Finding Work -- and That Big Break -- in the Film Making Industry

Film makers and producers hire on a project basis.  This means that when a film is being made, any jobs are for the duration of the production only. Producers generally do not hire a permanent crew, particularly if the crew members are independent contractors who are not part a major network.

The key to finding work in the film industry is what and who you know.  Your recent work in film will be important. Anyone who has worked in film making knows you are always thinking ahead to the next job while you are on this one.

It will be difficult to find a break in the film making industry if you do not know how the business works and what the hiring process is.   You need to a few strategies to get hired.

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Some Basic Strategies for Getting A Job in the Film Industry

Don't Bother with Resumes.  If you are new to film making, never send a resume unless it is asked for. Resumes typically end up in the trash because producers and directors do not have time to read them.  If you happen to find a job in film making is in the classified ads, chances are, the job will be filled before the ad makes it print. Quite a few personnel departments advertise jobs that they already have someone in mind for in order to show good intentions when it comes to equal opportunity. 

You Can't Be Choosey When Breaking Into the Film Industry.  If you really want a job in the film industry, avoid making demands at the interview or listing errands or tasks you refuse to perform. Schedules and types of work in a film making or television project are never set in stone.  There is no set quitting time and a work day is typically 10 to 12 hours long. Your family and friends are put on a back burner while you are working on a project. Those who work in the film making industry love their jobs and wouldn't think of doing anything else.

Be Professional.  Even if you are a beginner, don't act like one.  No matter if it is your first day, the moment you are hired you are a professional. Always think and act professionally.  Professional people produce high quality results, no matter how long they have been on the job. They never worry about the pay, long hours, or tasks they need to perform. A professional has learned the rules of the trade before stepping onto a set and will act accordingly. They perform the best job possible to convince the film maker to hire them for the next project.

Attitude is Everything.  You need to maintain a good attitude most of the time, even if you have to put in long and strenuous hours.  If you're constantly complaining about your personal life, a job in the film industry is probably not for you.

An Internship May Open the Door

If you really want to land a job in the film making industry, consider accepting an internship or volunteer position.  As a beginner, to get into film making business, you might have to work for little money or even free. Once you have your foot in the door and have shown that you are willing to go the distance and do an excellent job, you have a good chance of being hired on future projects.

"Finding Work -- and That Big Break -- in the Film Making Industry," contributed by Rob Brown