5 answers
Kecia
Student
Matteson, Illinois
2
Questions
Updated
316 views
What is an entry level job in the entertainment industry?
I want to be a director, but I know no production company will hire me, and I don't have money to produce my own films.
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5 answers
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
120
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
There are so many great tips here, and I'd love to add a few more. If you're new to making videos, start by grabbing your iPhone. Look up how to make a movie and find a topic you're passionate about, like cooking. Ask a friend or family member who loves cooking to be part of your project. Begin with an interview where they share their cooking journey and passion. Then, film them cooking, capturing different angles and exciting moments. Think about how you'll edit it to make it engaging. Use simple editing tools, add some fun music, and share it on social media. Ask for feedback and think about how to improve next time. Keep exploring new ideas, whether it's a different subject or a fictional story. Enjoy the process, learn as you go, and soon, you will find a mentor to guide you further.
Marc Blitstein
Screenwriter
3
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Marc’s Answer
Intern / PA. If done right, 100% better path than going to film school.
I see you live in Illinois. Not sure how far from Chicago Metro you are, but you should start there. Join film production groups on social that are Chicago-based. Join the group, post that you are looking to get your foot in the door and are eager to learn.
Do you have a car? That's typically important to have as a PA / Intern / Runner.
Also, do you have any local theater in your community? They always need help putting on productions. You might want to start there as it looks great on a resume for when you apply to film jobs.
In terms of having no money to produce your own films... you own a camera phone, right? have access to a computer at school? you have friends? write a short script, include your friends as actors and lighting people and camera team and... GO MAKE IT! No excuses.
I see you live in Illinois. Not sure how far from Chicago Metro you are, but you should start there. Join film production groups on social that are Chicago-based. Join the group, post that you are looking to get your foot in the door and are eager to learn.
Do you have a car? That's typically important to have as a PA / Intern / Runner.
Also, do you have any local theater in your community? They always need help putting on productions. You might want to start there as it looks great on a resume for when you apply to film jobs.
In terms of having no money to produce your own films... you own a camera phone, right? have access to a computer at school? you have friends? write a short script, include your friends as actors and lighting people and camera team and... GO MAKE IT! No excuses.
Deborah Unger
Actor/writer
13
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Deborah’s Answer
Being a director means knowing about all aspects of a film or tv show. so you need to experience all those aspects. Find local folks who are making short films and volunteer to be a PA (production assistant). it's the best way to learn - on the job. No you aren't being paid ion $$, but you are in experience.
Also: you don't need money to make art. Read up on verticals -- it is the latest thing and is like a serial story. You can use your iPhone. Just make up a story (doesn't have to be long - just a few pages -- and go shoot it with friends. The ore you experiment, the more you will learn,
Look for like-minded people and band together to make some. Take chances. Fail good. Fail again. Keep going.
Also: you don't need money to make art. Read up on verticals -- it is the latest thing and is like a serial story. You can use your iPhone. Just make up a story (doesn't have to be long - just a few pages -- and go shoot it with friends. The ore you experiment, the more you will learn,
Look for like-minded people and band together to make some. Take chances. Fail good. Fail again. Keep going.
Marty Meyer
General Manager
92
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Marty’s Answer
Want to make content? You can do that with your phone - influencers do it every day and publish on social media. YouTube, TikTok are getting more views than traditional media, streamed and over the air broadcasts. You'll get measurable results and real knowledge of what folks like.
If you want to work in the legacy, professional market you'll need a film school education that teaches the crafts and start as a production assistant who runs errands. It's a long road to a paying career that's becoming less rewarding as public mores shift and jobs decline.
In the over 30 years that I've spent in the entertainment business I've seen trends come, and trends go. I think smaller is better, cell phones are acceptable for acquisition and good content sells.
If you want to work in the legacy, professional market you'll need a film school education that teaches the crafts and start as a production assistant who runs errands. It's a long road to a paying career that's becoming less rewarding as public mores shift and jobs decline.
In the over 30 years that I've spent in the entertainment business I've seen trends come, and trends go. I think smaller is better, cell phones are acceptable for acquisition and good content sells.
Keith Levenson
Musical Director
4
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Keith’s Answer
The only way to start out is to be a Production Assistant. You need to do that as many times as possible and on any kind of film or video.
You need to build up your resume and inhale every morsel of knowledge you can obtain.
Make friends with everyone on the set. Buy someone a drink. Word of mouth and personal connections are your best tools!
You need to build up your resume and inhale every morsel of knowledge you can obtain.
Make friends with everyone on the set. Buy someone a drink. Word of mouth and personal connections are your best tools!