Well you got some great advice from Ceneski but disregard all that Micky Bill wrote no disrespect but it's not an Easy Job and it's not a sucky job.
Sure it can be on the low budget dodgey producer productions but not in the real world of film making.
Anyone with no money in any area of photography will hire their cousin, friends son or whoever if they don't have the money to pay a professional.
Unfortunatley Micky was stuck with one of those hence the attitude towards the industry.
Cheers,
Jasin.
I have to agree with Jasin, it is not a sucky job, and it can be difficult. If you become IA, then you can negotiate your hourly rate. Scale I think is $32 an hour. All deals have to be approved by the local.
If you work on an Indy that's non-union review your deal memo. Try to avoid any of the lower budget films that will only sign you if it's a deferred film. If at first you work on these projects for the experience then go for it, however; draw the line. Some of these shows can nickel and dime you to death. In my experience I have only had a couple of interesting situations. As with any new situation union or not, the first few days can be tough if you haven't worked with any of the crew in the past. A good assertive sense of humor is what you need, and make the 1st A.D. your friend and some of the department heads as well. Be professional even if there are a number of prima donnas on set. Be prepared to work crazy hours, and with temperamental actors, directors, producers, and publicists. I remember working on a show in the Caribbean with a director who asked me what his next camera position would be. He couldn't stand the DP. Don't get involved with on or off-set politics.
You will need a blimp, those you can rent. You will also work with an assigned publicist and producer at times. Try and get everything in writing, or at least signed off on. So if you do luck in to a half decent show then use the experience and hone your skills technically and with the hundreds of personalities you're involved with.
You can get a lot of experience, hone your skills professionally and make money to pursue other areas in photography. Normally stills guys come and go. But when they go it's always on to better things within the industry.
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