Apprenticeship FAQ
Where are the past Apprentices? Many of them still work with Go To Team.
Skip Clark is a Partner and Director of Photography in Charlotte, NC.
Tom Wells is a Partner and Director of Photography in Atlanta, GA.
Dave Baker, 2005 Apprentice, is now a Go To Team Cameraman in Charleston, SC. Click here to read a Q&A we had with him about the position.
Jimmy Hall, 2006 apprentice, is now a Go To Team Cameraman in Raleigh, NC. Click here to read a Q&A we had with him about the position.
John South, 2007 Apprentice, is now a Freelance Sound Operator in Charlotte, NC (still working with Go To Team). Click here to read a Q&A we had with him about the position.
Nick Modisett, 2008 Apprentice, is now a Go To Team Cameraman in Richmond, VA.
What is the timeline to fill the position?
THE POSITION IS CURRENTLY FILLED
Here is the past timeline:
8/03/09 Position Posted
9/18/09 Reel / Resume Cutoff
9/21/09 – 10/21/09 Review Reels / Phone Interview Candidates
11/6/09 Fill Position
What is Go To Team’s goal for the apprenticeship?
Our goal is to develop new Directors of Photography.
Who should apply?
The position is to be filled by someone with significant shooting
experience. When reviewing reels we look for signs of potential for great
shooting. Many of our best candidates have superb b-roll, but haven’t had
the tools or training to light large interviews. During our interview
process we look for a great attitude.
I’ve applied before, should I apply again?
Absolutely, we often see repeat applicants and if anything like to see the positive
progression. We do recommend updating your reel with your newest and best
pieces every time.
Who will I be working with?
Skip Clark, our Charlotte Director of Photography, will be working with this
person to fine-tune their lighting, shooting, and audio skills .Skip started his career at an independent television station in Ohio, a position that laid the foundation for the next 12 years. After Mansfield, Skip moved to Columbia, SC, to take the Chief Photographer’s position at the ABC affiliate,WOLO.
Will I be anyone’s personal assistant, answering phones, or washing cars?
No. The Go To Team Apprenticeship isn’t easy. It is a challenging experience
for photogs that want to be their best. “You will be running audio,
lighting, producing, and learning every aspect of high-end video
production.” You will not be involved with the shipping department,
secretarial pool or tape library. However, you may serve as a Production
Assistant on location because we find that to be a valuable learning
experience.
I saw the position is part of the Federal Apprenticeship program, what is that?
The Go To Team Director of Photography is unique in the landscape of creative positions in the nation. It is part of the Federal Apprenticeship program, insuring only the highest standards of training and process. You can learn more about the Federal Apprenticeship Program here. In the US there are very few opportunities for Apprenticeships in the creative industry and our believe is that it affords individuals the very best opportunity to move their career forward.
Am I guaranteed a Director of Photographer position with Go To Team?
No, however Jimmy Hall, Dave Baker, Tom Wells and Skip Clark were all former
apprentices. We hope to move every apprentice to a Director of Photography
position. We have offices in Charleston, SC, Columbia, SC, Charlotte, NC,
Raleigh, NC and certainly are not adverse to opening new ones.
Will I have to sign a contract?
Yes, One Year. The majority of applicants are from out of state and we have
found that we have to provide a minimal contract to ensure potential
candidates that they can make a move with confidence of a long-term
agreement. It also helps set a timeline for the goals we set for each
apprentice.
How many applicants do you get?
We have posted the position for several years now and typically get more
than 50 tapes.
Do you expect me to take a pay-cut to take this position?
No. Please only apply if you are comfortable making $28,500 per year.
There are opportunities to make more money through over-time
(time and a half after 40 hours per week or 10 on-location) and perhaps
NABET Network pay.
Do I need a personal vehicle or will one be provided?
Yes, you need a personal vehicle. Our DP will not pick you up for work
each day. You will be reimbursed mileage if your personal vehicle is used
for a shoot.
Will there be travel or long hours?
Absolutely. Go To Team’s clients shoot nationally and internationally and
there is no better experience than traveling with one of our crews on a long
assignment. It is not uncommon to work more than 4 shoot days per week.
However, some weeks might be very slow.
Will Go To Team bill for my services?
Yes, Go To Team is a profitable corporation and intends to bill our clients
for your services. However, we see a much greater value in creating a
long-term relationship with a well-trained Director of Photography, than
using the position to waste a good photog¹s valuable time.
Can’t I make a lot more money shooting freelance for these same clients?
We don’t expect this Apprentice to shoot full-time for our clients. They
will mostly be going out in the field with our crews. Anyone that works with GTT
on a network shoot gets paid their full NABET pay direct from the Network,
but we wouldn’t recommend anyone for a network shoot unless they were a
fully capable camera or sound person.
Are there other ways to work with Go To Team?
Yes, we have a large list of freelancers including audio operators, grips,
producers, and camera operators. We book these positions everyday. If you
are already a freelancer in the southeast please submit your contact
information to us. Click here for our Contact Us page.
Is this like the television show “The Apprentice”?
Yes, we want candidates that are serious about their profession and hope to
use this experience as a career stepping-stone. But, no, we don¹t fire
people each week.
Can you email me when the position is posted or filled?
Signup for our Go To Team Apprenticeship Email Notices. You will only receive emails when the position is posted and filled.
