ALT-3 How to Break into Movies
Getting a job in movies is not as difficult as everyone says - it's worse. The competition is fierce. There are unions to hurdle. For every position there are twenty, thirty applicants more qualified than you. Getting a job in the film industry is difficult, but it's not impossible. The first step is to ask yourself why you want to work in film.
Everyone knows the glamorous side of movies: the red carpet, limos, the fame, the glory. Working in movies is a lot like that, only without the carpet, limo, fame or glory. Film work is an arduous, sweaty business. Expect 16 hour days, six days a week in all kinds of conditions and weather. If you are not a morning person, this is not the job for you. A typical call time for entry level positions is 5:00 A.M., depending on the time of year and whether the production is shooting days or nights. You will get dirty; you will get exhausted; you will be expected to perform at a hundred percent a hundred percent of the time. But if working in film is your calling, then read on.
One of the best ways to break into the industry is to go to film school. The training and, most importantly, the connections, you will make are invaluable. My first job in movies was a direct result of a connection I made in film school. Working on student productions builds your resume and gives you experience. There's typically no pay involved, but if you love working on movies, you'd do this for free, right? Remember that if you're applying for a crew position, no one will care that you directed short films in film school. They aren't looking for directors, but skilled crew who know their way around a set.
Contact your local film commission and see if there are any productions in the area that need PA's (Production Assistants) and let them know you are available. Be sure to tell them that you are serious about working in this industry and that you understand the work involved. If you are contacted about working on a film, respond immediately. Time is always of the essence on a production.
Ask around and see if you have any relatives who have industry connections. You might be surprised at who you already may know.
Look for ultra-low budget films being shot locally. These are almost always willing to get additional free labor. To find these, look for local casting calls. You aren't trying to be an extra or an actor, but they will let you know that a film is in town.
Chances are, if you have no industry experience, the first job you will land will be a production assistant position. This is good. It will get you on the set. Once there, work hard and network. If you stand out, you will be remembered. Films require reliable people with proven skills. Your first step as a P.A. is proving your reliability and willingness to do whatever it takes, within reason, to help the production. You may want to move out of production and into another department, and that is when your networking will pay off. In union films, job delegations are clearly marked. On non-union shoots you have a greater opportunity to establish yourself in a department outside production.
Good luck on your search. The opportunities are there if you want them.
