Also, it’s good when the job turns out to be a really great experience. Sometimes you don’t know. Sometimes you see it and you think, “This looks amazing and I think it’s going to be great for you.” Then they go in, get the job, but start to have a hard time for one reason or another. Sometimes the show doesn’t turn out to be the hit you thought it was going to be. Things don’t always work out because there are so many factors.

THC: What advice would you give to someone who is looking to start in the industry?

MT: You want to make sure this is really something you want to do because you’re about to invest a lot of time and energy into it. This applies to any field really, but especially this one. Particularly this one, because the charm of this industry is often not matched by the experience. …These people work very, very hard, they work long hours, and sometimes they’re well paid but sometimes they aren’t. You want to understand all the nuances of it.

Obviously going to school for your craft is a great plan. But also apprenticing under someone who is fantastic is a great thing to do. You should go on informational interviews to talk to the people you admire to find out what they love, what they don’t like, how they got into the business and what inspires them… All of that information is amazing and can help you get to where you want to go.

Plus, it helps you make contacts. Contacts are important but especially in this field, probably because so much of it is who you know. Having a few people in the field who can mentor you is an amazing thing. …I would seek out mentors.

The other thing is that you want to be in the place that can get you there. If you want to be a cinematographer, it doesn’t serve you to live in Montana. There is going to be a point where you need to be in a place that’s going to provide you with opportunities. …There are hubs of entertainment activity and you should seek them out and figure out what you can tolerate. That will help you get to where you want to go faster.