4 answers
Jack
Student
Eugene, Oregon
1
Question
Asked
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How does one best get into working at Lucasfilm?
Hello! I am a soon-to-be grad at the University of Oregon and my dream goal is to land a job in creative development at Lucasfilm. I applied for the internship and didn't get it- what's my next best option? I am considering moving to the bay from here in Eugene to make better connections, but I'm not sure if that's my wisest move. Any help or advice is welcome!
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4 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
2520
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Jack !
Congratulations on nearing your graduation for a degree in film ! That's wonderful !
I am sorry that you didn't obtain the Internship at Lucasfilm which is located in San Francisco.
You know, after four years of studying film, learning about the industry, obtaining skills and information, knowing how your life is, the best person to tell you what your next move would be is you. You now have experienced what it's like to depend on getting a job at just one place. Also, if you haven't graduated yet, you don't have your degree yet and it would be disruptive to quit college now and not finish. Your degree is just one factor that will qualify you to work in Film.
Your dream is great, but most of the time, film students' "dream" is to make or work on films. Any kind, anywhere, any genre. I'm not sure why you don't have this perspective, but part of being a film professional is to be flexible, versatile, creative, open minded. and know exactly how the film industry business works. By focusing your dream goal on one company means that you have a lot more to learn. Making stronger connections with your professors, classmates and film department staff will help you greatly broaden your outlook on your career and how to manage it. No one can tell you the way to get a professional job at Lucasfilm or any other company. It's just not done that way. And you should be 100% ready for professional positions once you graduate, understand fully the hiring process, and if not, consider additional education before starting the career.
Besides being versatile and open minded, you will need an impressive reel of your work that will be included with a cover letter and resume. You will also need to be available at a moment's notice with no other commitment going on at the time you apply. If you don't have a reel of your work and substantial experience for the resume, you can stay in Eugene for a while to build up experience and projects that you can show as an example of your skills. This is all taught in film school and I am sorry if they haven't instructed on this, so close to your graduation.
This is a field of work that you alone will need to decide what to do. No one can tell you how to take your career. You can brush up and add to what you have already learned by reading some information about how the film industry works. Some books you can consider are "The Business of Film: A Practical Introduction" by Paula Landry, Blockbusting: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Business of Hollywood" by George Lucas, and "The Complete Film Production Handbook" by Eve Light Honthaner.
There is no "best" option or move. Getting work in film, an opinion business, is a matter of submitting your resume and reel for projects and waiting to hear back. Networking is highly necessary. Keep working on film projects until you feel ready to take on a professional career project, internship level should not be needed. Gain experience, always network within your local Film Department and film community off campus and keep a very open mind. Do not pre-set specific projects or companies, let your opportunities flow naturally or you will miss out on some very important projects. Every project provides you with contacts and social interaction with other film professionals which is very important in this field of work.
I hope you will consider this as you'll want a satisfying journey, one with no barriers of pre-conceived specifics. Don't give up and realize that you have a lifetime ahead of you for this career !
Congratulations on nearing your graduation for a degree in film ! That's wonderful !
I am sorry that you didn't obtain the Internship at Lucasfilm which is located in San Francisco.
You know, after four years of studying film, learning about the industry, obtaining skills and information, knowing how your life is, the best person to tell you what your next move would be is you. You now have experienced what it's like to depend on getting a job at just one place. Also, if you haven't graduated yet, you don't have your degree yet and it would be disruptive to quit college now and not finish. Your degree is just one factor that will qualify you to work in Film.
Your dream is great, but most of the time, film students' "dream" is to make or work on films. Any kind, anywhere, any genre. I'm not sure why you don't have this perspective, but part of being a film professional is to be flexible, versatile, creative, open minded. and know exactly how the film industry business works. By focusing your dream goal on one company means that you have a lot more to learn. Making stronger connections with your professors, classmates and film department staff will help you greatly broaden your outlook on your career and how to manage it. No one can tell you the way to get a professional job at Lucasfilm or any other company. It's just not done that way. And you should be 100% ready for professional positions once you graduate, understand fully the hiring process, and if not, consider additional education before starting the career.
Besides being versatile and open minded, you will need an impressive reel of your work that will be included with a cover letter and resume. You will also need to be available at a moment's notice with no other commitment going on at the time you apply. If you don't have a reel of your work and substantial experience for the resume, you can stay in Eugene for a while to build up experience and projects that you can show as an example of your skills. This is all taught in film school and I am sorry if they haven't instructed on this, so close to your graduation.
