The film industry is a profession that most people automatically write off as impossible to get into. “Good luck with that,” people will say with a smirk when you tell them of your intentions. “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know; and you don’t know anyone.”
It’s true that creative professions are tough to get into. Unlike our more business-minded counterparts, like accountants or lawyers (who know exactly what they have to do to be successful), the film industry has absolutely no guarantees and no clear checklist to victory. Film professionals are completely on their own when finding a path to success and it can be very intimidating, especially since no two career paths are alike.
Nay-Sayers
To make things worse, you won’t find a lot of support out there, in fact, people will tend to try to spoil your dreams and make you think twice before going for it. There are a lot of reasons why people do this, but not all are malicious.
People close to you, like your friends and family, will sometimes try to protect you from getting hurt. They care about you and don’t want to see you struggle. They don’t realize that what you really need is their support.
Some people will be jealous of your courage because they always dreamed of doing it, but never did. They will make it sound like the film world is entirely unjust and only a chosen few succeed.
Worst of all, some people are just plain salty. They may have faced failure in their life and have concluded that if they can’t have victory, they won’t let anyone else have it either. If you are going to break into the film industry, you have to expect these kinds of negative influences on your dreams and tune them out.
Here is my theory on hard-to-break-into industries: the more competition the more saltiness; the more saltiness the more hopeless people feel; the more hopeless they feel the less they try; and the less they try the easier it is for a truly focused person to succeed. I honestly believe that the film industry has not become harder to break into, but easier. Through turmoil and mediocrity, quality individuals rise to the top.
Get your House in Order
If you have decided that you are going to take the plunge, it is important to get rid of as much resistance to your goal as possible. The most common form of resistance is debt. The film industry does not pay well at first; in fact, your first few jobs may be for free. Therefore, if you have debt, you will be eaten alive.
It was three years after I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in film that I took my first job. It was painful to work a non-creative job in order to pay off my debt, but I had to dig myself out of the hole I had created before I could pursue my dream.
If you can enter the film industry for the love of the work instead of a need for money, you will have a great advantage over most of your competition. Believe it or not, people in the film industry become slaves to their jobs just like everyone else. They find themselves in a position where they are forced to take jobs in order to pay their bills. People who are free to pick and choose their work have negotiating leverage to not only get better work, but to get work that will further their careers.
Spend time developing this freedom before you get locked into the life of a starving artist. Pay off your debt and develop some sort of passive income. If you are a creative person this advice will not seem sexy, but it will free you to be able to pursue your passion the way most people dream of their whole lives.
Microcosm of the Entrepreneurial Universe
I love the film industry because it behaves like a miniature, super-charged economy. Because film professionals are independent contractors and film projects only last three months to a year at a time, this industry is in a constant state of flux. Each movie is an entrepreneurial venture with so much motion and turmoil, things tend to happen at light speed. Success in the film industry can happen almost overnight compared to the overall economy.
Creativity is not enough to make it. You have to be an entrepreneur. This means that you have to learn some business skills to put your ideas to work. Entrepreneurs have learned to master the creative/logical duality in their own minds. Creative people are amazing idea generators, but tend to lack in logical skills like decisiveness, persistence, and follow-through.
My First Film Job
After I had paid off my debt, I quit a great airline job and started sending my resume to production offices for upcoming film projects in Austin. I didn’t have any experience, but I figured that I had enough on my resume to show a producer that I could quickly adapt. Of about ten resumes sent, I was only contacted by one person: legendary low-budget producer Damon Chang who was setting up a movie called Hallettsville featuring Gary Busey on less than a million dollar budget.
Damon didn’t say much, but told me that he needed help setting up the production office and that I could help paint the walls if I wanted to. The only pay he was offering was pizza for lunch, but it could possibly lead to a slightly more stable unpaid job.
I showed up the next day and helped along with four other volunteers. We had a good time and took pride in our painting, but couldn’t quite finish the job in one day. I volunteered to stop by the next day to finish up.
When I finished painting, some of the other producers were trying to set up about twenty desks that had just come off a truck in pieces. I grabbed my cordless drill to help and soon inherited the unpaid job of setting up desks.
Since it was so early in pre-production I had a lot of time alone with Damon and the other producers while I helped to set up the office. I didn’t know a thing about how movies were made, so everything was fascinating to me. Some of the producers were on the phone with Hollywood agents trying to put together a cast while Damon was interviewing people to fill about fifty positions on the crew. Since I had only ever heard of writers, directors, producers, and actors; I had no idea that all of these other crew positions even existed.
