How to Break Into the Film Industry: A Complete Guide to Starting Your Career
The film industry is undeniably thrilling, but breaking into it is far from easy. It's more than just acting and directing, so let’s take a closer look at the filmmaking process, the diverse career options it offers, and the skills needed to thrive.
If you're a creative and energetic individual, the film industry might be perfect for you. However, keep in mind that the grind doesn’t stop once you're in, and it lacks the stability found in other fields.
In this highly competitive world, becoming the next Tarantino isn’t as simple as completing a film degree. You need to seize every opportunity, get on set, and make the most of it. Volunteer, shadow directors or professionals from different departments, and start with entry-level positions, even if they’re not high-paying. Your goal should be to excel and get noticed by others for your dedication, even if that means doing small tasks like fetching water for the actors.
So, how do you break into the film industry? It won’t be an easy journey, but having the right attitude and passion is key. Director Shane Stanley points out in an interview with Film Courage that many film graduates don’t make it because they lack the right mindset and expect immediate, well-paying jobs. Stanley emphasizes that gaining experience and making connections is crucial, even if it means working for free initially.
Once you make your way in, the jobs can be some of the most rewarding and exciting, especially for film lovers. But don’t forget, the fierce competition reflects the high value placed on these roles.
For many, the film industry means working on a freelance basis. This brings significant instability, as after completing one project, you might not know when the next one will come. Work-life balance can be unpredictable, with long hours during projects followed by periods with little or no work. Even successful professionals face this uncertainty, as noted by cinematographer and producer Andy Rydzewski.
If your passion for filmmaking outweighs the challenges of the industry and lifestyle, how do you get started? We’ll dive into what making a film involves and the career paths available.
Filmmaking unfolds in three main phases:
- Pre-production (planning stage before filming)
- Production (actual filming)
- Post-production (editing after filming)
Each phase involves distinct roles, with some professionals working across all phases, while others specialize in just one.
1. Pre-production: Writers, Directors, Producers, Art Department
Pre-production kicks off after the script is written and the budget is secured. It involves detailed planning, from casting to location scouting, set design, and budgeting. This phase can last weeks or months, depending on the project size.
In this phase, the "above the line" crew, including the director, producer, and writer, play crucial roles in shaping the film.
Writers
Scriptwriters often finish their work before pre-production starts. Writers can earn by selling scripts or pitches, or by being hired for specific projects. Becoming a scriptwriter can take time, with many writers doing other jobs before breaking into the field. A degree in Writing for Film or Creative Writing can be beneficial in honing skills.
Directors
Directors are the visionaries of the film, overseeing the entire creative process, making key decisions, and managing the team. Directors are highly sought after and well-compensated, but the role requires immense creativity, leadership, and communication skills. Women, however, remain underrepresented in this field, although the numbers are improving. A degree in Filmmaking is recommended for aspiring directors, but hands-on experience is invaluable.
Producers
Producers handle the business side, including finding financing, hiring key staff, and managing logistics. This role requires a more business-oriented mindset. A background in Film Studies, Cinema Studies, Journalism, or Communication can be helpful.
Location Manager
A Location Manager's job is to find the right filming locations and secure permits. While a film-related degree isn’t necessary, experience and good networking are essential for advancing in this role.
Art Department
The art department is responsible for the film's visual style, including sets, costumes, and makeup.
- Production Designers head the art department, creating the visual identity of the film.
- Art Directors work between the Production Designer and construction team, bringing the visual concepts to life.
- Set Designers handle the physical set creation, especially in larger productions.
- Costume Designers must be skilled in both fashion design and the specific requirements of film, including genre-specific costumes and durability for long-term use.
For roles in design or set creation, degrees in Art, Design, or Fashion are beneficial.
Getting into the film industry is no small feat, but if you're passionate and prepared for the challenges, it can be a deeply rewarding career path.
2. Production: Director, Actors, Effects Specialists, Camera Crew, Art Department
The Production phase, also known as principal photography, is when the actual filming of the movie takes place. Here are the key players involved at this stage.
Director
The Director continues to be a central figure during production, but their role becomes more hands-on as they manage the coordination of actors and other crew members on set. The Director is supported by the:
- First Assistant Director (1st AD)
- Second Assistant Director (2nd AD)
Actors
Acting is one of the highest-paying roles in the film industry, especially for top-tier actors, who can earn anywhere from $65K to $20 million per film, with their agent taking 10–20%. However, acting, like other roles, is rife with job insecurity. Despite this, actors have more opportunities to audition and secure roles compared to other positions. It’s crucial for aspiring actors to audition consistently and be highly skilled. While you can start auditioning at any age, a degree in Acting and Performance can certainly enhance your craft and provide valuable learning experiences.
