Poor careers advice is failing the creative industries: the insider story. The film, television and games industries are incredibly competitive.
Finding a route in – and making sure you're in the right place at the right time – is a test of initiative and endurance. Much like a video game or the plot of many a cinematic trilogy, getting a foothold in these industries can test even the sternest mettle. And yet, there is no shortage of people wanting to work in TV, film and gaming. Thousands of students on the country's many media courses will attest to the fact that a career in our industries is highly prized. In fact, 57% of the young people we surveyed in the recent BAFTA Career Pathways Survey have at one time considered working in these sectors. How Film Rookies Get Work Without Experience. Even today, after over 30 years working in the film industry, I still get people saying to me: Show me your resume.
Can I see what you have done. Fortunately I have a body of work that can speak for itself. But what of the old conundrum: To get work you need experience. To get experience, you need work? Young filmmakers, directors, screenwriters and actors have always faced this dilemma. My good friend Simon Hunter was waiting at his agents office in LA at the end of last year, when in walked Frank Durabont asking if there were any commercials going.
Whether you are starting out, or whether you are established and trying to strengthen your position in the job market, you can get around the Catch 22 of work and experience by using some creative action and energy. Here’s how I did it: I went to art school in Toronto and then headed over to London without a single contact. 10 Tips to Help You Get Your First Hollywood Job. Getting a career in Hollywood is no easy task.
Part of the problem is there is a massive amount of competition out there looking for the same job. The good news is that it's more often than not the person who is most persistent who manages to get the job, and keep the job. Dear Aspiring Filmmakers, Here's How to Get My Attention. Hello.
I’m Scott Beggs, the co-host of Broken Projector and the Managing Editor of Film School Rejects. If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, I’m one of the people you want to impress. No, I can’t get you a bunch of money, get you representation or ensure your movie will premiere at a huge festival, but with an audience of around 4 million movie fans, it’s not a bad idea to grab my attention. Judging by the amount of emails I get, a bunch of you already know that, and a bunch of you have no idea how to do it. With the pinch of salt that I’m only one of many in the press world whose eyes you want to light up, here are some achingly simple things you can do to help your cause (in convenient list form using real-life examples!) 1. There has been a lot of talk about a DIY/indie revolution that’s taking down the gatekeepers, but even if the traditional path that leads to an audience is widening, there will always be guards posted. 2. We Asked the TFF2014 Filmmakers: ‘What Advice Would You Give To A First-Time Filmmaker?”
Making your first feature can be daunting, we know.
However, our TFF 2014 filmmakers were glad to share strategies for getting your movie made. Here are some tips from those who have been there, done that. "I can really only speak to the first-time doc filmmaker, but my advice would be to go to as many festivals as you can and take any opportunity to meet people doing the kind of work you admire. Talk to them, ask questions, share your interests, develop relationships. I think the doc filmmaking community is a very welcoming and generous one. . - Justin Weinstein, An Honest Liar "Save your money and find a place to live that affords you the opportunity to take risks. " - Tyler Measom, An Honest Liar "I think seeing your individuality as an asset rather than a liability is key.
. - Garrett Bradley, Below Dreams "Talk to as many brilliant people who've been down the road before, soak up their advice (the good and the bad), and then forget it. . - Jimmy Goldblum and Adam Weber, Tomorrow We Disappear. Mastering Film » Eleven Tips for Finding a Job in the Film Industry. Photo by Vancouver Film School Following are some pointers to help you find employment.
Employers expect you to know what they do and look for strong signs that you would fit well into their environment. This depends on how specific your knowledge of their operation is, whether you have relevant experience, and how committed you are to the kind of work they do. Resumé. A good resumé is vital. How to Land Your Dream Design Job: Eight Tips for Getting Hired at a Top I.D. Firm.