Humility
In the film industry, it is important to understand that no matter how creative you are, or how many blockbusters you have in your head, the person who might hire you doesn’t care. Producers are just trying to fill jobs on their crew with competent people who will carry out the vision of the director.
That being said, the easiest way to get a job in the industry with no prior experience is to take the job that no one else wants. This means lowering yourself to getting someone else coffee, taking out the trash, painting the walls, etc. If you can put your pride aside enough to do these jobs with a smile, you will be far ahead of most. A little humility will start you off on the right foot.
After a couple of days helping out around the office, Damon pulled me aside for a mini interview. I explained to him that I had zero experience but I would do anything he needed just so that I could be around to learn. He told me that he could usually tell within a couple of days whether or not a person was fit for the industry, and that he was willing to give me a chance. I think that humility plays a big part in whether or not a person passes Damon’s test.
Integrity
My first official title was “Office Intern,” meaning that I was the assistant to the Production Office Coordinator. The job was still unpaid, but I moved up from assembling desks to making copies and running to the store. The first day I met my new boss, Mary Beth Meadows, she told me that half of success in this industry was just showing up. She explained that since film is such an unstructured enterprise, dependable people are hard to find.
I was surprised to hear that some people were so flaky, but looking back, I realized that out of the five of us who started out painting the walls, only two remained. The others had found excuses not to show up. All I did to get a title was come to work on time.
Integrity is the value of doing what you say you are going to do. It is a very simple and subtle quality, but extremely powerful. Following through on a promise, no matter how small, can give you authority and respect in an area where you previously had none.
For example a person who shows up to work when they say they will, returns people’s calls when they say they will, and completes the tasks they accept, has integrity. This type of dependability is rare in the business world and like gold in the film industry.
Even though I had survived the first cut, I didn’t realize how powerful integrity really was until I got my first chance to prove myself. One of the producers, Dustin Weaver, needed some locations scouts and pulled aside another intern and myself. He split up about ten possible locations between the two of us and gave us the same assignment to scout the locations and report back the next day.
Doing exactly what I was told, I took pictures of the locations and sent them to Dustin in an email the next day with a short take on each site. Shockingly, my counterpart called in sick the next day and didn’t follow through on her assignment. What she didn’t realize was that Dustin was looking for a locations assistant and while she flunked the interview, I was hired the next day.
How a Movie is Made
I didn’t know a thing about what went on behind the scenes in a movie before Hallettsville, but the movie served as my film school. I was most interested with the duality that exists between those who are “above the line” and those who are “below the line.”
The people who are “above the line” on a set are the ones you are most likely to hear about. They are the ones with creative input. This includes the writer, main actors, director, producers; and sometimes the assistant director, casting director, art director, or others. These people usually get credited at the beginning of the movie and sometimes share in the royalties.
People who are “below the line” fill in the jobs that complete the day-to-day tasks that are required to make the creative vision become a reality. The entire system is set up so that the creative people can concentrate most of their energy on being creative while everyone else around them makes it possible.
The interesting thing is that the people above the line are not necessarily more experienced than their below the line counterparts. In our movie, some of the people above the line had actually dropped out of film school. To get above the line, you need either have the resources to make a movie ($$$), or the creativity to make it happen.
This is another example of how the film industry is a microcosm of the entrepreneurial environment. Business are created by the partnership between investors and entrepreneurs (above the line). Once the business is set up, employees are hired to carry out the daily tasks. Getting into the ownership of a company is not as easy as working your way to the top. A movie is just a mini-company. To own a company, you must have the vision and resources to make a leap of faith on your own.
Just like in the “real world” people in the film industry can also get stuck in the rat race. If you are in debt, and are forced to take job after job that you don’t necessarily want, you never get the chance to take a breath and work towards your goal.
Very few people get above the line by working their way through the ranks. While positions that require a lot of experience in the trenches, like assistant director, line producer, and director of photography, can be negotiated above the line; if you want to be a writer, director, producer, or actor, you need to realize that these positions are not typically achieved by being promoted from below the line.
If you want to be a writer, write. If you want to be a director, direct. If you want to be an actor, act. Learn as much as you can by working in different departments on other people’s movies, but take time in between jobs to work on your own projects, no matter how small. If you don’t have the financial freedom to do this, your chances for success will be greatly diminished.
Qualities of a Film Industry Professional
Now that I have confused everyone on how to get to the top, I will say this: even though the path to the top is not clearly defined, the best place to start is at the bottom. We have already discussed how humility and integrity can help you. Here are some other qualities that can set you apart from the crowd.
