How to get your foot in the film industry
As it has probably happened to you and many others who are trying to become part of the film industry, you either have some experience in it (interning or having worked a PA job) or maybe you jumped into it without knowing anybody and not knowing much about its workings, doing a short film with friends, for example.
Well, I’m going to try to explain, in an organized manner, ways in which to get your foot in the door in a slippery and chaotic sector such as cinema is and which is the way to go about getting hired.
We all now how impossibly complicated is to grab the attention of a potential employer, more so in an industry dominated by the abundance or lack thereof of contacts, working as a filter to give you that first opportunity which will open the doors to a world of possibilities. Then, how to establish that first contact?
- Film Schools
- Film Festivals
- Film related press
- Film events
In the end, it comes down to attending and participating in events which will surround you with people who have the same interests, same passions and, lastly, contacts to people who are going to be part of the film industry.
- Establish personal bonds
- Don’t jump into selling your film idea after just introducing yourself
- Try to do courses at film schools, the best way to get to know working professionals, as usually teachers are active members of the industry.
- Use the job listings that film schools tend to have for their alumni.
If you can’t afford to go to film school or there’s not one school in an accessible distance, find out what film festivals are being organized in your town or surroundings, in these kinds of events you will be able to:
- Work as a volunteer at the festival, get a close glimpse on the way the industry works, enter in contact with film professionals and show them your worth.
- Try to attend the networking events the film festival has to offer, or go to the talks and round tables organized, this will give you a great opportunity to meet like-minded people.
Another line of action can be to go and do your own thing. Produce your own short film or teaser for a feature film idea you have in mind. Use the tools we provide you with here at Filmarket Hub, to improve your project and start shopping it around on our online market.
As you can see, in any industry, especially a creative one such as cinema is, it’s all about moving around until you meet the people who will understand your project and will want to be a part of it.
So, I hope you will be able to soon put into practice this advice!
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