Can You Really Get Work in the Film Industry?

How many of us have watched a film and dreamed of playing a part in the film industry? If this applies to you, this article may be of use. Let’s explore how you can find a way into this industry if you are serious about doing so.

Some careers are undoubtedly harder to break into than others. One of the toughest must surely be the film industry. It seems as if everyone wants to play their part, whether it is in front of the camera or behind it. But how easy is it to get such a role and is there the potential for a career here?

Firstly it is worth bearing in mind that working in this industry is probably considered a more unconventional job. However, if this is what you want to do you should definitely aim for your dream. No job is 100% safe nowadays and if you really have passion for the industry you are more likely to succeed in it than you would if you worked in any other industry. Bear that in mind as you progress and learn more about the opportunities that exist.

The good news is you can start researching potential opportunities online. Look for work placements and experience with film production companies – as many as you can find. Persevere as you will probably not strike it lucky on your first attempt. Keep going until you get lucky – and remember that luck often is involved when it comes to getting work (even unpaid work) within the industry.

You should be prepared to work for no money to begin with in order to get experience. Once you have your foot in the door you can consider looking for basic entry level jobs with film production companies. These may include positions as runners, who are basically the people who are called upon to do all kinds of menial tasks during the course of a day. Many successful and even famous people in the industry started off like this, so don’t feel you are heading in the wrong direction if you manage to get this position. In fact you could be heading in the right direction.

Researching the industry to find out more about it is also a worthy activity. We mentioned the importance of looking online earlier, but it helps to look for more than just job opportunities. The more you understand about the industry the easier it is to make good progress in the future. The more knowledgeable you are the easier it will be to spot opportunities when they occur. You may also find different paths into the industry you may never have known about before.

As you can see there is a lot to think about here if you are serious about a career in this industry. Keeping up with the latest opportunities and events is a good way to get ahead, as is the need to keep up your levels of determination. Even if you get knocked back time and time again, it is up to you to make sure you get up and carry on. Who’s to say the 30^th time of asking isn’t the one that will finally lead to a successful career in the business? Give it a try and see.