Getting into the Game in COVID

[Domenic Porcari]

Hello everyone,

Last year I attended an SOA workshop in the fall,  and this past August, I put the last piece of my steadicam puzzle into place when I bought my first arm (master series), and feel almost ready to start putting myself out there as a new operator. So far I've had three paid gigs, a handful of student films, and recently a feature, but they mostly from personal connections, and I'd like to start getting my name out there, making connections, and working towards some steady work.

I have a list of my existing production contacts here in Pittsburgh to whom I plan to reach out, but before I do that, I'd love to learn what some of you more established operators did/said when getting into the game that you feel had success.  Since I only get one first impression, I want to be sure my "steadicam introduction" to my potential clients is solid. So what are some strategies that you implemented to get your name out there that you feel worked well, and what are some things you tried that you would advise not wasting time on?  Also, what traditional avenues into new work has COVID closed for you, and has it opened any new opportunities?

Thank you,

Domenic Porcari

[Mike Harris]

I use to spend lots of time playing video games before I started my professional life about 8-10 years ago and in recent years I hardly play any games but this COVID and lockdown situation in the country has given me enough free time to get back to my gaming and in the last few months I have spend lots of time playing video games and I am actually enjoying my gaming a lot with many fantastic games released this year including The Last of Us: Part II, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Call of Duty: Warzone. There are also some amazing games releasing in near future as well which include Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond, Cyberpunk 2077, and Hitman 3 so my time in COVID isn't going that bad, especially when you talk about my gaming.