Work Ethic
During production, work days can be as long as 16 or 18 hours. This can be tough and requires a lot of stamina. A strong work ethic means that you are the first to volunteer to help and the last to leave at night. Cheerfully offer help to others in your down time, even if they are in a different department. Not only does this show your commitment to the project, but it might land you your next job. Don’t complain about the long hours, because it may cost you your next job.
Organization
If you are a creative person, chances are your are highly unorganized. A missed deadline in a film can mean thousands of dollars down the tube at best, and the failure of the project, at worst. It is helpful to find some sort of organizational tool like a computer calendar or a paper planner. I use a combination of the two. You can read about my system here.
Creative Problem Solving
As an assistant, your first responsibility is to do what you are told without argument; but if you see that something can be done more efficiently, don’t be afraid to suggest it to your superiors. Just remember, their word is the last word. If your idea gets shot down, be a trooper and go with the flow.
Take responsibility
Just like in business, there are different departments in a movie and it is easy to blame a different department or an assistant when things don’t go right. People on the way to the top take personal responsibility for not only their own department, but the whole project. While you can’t be in all places at once, take ownership and work closely with your co-workers. Make teamwork, not excuses.
My First Paid Job
I was only assistant to the locations department for a few weeks before I got my next big promotion. I had shown enough to Damon for him to take a chance on me. He was having trouble finding a Transportation Captain within his budget, so he rolled the dice and offered the job to me. Although I would be making just $75 a day, I would be responsible for the coordination of a fleet of movie trucks, star trailers, generators, vans, and cars between several different locations on our project.
I gladly accepted the job, even though transportation had nothing to do with my eventual goal to become a director. I was not going to pass up a job of greater responsibility and a chance to be close to the action. The six weeks of production were grueling and stressful, but we made it through without any major hitches.
In my downtime, I was able to mingle with every other person on the crew and make some amazing contacts. It was my own film-school condensed into a few months. I barely made any money, but the experience I gained was invaluable.
If you are thinking about the film industry, don’t let anyone stop you. Get your house in order and hit the trail running. If your passion is film, there is no better place to live it than in the film industry.
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This really encouraged me! Thank you so much to whoever wrote this! Please feel free to contact me as I would like to get in touch with you.
Thanks again!!
I really enjoyed reading your article about the film industry. There are many, many people out there like you and me, who have the same goals and dreams. It really resonated with me, and I’ve been told time and time again, to take any job that you can; no matter the pay. Experience is definately invaluable. If people see your desire to be apart of the bigger picture and your determination to do so, then you will be on the right track. Most people fail because the rejection that they get kills them internally. You just can’t give a damn what people say and/or think about you. Your article is a testament to this.
You inspired me! My mom laughed at me when I told her I wanted to go into the film industry, and I’ll admit I was a bit hurt. You really really encouraged me, and I would love to be in contact with you if at all possible.
To say that you’ve inspired would be an understatement. I don’t know if you believe in fate or the “The Secret”, but your words of encouragement come to my screen as I search for advice in a dire time of indecision. Here I sit stressed about my first real interview and my first chance to shine. You have put in to script the words I need to believe. I wish you all the best of luck in your endeavors. And know that you will surpass your wildest expectations, as will anyone with the courage to believe.
I’m happy you visited my site!
Thanks for taking the time to write this Brian! I like how you are very encouraging, but realistic. I have one question tho. Do you think formal education has any effect on getting hired for a job or a career in the film industry? Two years ago I made a career change to get into film (my undergrad is in Chemsitry, lol). At the time, I thought about just moving to LA to start getting some real industry experience, but then decided to get a Masters degree so I have something to show when I apply for these jobs. Right now I’m in my 2nd year at Emerson College. I’m hoping it wasn’t a complete waste of money. What do you think?
The question you ask is one of the oldest questions in film. I would say that the people I run across are split about 50/50. Half believe in film school, half only trust real-world experience.
Although I never went to film school, my college years were some of the best in my life. I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
I don’t think that people should be in a hurry to grow up. If you can afford to stay in school, I would say more power to you.
Thank you for writing this,, I think it gives everyone the hope they need to pursue their dreams.
