Interview with Phil Tommy for industry standard field research

last week, I did an interview with a film maker and a director in the film industry. I asked him a few questions that will give me a good idea on what the film industry will look for as a candidate.

1. Name: Phil Ray Tommy
2. Age: 37
3. Occupation: Film Maker/Director/Actor
4. How long have u been in the industry?: 10 Years
5. What is the Ideal candidate for the job?: A combination of passion/ hard worker and can do work in his/her personal time plus team work is most essential like for example if any issues would arise, they can help each other so I would like them to have good chemistry skills especially in the visual effects side of it. I would like them to have talent and conflict management skills as some times this does arise when people fall under pressure.
6. Is experience essential?: Experience is not essential as every one is entitled to opportunity. Although it can be ideal, but the main thing we are looking at is passion, as it can be a difference with a scene made for instance, an un-experienced Visual effects artist could possibly make a better edit than the person with experience who has little passion for his work. We have to look at Stephen Spielberg as he had no experience at all first and now look where he is now. Its all about giving a chance to someone
7. I know the subject was mentioned earlier but I will ask again as I might get more information regarding this. Does the candidate need team work skills?... if so, anything specific?:             Well yes Team Work is very important! In Production, it is not a one man job as End result is done by team work. If there is no team work, then there is a high possibility the final piece wont function properly as everything has to be linked. As I mentioned before, if someone needs help then they can organise meetings as well to tackle the situation.
8. Does the candidate need to know how to use any specific software? if so, which ones?: Final cut pro could be essential or even after effects. If they don't have strong skills in them, then we can teach them how to use the software as mentioned above.
9. If the candidate needs to bring in a portfolio, which examples does the person need to bring in for the interviewer?: A small portfolio with good quality. Anything good in VFX with an example of high quality from anything ordinary to a major edit... Even a change of background would do.
10. What was the best production work u done so far since u been in the industry?: "Cane + Able" is the best I done so far as it was a learning curb for me. It shows how much of a person I am. I had problems in the process but my team managed to tackle it. its all about the team... You learn as it goes along... It Is not black and white, its all about passion and the quest for self improvement.