Looking to move to the US
Submitted by Madibaman on Sat, 05/13/2006 - 12:23.
Will most certainly do that. Thanks! Anything I ought to be aware of about the US market? Like, apart from the differences in strength between print and tv for the US and Asia, what else should I know?
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Hi folks,
I*m thinking of finally making my move to the US. I*ve got about 8 years in the industry, worked in Singapore, Cape Town and am now based in Shanghai. I*ve got a pretty strong print portfolio that has done well at the recent shows, but haven*t really got a reel that I*d like to show anyone.
Given that, how badly would not having a reel affect my plans to jump into the US market? Should there be other alternatives that I ought to consider? What about the Canadian or Australian market? Advice please!
Thanks a bunch!!
Check out big firms website, their qualifications are usually laid out pretty clearly - or call HR at a big shop, they*re very helpful and could give you a better idea. grin Good luck!
What about Visa? Do you hope to get sponsored by the company? Some don't wish to do that as it's a bit of a hassle. They'll do it for award-winning-hot-shit but not for average joe, you know?
Well, I think the visa issue shouldn't be too much of a problem. If I'm not wrong, the US and my country have some sort of trade agreement and that deal includes some special visa that allows a certain number of us to work there annually.
Don't take this the wrong way but I'm quite comfortable with the award status at the moment, (though I wish I had more!!!) so it's just a matter of whether or not they think I'm suitable for the job.
Just going to get my site up as soon as possible and who knows?? Thanks for your tips and advice though. Much appreciated!
By the way, Dabitch, you know a Chris Worth?
Jesus christ, yes - I know Chris. How's he doing? :)
Oh and yeah the work-permit visa's are different from country to country, some have a good possibility to get one, yours is probably one.
Oh, but as far as alternatives - I've never been to Canada but every single friend I have who has been simply adores it and two were very close to just dropping everything and applying for citizenship, so it must be good! :)) There's Taxi Toronto and countless other good agencies so why not put that on the apply-list as well? :)
I don't know how it is in the Australian market at the moment, but it is closer to where you are now isn't it? Would that make interviewing easier? Any oz people around who could give advice on places to go there?
About Chris - I was hoping you might know. I haven't posted here in a while and just thought of him as he was the one who introduced me to this site years before. He's the first writer I ever worked with back in my first job. I thought he moved to Paris but that was bloody ages ago!
Yeah, I was thinking about Taxi in Toronto as well! That might be worth a thought. Any other shops there I should consider? I must admit I'm not terribly familiar with the Canadian market.
Oz is close to my hometown of Singapore but I'm currently based in Shanghai, China so it's still quite a hell of a schlep either way. And yes, any tip on recruiters or headhunters anywhere would be a certain help! Thanks a million in advance!
Chris moved to London after Paris: http://chrisworth.com/
Oh, by the way, would anyone happen to know of good Canadian headhunters? Thanks!!
All headhunters are rubbish.
How is the move going Madibaman?
Madibaman, did you move?
Where are you now?