Getting started in film is hard and it’s easy to feel like you alone are struggling to make it. Maggie McKeown, an aspiring filmmaker from Massachusetts, shares her experience of navigating the film world and advice for getting started.
As a member of the My First Job in Film Day Players Program, with a BA in English Literature from the University of New Hampshire, and a certificate from New York University in the “Essentials of the Film and Television Industries,” Maggie shares lessons learned at film school, on set in PA roles and advice from practical training programs and networking to help you get started in the industry.
When and how did you discover your passion for working in film and television production?
Maggie: There are so many moments and experiences that I’ve had in my life that, when you combine them, create a picture of when and how I discovered my passion for working in (particularly) film production. You’d have to go back to my childhood, through high school and college, which is where my love for film began. It was when I saw movies like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The Godfather, Goodfellas, Good Will Hunting, Rocky, and the first three Pirates of the Caribbean films that I realized I was witnessing something that I was mesmerized by. Something that impacted my worldview.
My junior year of college, studying at the University of New Hampshire with a major in English Literature, was where my passion for film production (and production in general) became tangible. I elected to take a “Creative Non-Fiction” class that year. My professor for that class was Jaed Coffin, a published author and journalist. Most of our assignments for this class were memoir-related. Originally, these assignments were written but, over the semester, he encouraged us to dabble in multimedia storytelling. His inspiration for this was “The Moth Radio Hour” — a live storytelling organization.
I had always been passionate about storytelling (obviously, I was an English major!), but my professor’s encouragement to “take risks” and “just figure it out” became my motto. By the end of the semester, for my final project, I had created a portfolio website (which I still use today). I taught myself how to use Audacity to edit recordings I had made in the form of audio storytelling. It was after college that I realized I could build on this concept and take it as far as I’m willing to go. And here I am now!
Working as a PA: why do it, what’s it like and what’s your advice for making it a success?
Maggie: Good Burger 2was the first feature film and union set that I worked on. Pretty much all of my time was spent on lock-ups, which thrilled me because I was often near all of the action. This allowed me to observe all of the departments, how they worked together, and their rhythm — which was the most memorable for me. I learned several lessons from this project but, probably the most important, to me, is to be kind, diligent, and helpful. Sets are very fast-paced and every single person’s job is an important contributing factor toward the success of the project. This can sometimes make sets a stressful and toxic place to be. I found that when I was genuine and trying my best, my interactions with crew members were more effective. Also, you are going to make mistakes, sometimes, the reaction will be harsh. Don’t let this stop you from continuing to learn and pursue your goals. Ask questions of the right people at the right time and absorb as much as you can.
What challenges have you faced breaking into film & television and how have you overcome them?
Maggie: The greatest challenge that I faced was convincing people to give me a chance. As with any industry, it’s difficult to get your foot in the door when you don’t have experience. Companies want people with experience, but you can’t get any unless you can get the job! This was so discouraging for me, but I didn’t let up. I decided to scale back and apply for positions on smaller projects, like short films and documentary infomercials. It was hard work on those sets, but it was also a safe place to make mistakes and learn from them. It’s important to keep in mind that, while you’re starting, even though you’re new to the industry, your time is extremely valuable. And you should act like it is. It’s not always worthwhile to give up being paid in exchange for experience, so be thoughtful and interview the people who are interviewing you too if you find yourself in that position. You deserve to have people take a chance on you, and learn under emotionally and physically safe conditions. I was able to overcome the challenges that I faced by believing in myself, and that I deserved a chance. I also knew that, when I became successful, I would vow to be the person to give others a chance. These two things motivated me to keep going.
How has the My First Job in Film (MFJF) Day Players Program accelerated your career growth and development?
Maggie: My experience as a member of the Day Players Program at MFJF has been one of mentorship, education, and connection. Nicole Payson, who leads the Day Players Program, worked with me to make sure that I was well-equipped with the film-set knowledge I would need to be successful on all future projects as a Production Assistant. She helped me curate and proofread an industry-standard resume, one that I update and continue to use today. And, lastly, she advocated for me within her network of connections in New England to help me find my first Set PA position on a feature film (Good Burger 2)! She always encouraged me, supported me during my moments of anxiety, and answered all of my questions about working on feature sets. She believed in my goals and remained committed to helping me achieve them!
What are you currently working on?
Maggie: I am currently in between jobs as work slowly starts to pick up again in New England following the end of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes this past year. To fill my time until I am back on set, I’m working on research for a screenplay idea that has been floating around in my head for a while! The story is based on my paternal grandfather’s experience as a Marine veteran, who fought in the Pacific in World War II and the Korean War, and how both of those wars shaped the international relations (or lack thereof) that we are living with today as a world. Currently, I am looking to absorb any information that I can about the Korean War! If you have any recommendations on memoirs by Korean War veterans, I am all ears!
What skills or qualities do you believe are essential for success in the film and television industry?
Maggie: Oh my gosh! So many! I would say that you have an advantage if you are agile, eager to learn and succeed, organized, adaptable, an effective communicator, discreet, and follow directions exactly and thoroughly. You have to leave your ego at home with you. Be prepared to make mistakes and bounce back pretty much right away. Look out for your fellow crew members and help one another. Be prepared for wicked long days on your feet, and get all of the rest that you can! Stick to what you are assigned to do and nothing else- the job that you are given is an important one. Watch and learn!
As someone who has worked on various sets in different roles, what advice would you give to individuals looking to get started in the industry?
Maggie: The biggest piece of advice I can give in this area is to work as many different roles as you have the opportunity to. Not only might it allow you to learn the methods of another department, but you will also get to see other departments from that perspective. Of course, this will help you figure out which department your heart belongs to, but it also expands your resume and network. You will learn new skills and develop new qualities! Skills and qualities that you can apply to work in other departments! Any chance to learn something new is a great one!
Keep up to date with Maggie on social media:
Instagram: @maggiemckeown
Letterboxd: @magmck
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-mckeown-856906158/
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15110392/?ref_=fn_al_nm_2
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@magmck54
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mag.mckeown/
