3 answers
Taylor
Student
Waldorf, Maryland
1
Question
Updated
460 views
What is the best way to network with film professionals when I haven't been on a high level film set yet? #Spring26
I'm a film student looking to land internships and get field experience. I'm struggling with how to present myself when I haven't worked on big sets yet.
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3 answers
Kelly Donnellan
Associate Professor
27
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Hi Taylor,
This is a great question, and I want to start by saying you don’t need to have worked on a big set to start networking. Most people don’t.
Networking isn’t about impressing people with big credits. It’s about:
- Building relationships
- Being someone people want to work with
- Showing up consistently
A lot of opportunities come from people saying: “I know someone who’s reliable, let’s bring them in.”
WHERE TO START (PRACTICAL STEPS)
1. Look up your local film commission
- There should be a Maryland Film Commission, and likely local ones in cities like Baltimore or nearby areas.
Film commissions often have:
- Job boards
- Crew listings (“available lists”)
- Networking events
2. Get yourself on an “available list” as a Production Assistant (PA)
PA is the entry-level job on set, and you don’t need a ton of experience to start.
3. Check local creative networks. Look at:
- Backstage
- Facebook film groups
- Local theater communities
- Your college network
- Actor/filmmaker boards
People are always posting about small shoots and looking for help.
4. Go to mixers and events
Film commissions, public TV stations, and universities often host:
- Mixers
- Crew meetups
- Networking events
This is where you meet:
- Other students
- Recent grads
- Industry professionals
- People actively hiring
5. Build a simple portfolio
Start putting together:
- A basic resume
- A small online portfolio (even simple projects)
- A LinkedIn profile
It doesn’t have to be perfect, just something that shows you’re serious and active.
WHAT MAKES YOU STAND OUT
Once you get on set as a PA, your job is simple:
- Be the person everyone wants back.
That means:
- Show up early
- Work hard
- Pay attention
- Anticipate needs
- Have a great attitude
If someone asks for something, go above and beyond.
- For example:
If they ask for coffee, don’t just bring one option, bring back ALL the varieties of sweeteners, different variations of dairy & non dairy milk, because you never know how they drink it.
The goal is not just to complete the task, but to solve the problem completely.
There is nothing on set that is “beneath you” at this stage.
Being a PA is not a bad job at all. It’s the foundation for future success. It’s the acorn that grows the mighty oak!
That’s how people move up: They become indispensable.
START SMALL
Everyone starts with:
- Student sets
- Small projects
- Low-budget shoots
That’s not a disadvantage, that’s how you build trust.
FINAL THOUGHT
Don’t wait until you feel “ready.”
Start where you are, meet people, and focus on being reliable and great to work with. That’s how real careers in this industry are built.
One foot in front of the other, one step at a time, and you’ll get there. I know it.
And when you do, it's going to be WONDERFUL!
This is a great question, and I want to start by saying you don’t need to have worked on a big set to start networking. Most people don’t.
Networking isn’t about impressing people with big credits. It’s about:
- Building relationships
- Being someone people want to work with
- Showing up consistently
A lot of opportunities come from people saying: “I know someone who’s reliable, let’s bring them in.”
WHERE TO START (PRACTICAL STEPS)
1. Look up your local film commission
- There should be a Maryland Film Commission, and likely local ones in cities like Baltimore or nearby areas.
Film commissions often have:
- Job boards
- Crew listings (“available lists”)
- Networking events
2. Get yourself on an “available list” as a Production Assistant (PA)
PA is the entry-level job on set, and you don’t need a ton of experience to start.
3. Check local creative networks. Look at:
- Backstage
- Facebook film groups
- Local theater communities
- Your college network
- Actor/filmmaker boards
People are always posting about small shoots and looking for help.
