Although there are numerous opportunities in the film industry, getting started can be challenging and time-consuming. Major factors in hiring include level of experience, prior training, personal interest, and contacts. Knowing how to get started in the film business will help you develop a distinctive curriculum vitae and portfolio that will appeal to casting directors and producers.

In this post, we outline the steps you might wish to take to enter the film industry, as well as the advantages of working in the field and some of the typical jobs you might find there.

How to get into the film industry

How to get into the film industry for your desired career may be summed up as gaining and developing relevant abilities, experience, and good networking with professionals in this field. The following actions can help you get ready for a job in the film industry.

1. Go to a film school or study for a university degree

Many people who want to be filmmakers enrol in film colleges. There’s a good explanation for it: film schools assist you in honing your abilities and art while establishing a significant professional network.

Similar to this, exploring several facets of filmmaking while in college may help you decide which career route is ideal for you. Some colleges and universities offer programmes that can help you improve your portfolio, your student production abilities, and professional tools, all of which can be used to create an intriguing CV and land a job in the film industry.

Screenskills is an amazing organisation providing entrants into the film industry with critical, relevant, and up-to-date knowledge to help you start out on the right path! Check them out here!

You can also find articles on our website with specific advice tailored to individual job roles such as how to get started as a production designer in film & tv! You can access it right here!

2. Organise your curriculum vitae (CV)

You must demonstrate your qualifications to prospective employers while applying for jobs. When writing your CV, keep the following things in mind:

• Make sure the format you choose is readable.
• Include your contact details.
• Briefly summarise your professional experiences.
• List your acting accomplishments if you are an actor.
• Describe your training and education.
• List your relevant professional abilities.
• Include any acting honours you have won that are pertinent.
• Verify the clarity and accuracy of your writing.
• Ensure that you save your CV in the manner specified in the job description.
• Regularly update your CV – it’s a working document!

3. Assemble your portfolio

Include work samples that are relevant to the position you are applying for. Typically, an appealing portfolio consists of the following:

A reel

Your reel is a collection of the films you have produced. They typically demonstrate the abilities you have learned via training. Make sure to develop reels specifically for each role you want to apply for. For example, acting or screenwriting.

A professional website and public profile

Having a website makes you stand out to hiring managers and gives you a great first impression. Your website can include connections to your profiles on pertinent social networking sites, an updated version of your CV, and your portfolio. Additionally, you are able to upload films and examples of your prior work, such as script snippets, short independent videos, or movies.

4. Experience different roles in the industry

You can find yourself working in a department unrelated to your primary area of interest in the early stages of your career. Here are some pointers to help you perform well in various roles:

• Search for nearby filmmakers! You can find nearby filming locations with the assistance of a local film production office. To get the necessary experience, you can offer to work in any department that has opportunities.
• Take part in local film productions. Local productions can help you develop your abilities while acquiring more experience and networking, such as local theatre, student films, and local television. All of this can enhance your CV and help it stand out to prospective employers.
• Seek out job vacancies in well-established production hubs. In order to advance in the industry, you might wish to apply for positions outside of your primary area of interest because they might give you the knowledge, contacts, and experience you need.
• Contact film production rental companies. You can even train as an apprentice at a rental facility for film production if you’re more interested in joining a crew. This is another fantastic opportunity to expand your professional network and strengthen your CV, and it may help you get priceless experience without having to work directly on a production site.

5. Build and grow your network to get into the film industry

Something consistently emphasised in the film industry is the value of networking and building strong relationships. This is due to the fact that making a movie involves teamwork. A single film’s substance is the result of collaboration and agreement among numerous people.

Meeting and having meaningful interactions with professionals in this sector may help you progress. Here are some suggestions for expanding your network:

• Follow and interact with industry professionals on social media. This may provide you with information about their current projects and any open positions.
• Go to film festivals. Annual film festivals are held in some cities. This is an opportunity to network with professionals and can get the conversation going with coworkers and possible employers.
• Go to events and filmmaking conventions. This is yet another fantastic chance to benefit from the knowledge of illustrious experts. To establish a personal connection, you can meet with them after the event.
• Always keep in touch with your contacts. You never know who might be able to provide you with a career breakthrough. Remain in touch with your friends, coworkers, teachers, and fellow students. When they come across a specific work opportunity that they believe you can manage, they might get in touch with you.

What are the benefits of working in the film industry?

Here are just a few of the various opportunities in the film industry.

• Your creativity will soar as a result. In this field, you can be creative. By writing scripts or acting, for example, you have the opportunity to express yourself, use your talent, and pursue long-term goals.
• It enables you to connect with new people who share your interests. In order to succeed in the film industry, you must network with numerous people who have similar goals and aspirations. By doing this, you have the chance to interact and network with a wide range of people who share your interests, which could be fun and beneficial to your job in the long term.
• It allows you to teach others by allowing you to impart your expertise. You can entertain your viewers while educating and exposing them to different cultures through the scripts you create or the roles you play. Another method to influence society and your community positively is through working in the film industry.
• It follows an unconventional career path. Although it is not necessary, attending university can be beneficial to your job in the film industry. As long as you possess the knowledge and abilities required to carry out the work, you may be hired.