FIRST JOB IN FILM….. HOPEFULLY?
The Film & Video industry can be tough to break into, but if you have the drive and determination to make an honest effort, then you will be rewarded with many different opportunities! Landing your first job in film can be tough, well… without knowing the right people. Fortunately for our students, “we know people.”
WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
One of the most important things you can do when seeking a job in the Film & Video industry is to be positive. No one likes to hang around someone who seems sad or angry all of the time… unless you’re a director!
In all seriousness, you’ll need to try to find the benefit in any job you’re offered, even if it seems like something that’s beneath you or that the position doesn’t make the best use of your skills. Being the coffee girl/guy isn’t glamorous, but it does give you an inside look at the way a studio runs, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to offer a helping hand and meet people who can help you rise up through the ranks more quickly!
You’ll also need to make yourself stand out from the crowd. There are a lot of new jobs being created every day in the industry, but there are also new graduates who are always eager to fill them. How can you shine over the other candidates applying for the position you want?
- If you want to be a scriptwriter, show up with a short script you’ve written on CD for the interviewer to look at later. Want to be a director? Get a group together and direct a short film.
- Perfect your elevator pitch. Be able to tell someone in 30 seconds or less why you are the best candidate for the position and all of the ways that you can help the company reach its goals.
- Have something interesting to share and leave behind when you have an interview. Make sure you have a polished and attractive resume, and something unique to leave behind like a business card or some of your work on a CD.
The hard work doesn’t end there; take your networking to the next level for even more great opportunities. Get out there and find local events where you might meet people connected with the industry in some way. While you won’t be scoring invites to the next big gala right away, you might be able to get in with a production crew or a mixer for other people looking for entry-level jobs. Grab a drink and introduce yourself to someone! Find out more about them, and, if the time is right, make sure that you have some business cards with you and ask if you can have their card, too.
A WORD TO THE WISE
When you’re out hunting for your first job in film, beware of anything that looks too good to be true. Don’t let anyone take advantage of you! Many graduates can’t afford to do unpaid internships; if you can, it might make you a more attractive candidate! Unpaid internships are a great way to lead into a paying position, but they can be tricky if you don’t stay sharp and advocate for yourself. After a month, you should be getting paid at least minimum wage, have defined hours and job responsibilities, and so on. Don’t be afraid to let your supervisor know what your expectations are at the end of the trial period!
What Can You Do Now?
At F.I.R.S.T. Institute, we can help you navigate the vastness of the Film & Video industry and equip you with the skills and knowledge that you need to get the attention of the right people. You’ll have everything you need to stand out from the crowd and present yourself in the best possible light.
Give us a call or reach out to us through our website, and we’ll answer all of your questions and help you in every way we can! You’ve got a bright future ahead of you, and we’d love to help you get there.
