Get a Job in Hollywood

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How to Get a Job in Hollywood

Get your foot inside the magical Hollywood door.

You want a career in the movie business, but you need the experience of having your first break in the film industry before you can get a job. You can choose internships or volunteering. In other words, you must demonstrate the ability to do whatever is needed and do it well with no or low pay. Once you are in and do a professional job, the opportunity to work is always available. Most important to the process, however, is that you are willing, in the beginning, to work for low pay or even for free. The idea is to accumulate a list of credits- a portfolio, a reputation.

Production Assistant

Here is an example of what not to do – this happened:

Production Manager: “The job is a six-day shoot. We need a couple of PAs to do everything.”

Applicant: “Okay.”

PM: “Saturday is an early call – 3 AM.”

Applicant: “Wow! That is early.”

PM: “Do you know how to build IKEA furniture?”

Applicant: “I don’t build IKEA furniture. I tried that, and I am not good at it.”

PM: “Well, send me your resume…”

The applicant didn’t get the job because of his response to the earlier call, “I don’t build IKEA…”

Here is an example of what to do:

Production Manager: “The job is a six-day shoot. We need a couple of PAs to do everything.”

Applicant: “I am willing to do whatever you need.”

PM: “Saturday is an early call – 3 AM.”

Applicant: “No problem. I will be there.”

PM: “Do you know how to build IKEA furniture?”

Applicant: “Sure. I’ve done that before.”

PM: “Good! What is the best way to reach you…”

The applicant got the job because he responded positively and was willing to do whatever was needed. Even if he failed at IKEA furniture before, it doesn’t mean he will come again. The point is, he will try. He is willing. Production managers need an upbeat crew without creating problems on the set with “I can’t do that.”

Work on Local Film and Television Jobs

Hollywood hires based on reputation and perseverance. You know who you know is another way to get your foot in the door.

It would help if you built a portfolio of decent and reputable work. Build a resume by being willing to take on whatever task the production offers at whatever pay the company provides, even if that’s nil.

Like a production assistant, an entry-level job pays an average flat rate of $125-$250 a day, including meals. As a production assistant, the best pay rate I experienced was $250 for 12 hours, including overtime.

Nevertheless, please don’t get too excited because you may still find it hard to attract any work by offering your services for free. The unpaid crew requires insurance, guidance, and food. It even costs the production time and money to hire you.

Your best opportunity to build your portfolio is to work on smaller independent shoots where the production, most likely, can’t afford to pay you or feed you well. On the upside, track these shoots down and volunteer! Once your resume shows the depth of your experience, you can aim for bigger crews on larger shoots and better pay.

It is most beneficial to start making contacts in your local area. You can contact your local film commission and see if they have a hotline number or a website promoting jobs. Most big-city film commissions do. Check with your film commission weekly to see if a production company is coming to town. Take the time to visit the film commission office, make yourself known, hang around a bit, and help the office. The production companies sometimes leave a contact number with the film commission.

Some cities or regions create a film production directory for companies to use when they come to the area. Some guides charge for listing your services, while others offer it for free.

You can Google “film production directories [enter state] and examine what comes up. The California Film Commission office maintains a website for California, and the link is at the end of this article.

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Places to Find Jobs in Hollywood

The film industry is a creative business, so be creative and come up with unique ways to find work. As you call these contacts, make sure you find out about other productions coming up and their contact numbers – in other words, network. Tell them you’ll call back if they are too busy to talk. Be courteous.

Here are some general numbers and websites to contact for information on film work in the area. My book, Breaking Into Film, comprehensively lists film work resources.

  • California Film Commission — 800-858-4749
  • San Francisco Film Commission Hotline — (415) 554-6244
  • New York Film Commission — 212-803-2330
  • New York City Film Commission — 212-489-6710
  • Texas Film Commission — 512-463-9200
  • Chicago Film Office — 312-744-6415
  • Illinois Film Office – 312-814-3600
  • New Mexico Film Office – 800-545-9871
  • The City of Seattle Film Office – 206-684-0903

Update Your Resume

Like any career, building your credits in a competitive industry means you are a professional. Act like a professional. People see you as a professional. Film careers last a long time because those individuals are professionals. Never do half of what your true potential is capable of doing. Learn, be alert, work hard, and be friendly and helpful. Hollywood needs people like you.