VOS
The Veteran Artist Program presents Vets on Sets (VOS), an initiative to bring more military veterans into the filmmaking industry. VOS seeks out relationships with local, regional, and national film and TV producers to match high caliber individuals, Veterans, with film and TV industry jobs. This works out to be a strong mutually beneficial relationship that simultaneously creates a ready source of reliable, hard-working and skilled personnel for Producers, while providing Veterans an avenue to pursue their love of filmmaking.
The reality of shooting a film is very similar to the on-the-ground truth of being in the
military, especially the combat zone experience. Both are intense environments where long hours of multi-tasking are the norm.
Some might ponder whether the military and filmmaking communities are compatible
environments, in the belief that they are at odds with each other over politics, the depiction of war in movies, etc. The truth is that they have much in common. Hard work, intelligence, efficiency, commitment, and the completion of the day’s objectives are all requisite in both communities. The focused mindset and complete-the-mission orientation are fully compatible.
VOS believes that both communities have a lot to learn from each other. Merging the two
strongly enhances the outcomes for both the Producer and the Veteran.
TEN GOOD REASONS: “Why Hire a Vet on Your Set”
1. Vets are focused and thrive in top-down structures and chain of command
environments. They are reliable, on time, and prepared for contingencies.
2. Vets know how to listen carefully, rapidly incorporate new information, take
orders, and complete the task without constant attention and expensive supervision.
3. Vets have technical training, special skill sets, and adapt quickly to changes.
4. Vets can handle boredom punctuated by periods of intense activity requiring rapid alert status.
5. Vets take pride in being mission-oriented and task driven through to completion.
6. Vets are resourceful in the face of FUBAR.
7. Vets have broad life experiences and unique cultural perspectives. They thrive in
diverse groups comprised of different ages, races, etc.
8. Vets are honest, up front, and respond well to constructive criticism.
9. Vets are always seeking to improve themselves and willing to learn.
10. Vets have great stories to tell and are good sources of expert knowledge.