7 answers
Innana
Student
Portland, Oregon
2
Questions
Asked
756 views
is it worth it to go into film?
I love doing work with directors, shooting, editing, etc, and I would love to make it my lives work but I don't know if that is worth it. should i focus on a marketing or business aspect of the industry? i have no financial backup so whatever i do will have to sustain me. #business #marketing #art #film
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7 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1348
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
ENTERTAINING ENTERTAINMENT
Most major networks and studios offer a wide variety of internship programs. The good news is you don't necessarily need to be in college to take advantage of them. These programs span a wide variety of fields from writing and directing to programming and development. If you hold minority status, look to see what minority-specific programs each company might offer. To find out about these programs, visit the various corporate websites and search under their "jobs" section for a list of available internship programs. You may have to consider relocating to pursue your dream job.
GAIN A FOOTHOLD
One of the easiest ways to get experience is to offer to work for free. Almost everyone in the entertainment business could use an extra pair of hands, and if you can afford to forgo a paycheck for a short period, you'll receive hands-on experience and networking opportunities. For example, if you learn of a movie or TV shoot, through research or by chance that day, walk up to someone on the set and ask if there are any departments that they know of that might offer volunteer opportunities. From the camera department to the makeup department, most movie sets are often shorthanded and more than likely, you'll sign a waiver and be working the same day.
Innana, Find out about films or television shows being produced in Portland, Oregon by contacting your local film commission. If your city doesn't have a film commission, check with the county clerk's office.
Most major networks and studios offer a wide variety of internship programs. The good news is you don't necessarily need to be in college to take advantage of them. These programs span a wide variety of fields from writing and directing to programming and development. If you hold minority status, look to see what minority-specific programs each company might offer. To find out about these programs, visit the various corporate websites and search under their "jobs" section for a list of available internship programs. You may have to consider relocating to pursue your dream job.
GAIN A FOOTHOLD
One of the easiest ways to get experience is to offer to work for free. Almost everyone in the entertainment business could use an extra pair of hands, and if you can afford to forgo a paycheck for a short period, you'll receive hands-on experience and networking opportunities. For example, if you learn of a movie or TV shoot, through research or by chance that day, walk up to someone on the set and ask if there are any departments that they know of that might offer volunteer opportunities. From the camera department to the makeup department, most movie sets are often shorthanded and more than likely, you'll sign a waiver and be working the same day.
Innana, Find out about films or television shows being produced in Portland, Oregon by contacting your local film commission. If your city doesn't have a film commission, check with the county clerk's office.
Thank You Alfredo. “Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.” – Les Brown
keng chon wong
Pro
2
Answers
Macau
Updated
keng chon’s Answer
In my opinion, if you have the work that fit for you interest would be the best in your life.
However, I suggest you may find some internships in studios to experience more. Because teenager always change their hobby and interest suddenly some of the cases, that's why internship would be the practices for you to understand more in this industry. To make sure this industry or this job fit for you.
I know some of the people they really love photo editing and making the film from the start to finish. However, as I know that, people in film industry not really find the job always so that's why you should understand the risk of this job. What can u get in this job? What can u enjoy in this job ? What will you lose in this job ? What risk will you take in this job? Make sure all the factors you have already consider.
As my experience, the first job experience will have some impact to the next job you wanna look for.
So, I suggest you to find some internship in studio or film industry. Also, find some people working in this industry right now and take some advices of them. Understand what challenges they are facing or what kind of the skills and experience they have learnt from this job.
At the end of my suggestion, you would not keep working the same job for a long time, I always keep my curiosity in different industry to make sure my vision of the world is clear.
However, I suggest you may find some internships in studios to experience more. Because teenager always change their hobby and interest suddenly some of the cases, that's why internship would be the practices for you to understand more in this industry. To make sure this industry or this job fit for you.
I know some of the people they really love photo editing and making the film from the start to finish. However, as I know that, people in film industry not really find the job always so that's why you should understand the risk of this job. What can u get in this job? What can u enjoy in this job ? What will you lose in this job ? What risk will you take in this job? Make sure all the factors you have already consider.
