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How do people in the film and television industry find jobs immediately after college #Spring25?
I'm going to be in NYC, which is good for this industry but also very competitive.
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Lucy’s Answer
In the world of Film & Television Production, networking is definitely a large component of success. I would encourage you to join groups on social media that focus on the industry. For example, Facebook has many groups that are geographically based, where many industry folks will post jobs, bounce ideas off of each other and get input on production-related topics (such as gear rental, locations, etc.). Many metro cities throughout the US will have Film Offices that can serve as a good resource as well. They know what productions are in town and going on at the moment and may be able to point you to open positions. The starting point on any production is a P.A. (Production Assistant). Be hard-working, respectful and punctual, and don't be afraid to ask questions and make connections on set. You will find that most everyone will be happy to provide additional insight into their positions on the production. The industry as a whole is competitive, but one job will usually lead to another, and so on. Expect 12 hours days as a standard, especially as a P.A. starting out. The right attitude and work ethic are absolute musts!
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Angela’s Answer
You can reach out to your directors guild and IASTE and ask about PA jobs or applications for apprenticeships. They can give you local information about where to apply for jobs. I’m in Toronto so the guilds might work differently but they have a ton of resources. Theres lots of work in Jersey right now.
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Tom’s Answer
I know it's difficult to do when you need a job to pay the bills (and cost of living is high in NYC) but the best thing you can do is to meet as many people working in the industry as you can--and one of the best ways to do that is to volunteer. Volunteer as a PA on film shoots, film festivals (this can be a great way to meet directors and producers in the independent film world,) film retrospective theaters like Filmforum. Most of my work in over 20 years in the business has been through the relationships I made while meeting people in the business, both already established and also starting out.
Good luck and have fun!
Good luck and have fun!
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Makenzie !
What aspect of film or television do you want to pursue ? One thing is for sure about this business, attention to detail is crucial especially if you want career guidance. I don't mean to be any certain way, but I must state this because the whole purpose of being ready for a career in television or film is to KNOW how to start the career, whether it's in L.A. or NYC. Students also learn that they cannot time their work and you're expecting advice for "immediate" work and are concerned about it being competitive. I am confused. Did you take a college path or private community training path for this career ? Generalized information is really not going to help you so you may want to come back and give details and ask a very specific question.
If you are an actor, you can go in person to the Screen Actors Guild union New York Office. It may be worth your while to get the information from professionals and join the acting union. If you are a Director, go in person to the New York City Office of the Directors Guild of America. Come to terms that nothing is guaranteed for work. You audition for roles if you are an actor and you develop projects and network for work as a Director and you'll need lots of experience to get hired in New York City. You'll be expected to be able to do either job 100% and know how the business is run. New York is stricter than Los Angeles, by the way.
If you did go to undergraduate school for this career and still do not know the business, maybe going for your Masters Degree and making stronger connections could help. If you are looking for Directing Work you can find projects on the websites Film CV, Backstage Casting, Mandy.com, Production Hub, and Creative Pool. If you are looking for Auditions for Acting, register at the websites Direct Casting, Actors Access, HBG Casting and Backstage. Additionally, do a search for more casting websites in a search online. Be ready to submit a resume with solid experience and, as an actor, have a head shot, full body shot and reel of your work ready to submit for casting. Find a way to support yourself financially between projects.
To start out with, don't overlook volunteering in Theatre, also. Your resume is going to have to reelect that you are versatile, have real world experience outside of school, and full knowledge of the business. It's not a good idea to do much online, people need to meet you in person, so volunteer work at a studio or theatre will be a good networking path.
In New York, there is work in the industry in New York City all five Boroughs, New Jersey, CT and upstate - Mid Hudson Valley - New York and sometimes upper state New York. There is also work in Westchester County, New York. Secure reliable transportation because it involves travel to where the projects or auditions and performances are.
Since you're not sure how to start your career, take a private community based course (Acting ? Directing ?) in person in New York City and the teacher could guide you where your previous path hadn't.
Best wishes on learning the business !
What aspect of film or television do you want to pursue ? One thing is for sure about this business, attention to detail is crucial especially if you want career guidance. I don't mean to be any certain way, but I must state this because the whole purpose of being ready for a career in television or film is to KNOW how to start the career, whether it's in L.A. or NYC. Students also learn that they cannot time their work and you're expecting advice for "immediate" work and are concerned about it being competitive. I am confused. Did you take a college path or private community training path for this career ? Generalized information is really not going to help you so you may want to come back and give details and ask a very specific question.
If you are an actor, you can go in person to the Screen Actors Guild union New York Office. It may be worth your while to get the information from professionals and join the acting union. If you are a Director, go in person to the New York City Office of the Directors Guild of America. Come to terms that nothing is guaranteed for work. You audition for roles if you are an actor and you develop projects and network for work as a Director and you'll need lots of experience to get hired in New York City. You'll be expected to be able to do either job 100% and know how the business is run. New York is stricter than Los Angeles, by the way.
If you did go to undergraduate school for this career and still do not know the business, maybe going for your Masters Degree and making stronger connections could help. If you are looking for Directing Work you can find projects on the websites Film CV, Backstage Casting, Mandy.com, Production Hub, and Creative Pool. If you are looking for Auditions for Acting, register at the websites Direct Casting, Actors Access, HBG Casting and Backstage. Additionally, do a search for more casting websites in a search online. Be ready to submit a resume with solid experience and, as an actor, have a head shot, full body shot and reel of your work ready to submit for casting. Find a way to support yourself financially between projects.
To start out with, don't overlook volunteering in Theatre, also. Your resume is going to have to reelect that you are versatile, have real world experience outside of school, and full knowledge of the business. It's not a good idea to do much online, people need to meet you in person, so volunteer work at a studio or theatre will be a good networking path.
In New York, there is work in the industry in New York City all five Boroughs, New Jersey, CT and upstate - Mid Hudson Valley - New York and sometimes upper state New York. There is also work in Westchester County, New York. Secure reliable transportation because it involves travel to where the projects or auditions and performances are.
Since you're not sure how to start your career, take a private community based course (Acting ? Directing ?) in person in New York City and the teacher could guide you where your previous path hadn't.
Best wishes on learning the business !