I'm a screen writer living in the Austin area affiliated with Absolute Independent Pictures and Screen Scope Pictures from the East coast. I have worked as a production assistant, grip, gaffer, cameraman, and general all to assistant for all aspects of a film's creation. On the East coast we have a saying "You gotta feed everyone who shows up", and showing up is half the battle in producing a film with everyone juggling different schedules. Independent films are a great way to learn the art and Guerrilla film making has its comical side to packing up and moving to the next location as a team. Keep your contact lists long and your networking reach global.