It is a real plus if you want to work in hostels for international backpackers to have good communications skills.
A facility with a second language (other than English) is invaluable. Elise, who is here on a working/holiday visa speraks excellent French.
She was born, raised and educated in France. Go figure? I suppose that would explain her French language skills! Doh!
She had actually applied as a landed immigrant and her status is currently pending. She thinks Toronto is a good place to find work in her field.
Elise trained as a Cinematographer and Toronto is known as Hollywood North. Before the recent economic downturn that has affected the film industry everywhere, there were as many as fifty major film productions in the city on any given summer day.
Even the hit musical “CHICAGO” starring Catherine Zeta Jones was filmed in Toronto! In addition, there were lots of commercial advertising productions in the city. And the cult favorite “Boondock Saints” set in Boston was also filmed here!
Every aspiring Director of Photography has to put their time in loading film magazines, changing lenses, pulling focus etc.
So Elise feels that there are more opportunities to gain experience here. She has already been employed on a few feature film sets as a camera assistant.
Oh yes, did I mention that the film industry also pays very well?
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