Setlife

'Setlife' is a must-have guide designed to prepare you for what happens on a typical day on a film set. It will help you if you’re studying, have just landed your first job, or are continuing to sharpen your skills a few projects in. Matt Webb’s no-fuss, practical tips are essential reading for anyone chasing a career in the film industry.

When you finally finish film school and throw your hat into the air in triumph, soon follows the daunting task of actually landing a job. You need to be prepared to not only nab that first role, but build a stellar career.

Negotiating contracts, understanding key departments, figuring out which role is for you, as well as interviews with Oscar winning crew -- this book will help you land that foot in the industry door -- and keep it there. It’s all that film-world knowledge you won’t learn elsewhere.  

What is Setlife?

Eighteen months ago I decided to start writing down the various lessons I’d learnt from hundreds of days on set. I quickly realised how few of these lessons were picked up during my degree, and so thought it would be helpful information for anyone trying to get a job in the film industry. These ideas grew and evolved until it became clear that I had enough solid content to form an entire book.

Getting work experience straight off the bat can be difficult to say the least, and even then you have only a small window of a couple of weeks to impress your potential employers. If this doesn't go well you are tossed aside and the next candidate is brought into the arena. I wanted to provide something that would allow these potential employees to get a head start and actually be ready to nail it on day one.

You’re always better off learning from someone who’s gone before you. This book is derived from my personal experience of what to do on set, as well as all the things you definitely should not. It’s basically everything I wish I had been told before I took my first job and stepped onto a fast-paced, working film set.

Who am I?

I’ve been lucky enough to have built a solid career during my time in the industry. Having landed a role as 3rd AD on an Australian TV drama off the back of compulsory work experience at the end of my degree, I hit the ground running. Permanent roles as an Assistant Director on The Great Gatsby, Mad Max: Fury Road, Pirates of the Caribbean and Alien: Covenant followed. I’ve experienced amazing opportunities on a number of feature films, but have also enjoyed tackling a bunch of TV shows, TVCs, short films and music videos to broaden my skills and challenge myself.

What's In The Book?

-- Over 200 pages of personal insight into the film industry

-- 11 Chapters containing tips on how to use your radio, understanding call sheets and schedules, negotiating contracts, surviving the long hours, descriptions of all departments, explanations of unions and crewing agents plus plenty of tips on what not to do.

-- Interviews with Academy Award winning crew such as Lesley Vanderwalt (Makeup/Hair Designer), Janty Yates (Costume Designer) and Ben Osmo (Sound Designer), plus Mark Huffam (Producer), Kyle Gardiner (Stunt Coordinator), Jen Leacey (Director/Assistant Director) and many more.

-- 20 pages of film industry specific terms

-- 1 amazing cover designed by Allan Wrath - (http://www.bamboostudio.co.nz)

What Others Say...

I wish I had this book when I made the transition from film school to the film industry. Matt provides a host of valuable real world industry insights, and personal experiences which will help demystify the film industry. The knowledge gained from this book, will help take you from film school novice to a more discerning film industry professional.

Andrew Seaton

Director - MINT Films

(mintfilms.com.au)

Matt Webb's 'Setlife' is the perfect handbook for all things production life. Webb's wit, combined with years of first hand experience compile into a simple and easy to read publication, with pearls of wisdom seeping through every page. I myself am a young budding filmmaker looking to make my mark in the industry and 'Setlife' is a key part in preparing me for that frightening voyage. 

Harri Gilbert

Director

Winner of Tropfest Junior

You are supporting the presale of 'Setlife'. The book copy is finalised with all cover design and layout completed. The design will head to print in September and will be delivered in October. It will then be available to purchase for $25 on www.setlifebook.com.

Sydney traffic.

Convincing my wife to help me.

Learning how to read and write.