Why Work In Film?

Why try to build a career in film as a professional?

A good reason to have a career in the industry is that it continues to grow. The resources for showing a movie seem endless. We have movie theaters, the Internet, streaming, and Blu-ray/DVD—significant companies distribute films. Many film jobs are available in California and other parts of the country, both in front of and behind the camera.

Periodically, the American Film Marketing Association (AFMA) conducts a study of filmmakers’ economic impact. Its findings are rewarding for those eager to work in the film or entertainment industry, particularly those interested in roles that do not involve the financial and emotional risks associated with fields such as acting and film crew work.

Hey, there is nothing wrong with being an actor or a member of a film crew. AFMA’s study reports that the industry is mature and growing. An industry that needs dedicated professionals in various trades is an opportunity for you.

Internet and Streaming

Filmmakers- independent and major studios- account for over 408,000 jobs nationwide. The report primarily includes those who work as consultants or freelancers. The bulk of the workforce is pretty much contract workers. The film industry’s “total U.S. economic effect” is over $12.5 billion.

Total production costs of network prime-time television, first-run syndication programs, and streaming platform offerings are enormous. Who gets all that money? You guessed it — film and television professionals who worked hard to make it in the business. That’s you.

The AFMA study concludes that there is a growing demand for films and entertainment. With the added benefit of many new formats like streaming and opportunities provided by emerging telecommunications and computer technologies, the industry is growing by leaps and bounds. It is most likely to continue to do so.

Seventy-five percent of the people polled: Do you think you could make a successful career in film? Said, “Yes.”

Entertainment Industry

If you read the trades, you learn about the industry and how its growth is increasing and will continue to grow, verifying AFMA’s reports. Among the most validating reports on expansion in the film industry is CBS.com reporting that most Americans are streaming movies. Most of that streaming happens on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and Disney. As the list grows, so will the number of job opportunities.

Of course, figures like this rise and fall, and the business of film can have its shifts, even some of the large and most successful companies with hardly any warning.

Because the entertainment industry is creative, you have to be innovative to work in the industry. Reading the trades and studying books about the business will help you get your foot in the door. Once you are in the door, you need to maintain your foothold by acting professionally and learning more about the industry.

Breaking into Film is a book you should read to learn about the business. It is an easy read but dated. The bulk of the career book offers advice, tips, and fundamentals for getting your foot in the door and building a long career in the entertainment field.

The book offers samples of resumes and letters, which are vital to this industry. The book also discusses the dress code. How are you supposed to dress for an interview versus for a set? It dedicates a whole chapter to the importance of networking and establishing relationships.

Industry Publications

Reading the trades is a vital part of being in the business and will help build your career. Some other publications to read are Film & Video, Filmmaker, Film Comment, Cinefex, and Cinefantastique. Each publication focuses on an aspect of the industry. Cinefex covers special effects, while Cinefantastique covers fantasy, science fiction, horror movies, and television.

Entertainment insiders tend to read publications that fans read to see how their competition is doing. They primarily read the “Calendar” sections of newspapers, the Los Angeles Times business section, and the Sunday edition of The New York Times.

Guilds, associations, and other unions distribute newsletters to their members. These newsletters are also available for non-members at a price. They specialize in current and upcoming events that interest you for networking purposes.

For the most part, these publications are available online.

United Talent Agency List

The best source for film job openings is the United Talent Agency List. This printout, published once a month or so, lists jobs that are important enough to pursue in the industry.

For over 30 years, the list has been where all the significant players place the job openings. The big hurdle is that the list is practically impossible to obtain unless you are one of the agency’s clients or connected to an industry insider.

Anonymous Production Assistant is a website that publishes the agency’s list. Reports say people get film jobs from the webmaster’s postings. If I were you, I’d give it a try and see what happens.

First Job in Film

Breaking into the entertainment industry is not easy, but it gets easier once you have your first job. It’s vital that you persevere and don’t give up. Each job leads to the next job offer, which takes time and effort.