Thanks for your article Brian, I find it extremely inspiring. Its interesting about debt as mine is all paid off in 4 months. I think thats my time to begin. You have really encouraged me, thanks again.
yeah so me and my best friend plan on going to collage for film and then starteing our production company..alot of people told us the our ideas werent praci\tical..but what ever..we will be doing what we love and they will be doing noging but wishing the followed there dreams instead of giving into the white color standered of life..look out for reaver rpoductionsand look out for mmy name..i will make it and make movies and do what i love
I am 17.I am financially poor. But I have great dreams of getting into the film industry. I can act very well. What should I do?
i am 27 years old, up till now i am finding it difficult to fend for myself, and i have the talent of acting what do i do. i’m a nigerian
Id like to get any job workin in film or televison shows or anything in that industry. I live in New Jersey and was wondering how I find these kind of jobs located near me? Id like to work for relativly known company.
Thanks for this! You’re really encouraging! =) I’ve been very interested in getting into the film industry since high school, but, just like you said, many people keep telling me that it’s impossible to get into. That’s why I’m a little discouraged to even try it out. But after reading this, I really want to!
I told my mom that before med school, I’d like to see what I can do in film. I’ve always wanted to act! But she says it’s just not practical. I guess she’s right, but I don’t want the “what-if’s” to haunt me for the rest of my life!
I learned from The Pursuit of Happyness that I should not let anyone tell me that I can’t do something. I know my dreams are big and maybe even quite crazy, but I’d still like to try!
Thanks again so much!!! I’d appreciate it if you’d write back or something. That would be nice. Best wishes!
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To Gireesh:
Hi there! Just like Mr. Lee says, you can start off by getting a job and earning some money. If you’re studying right now, you can get a part-time job or a student job at your college/university.
Join a group or organization at school dedicated to film or to acting. Participate in school productions, whether as an actor or a member of the backstage crew. It helps. =) When you have some money, you can start taking acting workshops and stuff to improve your skill. Hone your talent. If you can sign up for free workshops, that would be great! =)
Good luck! =)
I am 36 , and would like to become a movie star, I am poor , have no but experience on it but I know I can do , I beleive in divine connection and I need help.
My first language is French , I speak pretty good English and some spanish.
leonie
My daughter is 9 years and will like to a movie star and singer. please, help us
hey thanks a lot for this! I found it on google while searching getting into the film industry.. I’m 21 and I’d really like to do something with film making. I’m hoping to make write and film my own short films soon.. you’ve given a lot of information and it really helps me think and is encouraging! (I’m from southern Minnesota so my options are limited here and I don’t have much money at this time) but I’m hoping to find a way to make it work!
Okay, I’m inspired again. It’s so hard to keep motivated in something that almost EVERYONE is so skeptical about. It’s so easy to fall and lose hope when working your way into this industry. It takes an amazing amount of grit and determination, sometimes even obsessive, to get in movies. I myself am a conceptual artist, one who salivates over movies like The Matrix, Transformers, Watchmen, 300, etc.—very visual movies. If I don’t get this ILM internship this year, I’ll try again the next. I won’t lose hope. Thanks for believing in us.
I too was on google searching on how to get into the film industry. Your article has motivated me to get a move on my career but like most, I live in michigan and times are just now starting to get rough for my family and I. I am worried about moving out to CA, when I have a car and student loans to pay for.
I want to act in films and design the sets, possibly work my way up to directing. I know it’ll all unfold clearly for me but do you have any other words of wisdom?
I really liked this article. I too wanted to be on this line, but m doubtful as to what to do or how to procceed?
Im only a photography student from england and im still at college, and its come to the point where i have to decide to follow into the film industry or do my academics.
would it be worth me studying a particular course at universtiy to help me into film?
and also how well does it pay?
this artical has helped me alot, cheers!
Thanks a lot for this article. am very disturbed at home. family does not want me to get into this industry am yet 14. but being an actor is not my dream its MY AMIBITION! thanks for helping me out through this note~
Hello,
My name is Junior, after reading this article my determination for a great spot in the film industry has increased. I am so determined to make it to the filming industry and work in high budget films. I always dreamed of making it in Hollywood for so long. I am 17 years old and I will be 18. I have made it my plan since I was 12 to leave the same day I turn 18, in 7 months, and leave on my adventure to Hollywood. Even though I live in the next county, Orange County, I have been working since I was 14 and unfortunately I have very little saved due to getting laid off at all my previous jobs and I barely get paid at a Law office I am working at right now. Some income is better than no income, right? But I try my damn best to achieve my dream in filming. I do have a deep passion for it, I would never hesitate to play coffee-getter, cause I know it will pay off in the end. No one believes that I will make it to Hollywood, but I believe with the determination that many of us have and the love we have for it, All of us can make it and be successful. Especially when I watch the Oscars and other Award Shows, I just want it even more! I try looking to enroll in Film School but the tuition is outrageous! And many of us cant afford it, But after reading this article, I am so glad that there is another way and hearing the stages you went through have gave me more confidence. After I graduate high school this year, I definetly have my future planned.