4. Go to mixers and events
Film commissions, public TV stations, and universities often host:
- Mixers
- Crew meetups
- Networking events
This is where you meet:
- Other students
- Recent grads
- Industry professionals
- People actively hiring
5. Build a simple portfolio
Start putting together:
- A basic resume
- A small online portfolio (even simple projects)
- A LinkedIn profile
It doesn’t have to be perfect, just something that shows you’re serious and active.
WHAT MAKES YOU STAND OUT
Once you get on set as a PA, your job is simple:
- Be the person everyone wants back.
That means:
- Show up early
- Work hard
- Pay attention
- Anticipate needs
- Have a great attitude
If someone asks for something, go above and beyond.
- For example:
If they ask for coffee, don’t just bring one option, bring back ALL the varieties of sweeteners, different variations of dairy & non dairy milk, because you never know how they drink it.
The goal is not just to complete the task, but to solve the problem completely.
There is nothing on set that is “beneath you” at this stage.
Being a PA is not a bad job at all. It’s the foundation for future success. It’s the acorn that grows the mighty oak!
That’s how people move up: They become indispensable.
START SMALL
Everyone starts with:
- Student sets
- Small projects
- Low-budget shoots
That’s not a disadvantage, that’s how you build trust.
FINAL THOUGHT
Don’t wait until you feel “ready.”
Start where you are, meet people, and focus on being reliable and great to work with. That’s how real careers in this industry are built.
One foot in front of the other, one step at a time, and you’ll get there. I know it.
And when you do, it's going to be WONDERFUL!
Sarah Cockrell, MBA, MSCM
Organizational Development
50
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
You do not have to wait until you have worked on a high-level film set to begin networking with film professionals. In fact, networking can be part of how you eventually get onto those sets.
As a student, I would focus first on finding ways to get into the environments where filmmaking is happening. Internships are one option, but they are not the only one. Look for entry-level opportunities such as working as a production assistant, assisting with student or independent films, volunteering at film festivals, or even working as a background actor. Not every opportunity will involve doing your ideal job, but being on or around a production can expose you to how sets operate, the different roles involved, and professionals you would not otherwise meet.
Also look beyond the set itself. Attend film festivals, screenings, industry panels, workshops, professional association events, and other events where people in the industry gather. Support local filmmakers by attending their work. Follow production companies, filmmakers, casting professionals, and film organizations in your area so that you know what is happening in your local film community. Look into joining the appropriate unions.
When you meet people, don’t feel pressured to present yourself as more experienced than you are. You can confidently say, “I’m a film student interested in directing, and I’m looking for opportunities to learn and gain more experience on set.” Then be curious about them. Ask how they entered the industry, what they have learned, or what advice they would give someone starting out. Networking is often more effective when you focus on building genuine relationships rather than immediately asking someone for a job.
You can also make it easy for people to see what you are capable of. Start building a portfolio with the work you have now, even if it comes from class projects, student films, independent projects, or things you create yourself. Consider having a professional social media profile or website where someone you meet can easily view your work and stay connected with you.
Most importantly, when you do get an opportunity, even a small one, treat it seriously. Be on time, pay attention, ask appropriate questions, do what you say you will do, and be someone people enjoy working with. Film is highly collaborative, and the impression you make on one production can influence who thinks of you when another opportunity becomes available.
You don’t need a “big set” on your résumé before you can start building relationships. Get into the spaces, learn how the industry works, contribute where you can, and allow your network and experience to grow together.
As a student, I would focus first on finding ways to get into the environments where filmmaking is happening. Internships are one option, but they are not the only one. Look for entry-level opportunities such as working as a production assistant, assisting with student or independent films, volunteering at film festivals, or even working as a background actor. Not every opportunity will involve doing your ideal job, but being on or around a production can expose you to how sets operate, the different roles involved, and professionals you would not otherwise meet.
Also look beyond the set itself. Attend film festivals, screenings, industry panels, workshops, professional association events, and other events where people in the industry gather. Support local filmmakers by attending their work. Follow production companies, filmmakers, casting professionals, and film organizations in your area so that you know what is happening in your local film community. Look into joining the appropriate unions.
