The film industry offers a variety of entry-level positions for individuals considering entering or transitioning into this field. Some positions professionals might find include roles in administration, management, maintenance, and project management. Learning about entry-level jobs in this industry can help you find roles that align with your experience, interests, and skills. In this article, we discuss the benefits of entry-level filmmaking roles, list nine jobs in the film industry for prospective professionals to explore, and provide some tips for entering this industry.
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Benefits of jobs in the Film Industry for beginners
Entry-level jobs in the film industry can allow you to gain the experience and skills required for you to advance in your career. They can also be a cost-effective way to gain direct experience on a movie set and learn the filmmaking process, as pursuing an entry-level job in film may present an alternative to enrolling in related courses. Some additional benefits of pursuing beginner roles in this industry include:
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Building professional networks
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Learning technical skills
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Developing communication skills
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Gaining insight into industry trends
9 jobs in the Film Industry for beginners
If you’re looking to start a career in the film industry, you may consider applying for these nine jobs. For the most up-to-date salary information, please click on the links below:
1. Film crew
National average salary: $23,341 per year
Primary duties: Film crew members operate cameras and set up shots to capture a scene or event. These professionals inspect cameras, provide recommendations to set up a scene, and collaborate with scene directors to capture quality footage. They also request equipment repairs, provide camera purchase recommendations, and participate in pre-production operations.
2. Camera tester
National average salary: $29,952 per year
Primary duties: Camera testers examine the functionality of cameras and camera support equipment. They conduct regular inspections of cameras, equipment, and footage to identify any maintenance requirements or potential improvements. These professionals also attend industry events on new technology, research camera specifications, and develop camera test procedures.
3. Intern
National average salary: $32,958 per year
Primary duties: Interns complete administrative tasks, complete additional errands, and assist supervisors. They also learn basic filmmaking techniques and concepts, such as cinematography, sound design, scenery arrangement, and video editing. Other common tasks and duties for an intern may include scheduling cast or crew meetings, conducting research, and ensuring the quality of light or sound on set.
4. Assistant camera operator
National average salary: $33,163 per year
Primary duties: An assistant camera operator works with a camera operator, cinematographer, and technical team to film scenes. They set up camera equipment and inspect it to maintain a shoot’s safety and quality. Assistant camera operators also load cameras with film, verify the battery charge of filming equipment, and help move and store equipment after a shoot.
5. Production Assistant
National average salary: $35,617 per year
Primary duties: Sometimes known as a runner, production assistants aid film professionals in preparing a set for a shoot by setting up lights, props, and equipment. They may also deliver messages from producers and directors to the rest of the crew, print scripts or call sheets, and complete other errands. These assistants also ensure that all personnel are on site and ready for production.
6. Script supervisor
National average salary: $48,350 per year
Primary duties: A script supervisor reviews a script to ensure that relevant actors and props are in their proper places on set. They take notes during filming to identify any potential issues and relay this to directors and producers. Script supervisors also maintain production reports to communicate daily activities and progress on set.
7. Assistant director
National average salary: $52,723 per year
Primary duties: Assistant directors, sometimes known as first or second assistants, aid a director with the logistical aspects of production. This includes planning for food and transportation for cast and crew members, monitoring daily progress on set, and tracking attendance to ensure film operations maintain optimal efficiency. They identify any limitations of a shooting location and create plans to mitigate them.
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8. Assistant location manager
National average salary: $54,780 per year
Primary duties: An assistant location manager helps a location manager select optimal locations for a shoot. They collaborate with location managers to obtain governmental permits and identify location constraints. They also may help negotiate fees with property owners, plan for parking, and manage the storage of filmmaking equipment. As a part of a production team, they also work closely with producers and directors to ensure efficient film operations.
9. Assistant film editor
National average salary: $61,900 per year
Primary duties: An assistant film editor monitors editing room tasks to maintain efficiency and film quality. This involves maintaining equipment and communicating with filmmaking and editing team members. An assistant film editor also organizes the editing room and ensures relevant personnel prepare all necessary materials for production. The sound, effects, or editing teams may also collaborate with assistant film editors to improve the audio or footage quality of a film.
Tips for seeking entry-level roles in the Film Industry
Here are some tips to help you start your career in the film industry:
Prepare a resume
Building a resume is typically necessary for roles in the filmmaking industry as these documents can help you demonstrate your qualifications, past experience, and skills. A resume for a novice in the film industry often includes additional materials, such as:
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Ree**l:** A reel, or showreel, is a short video that helps film professionals demonstrate their previous work and filmmaking skills to potential employers.
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Portfolio: Including a portfolio can help you showcase your previous experience and may feature more details about film projects you completed and their production.
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Website: Adding professional website information can help potential employers understand more about you, your skills, previous projects, and other film-related achievements.
Search for open positions
Searching for open positions can help you quickly identify available entry-level positions in the film industry. Using online job platforms, signing up for email notifications, and saving your search preferences can help you learn about new job openings as they become available. Some additional ways to help you find open positions include:
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Contacting film agencies
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Forming relationships with industry professionals
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Attending film industry events
Due to the nature of the film industry, finding a job may also depend on your location. If you live in a location where the film industry isn’t typically active, consider whether you’re willing to relocate.
Build a network
Fostering good relationships with other professionals may help keep you informed about job opportunities. Building connections with established professionals in the film industry may also prompt them to recommend you to a producer or director if they know of a suitable open role. To help build your network, consider:
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Attending filmmaking workshops
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Contacting or collaborating with others who share similar skill sets
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Taking film-related courses to improve your skills
I hope you find this article helpful.