Special Effects Supervisor
Special Effects (SFX) involve physical effects created on set, such as explosions, car chases, or weather effects like rain and snow. The Special Effects Supervisor leads the SFX team, coordinating the creation of these effects and ensuring safety on set. To succeed in this role, you’ll need a technical background, typically with a degree in Engineering, Industrial Design, or Animation. Creativity and technical expertise are essential, and you’ll need to gain hands-on experience as an SFX technician before moving up to supervisor.
Director of Photography / Cinematographer
The Director of Photography (DP), or Cinematographer, plays a crucial role in translating the Director’s vision into visual form on camera. This requires a close working relationship with the Director, as the DP ensures that the visual storytelling aligns with the Director’s intentions. The DP oversees the entire camera and lighting crew. To pursue this career, you’ll need technical knowledge, artistic vision, and a strong portfolio. Starting with roles such as First Assistant Camera (1st AC) or Lighting Technician can help you gain the necessary experience. A degree in Cinematography is a great way to begin your career in this field.
Production Sound Mixer
The Production Sound Mixer is responsible for recording and mixing the sound on set, as well as selecting the necessary sound equipment. This senior role often requires prior experience as a Boom Operator or Sound Assistant. A degree in Sound Design or Engineering is recommended for this position.
Art Department
In the production phase, the Art Department brings the visual vision of the film into reality through hands-on work. Key roles include:
- Set Decorator: Prepares and decorates the set during filming.
- Props Master: Manages the props on set.
- Costume Supervisor: Oversees the wardrobe during production.
- Makeup Artist: Applies makeup to actors, a particularly creative role in fantasy films.
- Hairdresser: Styles the actors' hair for the scenes.
These positions typically do not require a degree but may require professional diplomas, such as in Hairstyling or Wig and Makeup Design.
Stunt Coordinator
The Stunt Coordinator is responsible for casting and coordinating stunt performers, who carry out physically demanding and risky feats for action scenes. The Stunt Coordinator designs the stunts and works closely with the Director and Director of Photography to ensure the stunts align with the overall vision of the film.
These roles are vital to ensuring the successful execution of the film’s artistic vision, requiring both creative flair and technical expertise.
3. Post-production: Video Editors, Sound Editors, VFX Artists, Music Composers
The final phase in filmmaking, Post-production, involves taking the raw footage from the production phase and transforming it into the finished film. This stage includes editing the video and sound, adding visual effects, and composing the music.
These roles are ideal for individuals who prefer working behind the scenes rather than being in the spotlight but have a strong creative influence on the final product.
Film Editor
The Film Editor is responsible for assembling all the footage into a coherent narrative. They work closely with the Director and Director of Photography to ensure the film's vision is realized in the editing room. A strong artistic vision is key, but technical skills in video editing are also crucial. Aspiring editors should consider studying Video Production to acquire the foundational skills needed for the role.
Sound Designer
Once the video editing is complete, the film moves on to sound editing. The Sound Designer oversees all aspects of sound in the film, including both diegetic sounds (e.g., dialogue, character movements) and non-diegetic sounds (e.g., narration, musical scores). The Sound Designer leads a team that includes:
- Sound Editor (who edits sound effects)
- Foley Artist (who creates sound effects)
- Composer (who writes the musical score)
While all sound elements are important, the musical score often stands out as the most memorable. To pursue a career as a composer, a Bachelor’s in Music Composition is a great starting point. If you prefer the technical side of sound and aspire to become a Sound Designer, a degree in Sound Design will help kickstart your career.
Visual Effects Supervisor
Visual Effects (VFX) have become increasingly crucial in high-budget films, especially action-adventure genres. VFX adds digital elements to the film that could not be captured during filming. Think of films like Spider-Man, Avatar, or The Avengers, all of which heavily rely on CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery).
The Visual Effects Supervisor leads the VFX team during post-production, while VFX Editors support the process. If you have a passion for both technology and art, being a VFX artist is a rewarding, though demanding, career. Starting with a degree in VFX and building a strong portfolio is essential to enter this field.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have a better understanding of filmmaking and the various roles involved, here are a few key takeaways:
- The film industry is much more than acting and directing—there are countless essential roles filled by people from diverse professional backgrounds.
- Passion and the right attitude are crucial in this competitive industry. It's important to make connections, gain hands-on experience, and build your resume by doing the work.
- While hands-on experience is vital, studying film can offer a competitive edge. It can help you develop critical thinking skills, identify industry trends, and understand the broader landscape of filmmaking.