When you meet people, don’t feel pressured to present yourself as more experienced than you are. You can confidently say, “I’m a film student interested in directing, and I’m looking for opportunities to learn and gain more experience on set.” Then be curious about them. Ask how they entered the industry, what they have learned, or what advice they would give someone starting out. Networking is often more effective when you focus on building genuine relationships rather than immediately asking someone for a job.
You can also make it easy for people to see what you are capable of. Start building a portfolio with the work you have now, even if it comes from class projects, student films, independent projects, or things you create yourself. Consider having a professional social media profile or website where someone you meet can easily view your work and stay connected with you.
Most importantly, when you do get an opportunity, even a small one, treat it seriously. Be on time, pay attention, ask appropriate questions, do what you say you will do, and be someone people enjoy working with. Film is highly collaborative, and the impression you make on one production can influence who thinks of you when another opportunity becomes available.
You don’t need a “big set” on your résumé before you can start building relationships. Get into the spaces, learn how the industry works, contribute where you can, and allow your network and experience to grow together.
Caleb Dillon
Screenwriter
5
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Caleb’s Answer
A lack of experience isn't always a bad thing, especially when it pertains to film internships: positive attitude and personality are much more important than experience.
First, think about the sorts of internships you want to apply for - do you want something in production, post-production, development, or PA work? Think about your passions and lead with them during interviews. Since it seems like you want to work in production, emphasize your willingness to learn, your eagerness to gain experience, and your ability to work long hours on your feet in a myriad of conditions, such as weather, heat, or on days that go really long. If you have some crew experience, great, but focus more on your desire to gain experience than on what you lack.
Since you are a film student, it's worth thinking about your alumni network as a potential resource. Most schools have some form of internship coordinator, so ask them about opportunities. If your school doesn't have one, ask your favorite teachers about potential internships - the sooner the better.
You may also want to look into local film production - even if your local film board doesn't have an 'in production' section, I bet if you search Facebook for 'film production local' in your state, you'll find a myriad of indie filmmakers who would be happy to have free help from a PA just looking to gain some set experience. Even bad production is a good experience when it comes to learning how to be an asset on set.
If there isn't much by way of film production in your area, of course you'll need to widen your net of potential internships. When I was trying to get an internship, I had to toss out well over a hundred applications to get even a few nibbles, and I had to be fast since the applications came in fast. So be sure to submit often and quickly when these opportunities become available. Since AI is now used to scan applications, be sure to repeat what they are looking for in either your cover letter or resume, as these keywords will be crucial in getting to the interview stage.
Good luck!
First, think about the sorts of internships you want to apply for - do you want something in production, post-production, development, or PA work? Think about your passions and lead with them during interviews. Since it seems like you want to work in production, emphasize your willingness to learn, your eagerness to gain experience, and your ability to work long hours on your feet in a myriad of conditions, such as weather, heat, or on days that go really long. If you have some crew experience, great, but focus more on your desire to gain experience than on what you lack.
Since you are a film student, it's worth thinking about your alumni network as a potential resource. Most schools have some form of internship coordinator, so ask them about opportunities. If your school doesn't have one, ask your favorite teachers about potential internships - the sooner the better.
You may also want to look into local film production - even if your local film board doesn't have an 'in production' section, I bet if you search Facebook for 'film production local' in your state, you'll find a myriad of indie filmmakers who would be happy to have free help from a PA just looking to gain some set experience. Even bad production is a good experience when it comes to learning how to be an asset on set.
If there isn't much by way of film production in your area, of course you'll need to widen your net of potential internships. When I was trying to get an internship, I had to toss out well over a hundred applications to get even a few nibbles, and I had to be fast since the applications came in fast. So be sure to submit often and quickly when these opportunities become available. Since AI is now used to scan applications, be sure to repeat what they are looking for in either your cover letter or resume, as these keywords will be crucial in getting to the interview stage.
Good luck!