping out.
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