Are you considering beginning a career either on or behind the camera? Breaking into the film industry can seem like an impossible task. Not everyone can be born into Hollywood royalty, and getting your start in the film can be tricky.
Nonetheless, whether you want to create films of your own, or prefer editing roles, there are plenty of exciting opportunities out there for aspiring cinephiles. So, let us discover 3 tips for breaking into the film industry so that you can enjoy an illustrious and rewarding career.
Attend Film School
Unlike other careers, filmmaking does not have any formal educational requirements. Some of the most prolific filmmakers out there do not have any qualifications related to the film. However, attending film school does have plenty of benefits. Deciding whether film school is right for you is a personal choice. Everything from your location to your desired job role and even your financial situation must be taken into consideration. There are also plenty of different educational paths for aspiring filmmakers. For example, some people complete an initial degree at university before going on to pursue a master’s at film school.
Undeniably, getting an education in filmmaking is a brilliant way to learn new techniques within a structured environment. Moreover, if you are young or looking for a fresh start, pursuing your studies can be a priceless experience. It is also important to remember that nowadays there are even online film schools offering courses that you can complete from just about anywhere in the world. Online film schools are an incredibly flexible way to broaden your filmmaking knowledge on a schedule that fits around your busy life. You can learn more about online film schools like Friends in Film by doing some research online.
Networking is Everything
Reputation is everything in the filmmaking industry. The vast majority of jobs are secured through word of mouth and therefore building contacts and making good impressions ensures that you will be recommended for exclusive roles. Film festivals, screening events, and film clubs are all fantastic opportunities to make connections and collaborate with others. If you are not able to make it to networking events, you can also find useful contacts online. Offering your services as an assistant or as an extra pair of hands to a producer or director might be all it takes to secure a lifelong contact.
It can also be helpful to stay in touch with people with similar ambitions. Quite often these individuals can turn out to be your future collaborators. Again, online networking websites like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram are useful tools for reaching out. Just remember to showcase the value that you can bring to a project. Additionally, be prepared to ask for advice and consider seeking out a mentor. Ideally, someone who has experience but is not too distant from your own level can offer the advice you need to succeed.
Consider All Possible Roles
Understanding and experiencing the wide variety of roles in the filmmaking industry can really expand your career horizons. Although roles such as writers, directors, and producers are well known, there are some less obvious positions in filmmaking that are well worth pursuing. For example, if you have a creative background then researching roles in art, costume, sound, and location departments can all prove to be worthwhile. Taking one of these roles can bring you a regular income as well as the opportunity to explore other avenues.
On-set jobs such as caterers, painters, accountants, and of course, runners are all popular choices for entry-level positions. Similarly, post-production roles can also be appealing if you have experience working with film editing software. Not every film you work on has to be your chosen genre either. Working on any kind of film introduces you to new skills and connections. Moreover, regardless of the roles that interest you, being able to drive should be a priority. Nearly all roles in the film involve elements of travelling and so if you cannot already drive, then taking driving lessons is strongly recommended.
Ultimately, it is no secret that the film industry can be notoriously tough and therefore a career behind or on camera is not for everyone. Above all though, by embracing any opportunities that come your way and by committing to your career, your filmmaking dreams can come true.
Furthering your education is a fantastic way to boost your career prospects in the film industry. For more career tips check out this useful guide to life after graduation.