Thank You
i also have the dream.
Becoming an actor in a film or tv industry? Pfft that doesn’t even require a high school graduation. Plus the chances of that happening is slim because where do you see a lot of high budget movie now that doesn’t have good looking cast.
I don’t believe that doing acting school is going to help very much; mainly because there are so many models that just turn into movie & tv stars. And the fact that even kids can have lead roles in movies & tv series; this just shows that you don’t need acting school to appear on film and that it is mostly luck.
Ie. Paul Walker former child model, Jennifer Connelly former teen model, the list goes on…
Another downside is the fact that many movie stars crash & burn after films or tv. Pressure like doing a bad film & not getting any roles after.
Ie. Mariah Carey in Glitter, Britney Spears in Crossroads, David Carradine committing suicide by hanging after his movie career started going downhill, Jonathan Brandis the science expert kid from Spielberg’s seaQuest DSV that lasted 3 seasons committed suicide by hanging.
What about the promotional aspect? There’s sooo many movies out there.
How can you even compete when a billion movies are being promoted at the same time? Like how many films are made every year that no one has ever heard of.
How can you expect to get paid for another movie if the revenue can’t even match up the budget? I don’t know about you but if I were to make a 100,000 budget movie, then I’d want to get that money back plus extra income. No one wants to invest in something & not get anything back in return.
The only way I see a person surviving in the film industry is by being either a writer, director, cameraman, etc everything except for actor.
Yes being an actor is a cool dream to have but you people should think about it from a financial perspective instead.
So in conclusion I think people should start asking themselves:
What are my chances?
Is acting in the movie industry able to support me financially?
I myself have always wanted to be a professional musician even though I have some talent. I know that competition is tough in the world and I wouldn’t choose it as a career path but instead studying very hard to get a career in electrical engineering. Instead of being pretentious about reality.
i’m a student i ll like 2 be in d movie industry pls…………….
Hi, My name is leony, very poor but I dream make my life in the film industry I can speack three languages french, anglish and spanish,(my first language is french) I do not know how to start but I know somebody who care can give me my chance or to my daughter who love to be in it to.
Thanks in advance.
hi i was and still very impress and motivated by wat i just read and thanx for the numerous advices i am in it .my passion for film making is wat i best knw and want.i am 21 of age and wanna take a career in film acting.a cameroonian holder of an advance level in A1 dat is french,history,religion,philosophy.i speak and write both french and english.i believe somethere can give me a helping hand thanx in advance and merry chrismas and happy new year.
Wow, that was amazing.
It’s all so true.
When I leave school, I will follow those guidelines like the bible!
Thank you for this. I have been dreaming of working within the film industry but I just do not know how to realise this dream…
I am not looking for the money in the job but to do something every day that I love, I have a passion for film and I would like to use this passion in my day to day work/career. I have chosen to make this year my year to find out how to do this. I’m still a little lost and scared about that next step. Scared because I may fail and be told that this industry is not for me when I believe it is. I hope to break into the industry as the job I have had now for nearly eight years is not what I believe I should be doing but right now it pays the bills until I find my hearts passion which is within the arts and in paticular film.
Thank you for this blog it has been extremely helpful and insightful.
Wow this is EXACTLY what i was looking for.You’re very specific.Im 15 and im still not sure what i want to be when i grow up, but being a director or actor is definetly up high on the list. I aldready keep a notebook of ideas and scenes i have for movies
. What age did you realize that you wanted to be a director? And how did you know who to contact? Like how did you get their information if you had no prior experience in the film industry? And what did you put in your resume?about How much should you save up before getting into the film industry? Sorry for all the questions im just REALLY curious. I would greatly appreciate it if you replied back. Thanks for the great post.
Wow this is EXACTLY what i was looking for.You’re very specific.Im 15 and im still not sure what i want to be when i grow up, but being a director or actor is definetly up high on the list. I aldready keep a notebook of ideas and scenes i have for movies
wow! my dreams came crashing down and burnt last year but i will get back on my feet again. I am trying to finish a script that i have been working on for 20 years plus. I would give anything to see it made or better yet , i would love to direct it myself. I have directed over 50 high school plays and now i teach french and drama and media. Can it be done?