This is a field of work that you alone will need to decide what to do. No one can tell you how to take your career. You can brush up and add to what you have already learned by reading some information about how the film industry works. Some books you can consider are "The Business of Film: A Practical Introduction" by Paula Landry, Blockbusting: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Business of Hollywood" by George Lucas, and "The Complete Film Production Handbook" by Eve Light Honthaner.
There is no "best" option or move. Getting work in film, an opinion business, is a matter of submitting your resume and reel for projects and waiting to hear back. Networking is highly necessary. Keep working on film projects until you feel ready to take on a professional career project, internship level should not be needed. Gain experience, always network within your local Film Department and film community off campus and keep a very open mind. Do not pre-set specific projects or companies, let your opportunities flow naturally or you will miss out on some very important projects. Every project provides you with contacts and social interaction with other film professionals which is very important in this field of work.
I hope you will consider this as you'll want a satisfying journey, one with no barriers of pre-conceived specifics. Don't give up and realize that you have a lifetime ahead of you for this career !
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
75
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
If you're dreaming of working at LUCASFILM, start by connecting with as many people as you can who have ties to the company. Applying once as an intern is just the beginning of your journey. Look for other companies that offer opportunities in your area of interest and apply there too. Gaining experience will give you a strong foundation, and you can switch to your dream job when the time and opportunity are right.
Since DISNEY owns LucasFilm, try reaching out to people there as well. Explore LinkedIn to find connections who can help you start conversations that could lead to your big break.
Believe in yourself and your goals. You have the potential to build a rewarding and exciting career!
Since DISNEY owns LucasFilm, try reaching out to people there as well. Explore LinkedIn to find connections who can help you start conversations that could lead to your big break.
Believe in yourself and your goals. You have the potential to build a rewarding and exciting career!
Bradley ross
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Bradley’s Answer
It's fantastic that you have a clear vision for your future! Wanting to work in the creative arts is amazing. While aiming for a specific company is admirable, keeping an open mind to other creative opportunities can be beneficial. If you're passionate about film, relocating from Eugene might help you get closer to your dreams. Consider exploring options in Los Angeles, where many opportunities await. Keep pushing forward!
Patrick Phillips
screenwriter
19
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Jack! First of all, hello to a fellow Duck! I also got my Telecommunications & Film degree Mighty Oregon! Back then, it was all in Villard & Deady Hall, man. And I also ended up moving from Eugene to the Bay Area, and here I am today. From Eugene it was Portland, then Seattle, then LA, and then SF.
So. How does one get into Lucasfilm? Great question. I myself have applied once or twice. Recently, lots scammed 3rd party site stuff between jobseekers and actual jobs at Lucasfilm. Not their fault. Their website makes it very clear their hiring practices and the proper way to apply. Follow it. Other than that, network, charm and hustle your way in. But be a professional about it. It's Lucasfilm.
Google and check boards on how people got hired. Living in the area might help but do your research first. Truth, I live about 30 minutes away from one of their campuses and I've yet to see any of their campuses. I'm sure it's wonderful and friendly, but's not easy to find, or to get into. For a good reason.
Otherwise, be the best at what you do or do something amazing that they need. That's really how you get in, I guess. Just like any other place. Lucasfilm is special. I doubt there's any shortcuts. There, or anywhere.
However, Duck to Duck... you know how special Eugene is and how the university has shaped you. You got this. Now go get that. Whether it's Lucasfilm or any other dream you're running down. Best of luck, Jack - I can't wait to see your work. May the Force be with you.
Patrick
So. How does one get into Lucasfilm? Great question. I myself have applied once or twice. Recently, lots scammed 3rd party site stuff between jobseekers and actual jobs at Lucasfilm. Not their fault. Their website makes it very clear their hiring practices and the proper way to apply. Follow it. Other than that, network, charm and hustle your way in. But be a professional about it. It's Lucasfilm.
Google and check boards on how people got hired. Living in the area might help but do your research first. Truth, I live about 30 minutes away from one of their campuses and I've yet to see any of their campuses. I'm sure it's wonderful and friendly, but's not easy to find, or to get into. For a good reason.
Otherwise, be the best at what you do or do something amazing that they need. That's really how you get in, I guess. Just like any other place. Lucasfilm is special. I doubt there's any shortcuts. There, or anywhere.
However, Duck to Duck... you know how special Eugene is and how the university has shaped you. You got this. Now go get that. Whether it's Lucasfilm or any other dream you're running down. Best of luck, Jack - I can't wait to see your work. May the Force be with you.
Patrick