Quote:
Originally Posted by delts145
Scott, I'm sure you did not mean to imply this, and I'm not speaking of artists and full time employment opportunities outside of the L.A./New York markets. Sure, the typical artist must also be a teacher/professor etc.
However, just for the sake of clarification, and I'm sure you will agree, there is absolutely nothing amateurish about Ballet West, RDT, Ririe Woodbury, The Utah Symphony, or the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, etc. They are among the pinnacle on the continent, and in some cases even the world. Even Utah Opera is considered a top tier among regional companies. No, it's not the Met, but how many companies on this continent are? The bottom line is, Wasatch audiences are treated to a quality of performance that is hitting waay above the average American Metro. The variety of genres, whether ballroom dance or ballet or community theater, is astoundingly rich, varied and of a very high quality. Equally important is the fact that this high quality is considered far more accessible to the average 🞵🞵🞵🞵 and Jane than many larger Metros.
As far as the film industry. Well, lets keep our fingers crossed regarding what's suppose to be happening in Park City over the next couple of years. I'm hoping the flood gates are about to burst for Utah's film industry. Still, even great talent in Vancouver or Canada in general, or even New York, must maintain a very solid business/agent establishment in Los Angeles. Whether the filming is in New Mexico, Texas, Utah or the Carolinas, the casting and dollar dicisions and distribution are usually going to emanate from L.A.
I am a proud member of the Union, but even here in L.A. it's a struggle. The other day on a set my rate was not even posted on the contract voucher. Big budget T.V. Pilot, famous producer and director. I must have had to ask a dozen people what the rate was, and no one could give me an exact answer. I came to find out that I was surrounded by Union people, whispering that they were working NON-UNION, because they couldn't find work otherwise. Any given project will only hire what Union Members they absolutely are required by law to, and here in a city where over 25,000 wannabe's a year step off the bus, the base requirement doesn't even begin to cover the Union members looking for work.
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No, you're right Delts, I wasn't inferring anything about the talent level here. I totally agree that the arts scene here is of very high quality and I think we're lucky in how eclectic the scene is for a city of our size. But what I'm trying to say is that for the artists and performers (not the audiences) we are not a destination, we're a stop along the way. It's not necessarily a bad thing. The unions can be a catch 22. Utah is a great place for talent to get started. I got both my SAG membership and my WGA membership from here, but have had to work almost entirely out of state since then for those kind of jobs. In fact, I let my SAG membership lapse because acting never was that important to me, and I didn't want to move out of Utah. However, I have many friends who work as technicians, actors, directors, opera, etc., who have all left Utah because they wanted to be professionals. It's just the nature of the beast I guess. But cities like NY, Chicago, and even Minneapolis are arts meccas because they are where the talent go, and given that the best of the crafts in the country are pooled there, more often than not, the best, most daring and innovate, and most successful work comes from there.
Interesting what you pointed out about LA. I've had similar experiences there, and heard similar tales from friends I have there. The industry is changing so dramatically, and while the money will always come from LA, the work has gone all over. And that may be a sign that things are changing, and in that regard, I'm with you. Utah could make itself into something really special on the movie/media front. I'm kinda banking on that myself by staying here.
And on that note (and this may appeal to everyone), I've learned what came of the failed attempt by Redman Movies and South Salt Lake to build a studio at the Granite High School site. That has fallen completely apart, as we know, but it was apparently much on SSL's end. Redman has proceeded to completely revamp and add to their current building on 7th west. They're currently constructing two full sound stages, a recording studio, and a screening room in their building, and adding in production offices (my company will be housed there now too).
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Only recently have I noticed the (small) impact of the Courthouse on the skyline. Right now I am excited for the impact that 111 South Main will have on the skyline. Hopefully it will fill the "gap" well. I'm really hoping that 111 S will be our new tallest. Comrade Reynolds estimated that it'll be about 380' which is a little disapointing. Perhaps the lobby and high ceilings will add to the height. 
....Honest mistake.
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