Ben Graeme

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Name: Ben Graeme

Where do you live?
Cabbagetown

Profession: Film and television director and producer

Please explain what you do in your job:
My job consists of researching, producing and editing for both film and television. I have to organize shoots, scout locations, pre-interview talent, shoot all the scenes then edit everything for broadcast.

My job is a lot of fun but a ton of work.

I've recently produced and directed a documentary film called The FallDown. With directing a film you must fully research a subject. For this film, the topic I chose was about the mountain pine beetle outbreak in British Columbia that has killed more than 30 million acres (and counting) of trees. Part of making a documentary is being able to presents facts objectively and to tell your story through the eyes of your interviews.

To tell this story and show the social, economic and environmental impacts the beetle has on our environment, I spoke to everyone from loggers to scientists. A ton of research and time, but a story that definitely impacts the lives of Canadians.

Current job:
City Life Films

Independent Producer, New media web channel for lifestyle show. City Life Media Inc.

List of accomplishments:
• The FallDown, feature documentary film, www.thefalldownmovie.com
• City Life Films, online lifestyle and resource show
• Technicolor Creative services, production co-ordinator

How do you measure success in your profession?
Tough question.

You're successful if you get contracts for broadcast and theatrical release. But I really think you're successful if you achieve what you set out to do. It's really hard to finish a film without a large resource base. Weather it be shortage of money or differences of opinions, if you can finish something as a team that everyone is happy with then that's the success.

How did you get your start in your chosen career?
I started volunteering through a co-op high school program at a local TV network in Toronto. After high school I continued working a for them and ended up staying with the company for seven years. I took this time to try and figure out exactly what I wanted to do in the business. I moved around in the company and tried all sorts of jobs from floor directing to producing. I eventually gravitated toward being behind the camera.

When did you decide this is what you want to do for a living and what was the 'moment'?

Twenty-four. I really wanted to learn about filmmaking from actual 16 mm to 35 mm processing. So stopped working and went to film school.

What did you have to do in order to get involved with this profession?

That's hard to say. In this type of field for every person is a different route.

Pros and cons of this job:

Cons: As an independent director/producer, you must live from contract to contract, which involves budgeting your money like a ninja. You must balance your funds so that if you have three months with no work, or very little work, you can still pay the bills.

Pros: You get to be creative. It's fun, exciting and every changing. You can actually have an impact on people's lives and hopefully a positive one.

When you do get a good paying job you could work for two months and earn a year's salary. But it will be the hardest two months you've ever worked.

Skills required for this job:
A good understanding of film techniques and storytelling are both vital. A well-rounded knowledge of camera and post-production technologies. Working with people is also essential, and being able to convey creative ideas to them.

What can youth expect if they want to pursue this job?
Stress, expensive schooling and no guarantee for any future in the field. It better then it sounds ... really.

Percentage of people who actually succeed in this field:
Ten per cent

Salary range: $60,000 to $200,000.

Advice to youth who are thinking about pursuing this field:
At first get a steady job in the field and start making films on the side. Make as many as you can and gain experience. This is what makes directors successful - being creative and becoming experienced.

Anything else you would like to say?
It's an amazing job. If films are your passion and you love telling stories, then this might be right for you. You may not make tons of money, but you could have a wonderful and interesting career.