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Hi Lawrence!
I'm in NYC, I've built models for architects and scenic designers here for the last 18 years.
Advice that comes to mind:
Work permit:
Unless you have a work permit allowing you to work legally in the US, think twice before moving here.
Positions advertised:
UK modelmakers are more organized, professional and established, judging by what postings I see on LinkedIn every week and on the 4D job page. Maybe it's because there are two very good modelmaking schools in the UK, there is an 'after market' for these highly skilled graduates in architecture, film/TV, special effects. US LinkedIn job postings are predominantly for in-house machinists and industrial prototypes.
There is interesting work being done in the US, but it's never broadcast in job ads, and it's 100% networking.
If working in special effects, consider Los Angeles, a film industry town.
There is also a union for model makers on the west coast, unlike the east coast Local USA 829 union, who pretends model making doesn't exist as a profession.
Feel free to join Model Makers Guild of New York on LinkedIn, and post and browse there. https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9171408/
It sounds like you have gotten a very good start to your career in the UK. My advice would be to continue building your career there before trying to jump across the pond.
Best of luck,
Jenny Tommos |
