rec.arts.movies.production.sound

I have moved from New York into the area (currently in Wisconsin but
moving to Chicago in about 3 weeks[family situation caused the move
from NY to the Midwest]). My background is 3 years in the industry in
NY mostly as a boom op(features, shorts, docs) but also as a mixer on
some shorts and some corporate work. No network or studio credits
though.

Does anyone have any advice about someone with a lot of short
credits,
a few feature, and no Chicago connections joining IATSE? Is there
work? Could I get any? Am I handcuffing myself?


Does anyone have any recommendations on where someone like me should
begin to look for any kind of work? I've been scouring every public
source of work I can find (Craigslist, Mandy, ProductionHub, Media
Match, Chicago Film Office, Illinois Films Office, etc) and have been
having a difficult time finding anything substantial. I'm relatively
new to mixing (although competent and capable and working on putting
a
kit together) and very experienced in booming and working as sound
utility.


Are there any non-union mixers or production companies that I could
apply to work with? My resume is a little lacking right now but I am
a
very hard worker, a fast learner, and already have a strong knowledge
of working in the sound department and I'm a damn fine boom operator.
At this point I would be willing to work for free for someone in any
sound related capacity (working utility, schlepping gear, basically
anything) if they would give me a chance.


Thanks.


Eric Wallace