The film industry is more significant than you think. More than 2 million people work in it in some capacity, and many others play supporting roles that may or may not be counted in official statistics. It’s an essential economic engine for many states and the United States as a nation, to say nothing of smaller countries that are even more dependent on cultural investments.
With all this being the case, you might think there’s plenty of room for you in the film industry. You’d be right in one sense because many jobs are available at any given time in various disciplines and specialties.
However, a successful career in film is no sure thing. This is a difficult business to get into and even more difficult to stay in for the long haul. Many talented, ambitious people burn out of film before long, and others struggle behind the scenes their entire careers without ever having a “breakout” moment.
Want your experience in the film industry to be different? Follow these tips to find a foothold and eventually career success in this exciting sector.
Look for Entry-Level Jobs in Fields That Interest You
Hopefully, your first job in the film industry isn’t your last. However, you can learn important lessons from people who have this experience.
People like future EarthLink founder Sky Dayton, who briefly worked in an animation studio after graduating from high school, credit the experience with turning his career toward entrepreneurship.
Why is Dayton a good example of someone whose early forays into film set him up for future success? Because the experience taught him something about himself; while the entertainment industry wasn’t the best path forward for his particular mix of skills, he had much to offer the world.
You might also discover that this isn’t the best industry for you. On the other hand, your first job might confirm your hopes and dreams — setting you on the path toward a long, successful career in entertainment.
Make sure your first film job doesn’t go to waste by choosing one that fits your interests and professional talents. Maybe that’s animation, acting, set design, cinematography, or something else — you know best.
Find a More Experienced Mentor
Finding a mentor is challenging in any industry, let alone as competitive as film. Yet the benefits of mentorship early in your career are clear. A mentor can help you distinguish between good and bad opportunities, find ways to set yourself apart from people with similar skills and navigate a path forward in an industry that’s always changing.
The best mentors go one step further. They also serve as sponsors who advocate for you when it matters to have a more experienced, well-respected person in your corner. An attentive sponsor can get you through doors that would otherwise remain shut, which is a big deal in this business.
Ask for More Responsibility Early and Often
Like any field, the film rewards ambitious people who seek out positions of greater responsibility. Make no mistake about it, though. You need to seek out responsibility in film because otherwise, your superiors will assume you don’t want it. Be vocal and assertive, and don’t worry so much about how that comes off to your peers.
Be Willing to Take Risks (And Make Sacrifices)
While asking for your responsibility early in your career, you should also be willing to take some professional risks and make reasonable sacrifices to advance. For example, you might volunteer on short notice to work on a remote shoot expected to last for weeks or sign up for an untested director’s passion project because you believe in its potential. Gambles like these aren’t guaranteed to pay off, but you won’t know unless you try.
Set Medium- and Long-Term Career Goals
More than most professions, it’s important to have a longer-term plan in film. Depending on your specialty, your film career may look more like a series of extended “gigs” than a progression of fewer, longer tenures with traditional employers. You should know the kinds of gigs you want to work at in five to ten years and the kinds of gigs you need to take now to make that happen.
Be Willing to Say “No”
To realize your longer-term career goals in the film industry, you must be willing to say “no.” Not immediately, when you can’t afford to, but sooner than you might think. After all, if your career is a series of gigs that last for months, you can’t let too many unproductive ones go by before the hour gets late.
Be Ready to Evolve With a Changing Industry
The film industry is always evolving, perhaps now more than ever before. But along with the uncertainty comes opportunity for those willing to evolve themselves.
Do you count yourself among these brave souls? There’s only one way to find out.
Take Setbacks As They Come (And Learn From Them)
Even the greatest actors and directors make the occasional stinker. Rather than try for a perfect track record, do your best to learn from the professional mistakes you’ll inevitably make throughout your film career. A setback is only a setback if you refuse to acknowledge its lessons.
A Rewarding Career, If You Can Make It Work
So many people aspire to work in film because it’s an exciting, rewarding, even magical career. Even if they’re not seated behind the camera or creating what happens in front of it, the countless workers who support filmmaking talent are just as responsible for their creations. They have a hand in delighting audiences and horrifying them — and evoking every emotion in between.
Make no mistake: Getting a foothold in the film industry is more difficult than in many other industries. It requires years of hard work with no guarantee of success. So before you commit yourself fully to the endeavor, ensure it’s the right fit for you. It’s better to be certain you’re making the right call now than regret your decision after putting in so much effort.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