As my experience, the first job experience will have some impact to the next job you wanna look for.
So, I suggest you to find some internship in studio or film industry. Also, find some people working in this industry right now and take some advices of them. Understand what challenges they are facing or what kind of the skills and experience they have learnt from this job.
At the end of my suggestion, you would not keep working the same job for a long time, I always keep my curiosity in different industry to make sure my vision of the world is clear.
Kate O
Consultant in Financial Services
2
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Kate’s Answer
Hi Innana,
My sister has worked in film/TV production for 20 years and I am happy to share a secondhand account of her experience. As a producer in reality TV, career progression can be very difficult: there are few paths to promotion, and you don't have much bargaining power with your boss(es) as there are MANY people eager to get into the business and "take your spot." For example, after working on the same show for 8 seasons, my sister asked for a raise and/or promotion as she had been taking on many of her superiors' responsibilities. Her request was denied as she could be easily replaced by someone willing to work for the same, if not less, money. She also works 6am-6pm, and often on Saturdays, making hard to be a parent in this industry. She is passionate about the work and loves it, but after 20 years she is leaving the industry to pursue a career earning more money with a greater work/life balance. Many of her colleagues and friends in the industry that worked in functions outside producing - like HR or finance - left the industry many years ago as their skills were easily transferable to other industries where they similarly found better work/life balance and pay.
I hope this is constructive - my intent is not to deter you from the industry, but give you a more realistic picture that people don't often get insight to before working in these roles. Echoing the answers above, it would be a great idea to try an internship (however, the pay might be on the lower end). Also, one of my guiding principles has always been to make career choices that leave many future paths open (instead of narrowing them). In this situation, I might follow that principle by trying out roles with transferable skills outside the industry.
Best,
K
My sister has worked in film/TV production for 20 years and I am happy to share a secondhand account of her experience. As a producer in reality TV, career progression can be very difficult: there are few paths to promotion, and you don't have much bargaining power with your boss(es) as there are MANY people eager to get into the business and "take your spot." For example, after working on the same show for 8 seasons, my sister asked for a raise and/or promotion as she had been taking on many of her superiors' responsibilities. Her request was denied as she could be easily replaced by someone willing to work for the same, if not less, money. She also works 6am-6pm, and often on Saturdays, making hard to be a parent in this industry. She is passionate about the work and loves it, but after 20 years she is leaving the industry to pursue a career earning more money with a greater work/life balance. Many of her colleagues and friends in the industry that worked in functions outside producing - like HR or finance - left the industry many years ago as their skills were easily transferable to other industries where they similarly found better work/life balance and pay.
I hope this is constructive - my intent is not to deter you from the industry, but give you a more realistic picture that people don't often get insight to before working in these roles. Echoing the answers above, it would be a great idea to try an internship (however, the pay might be on the lower end). Also, one of my guiding principles has always been to make career choices that leave many future paths open (instead of narrowing them). In this situation, I might follow that principle by trying out roles with transferable skills outside the industry.
Best,
K
Patricia Woon-Fat
HR Manager
3
Answers
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Patricia’s Answer
Hi Innana,
How wonderful that you have something that you are passionate about! The only way to find out if a career int he film industry is worth considering is by actual seeking internships or any volunteer opportunities in film sets in your local area. By immersing yourself in the industry and experiencing what it is like to work on a film or production company, you will learn if you like the industry, the work and what it entails. If you are able to, try work shadowing different jobs as it related to the industry - trying out different jobs and tasks will allow you to get a thorough understanding of what you like or don't like. Also, ask lots of questions! Learning and understanding the job and the industry will help you decide if you would like to work in the film industry or if it's more like a hobby. The more hands-on exposure you get, the better you will arrive at the right decision.
How wonderful that you have something that you are passionate about! The only way to find out if a career int he film industry is worth considering is by actual seeking internships or any volunteer opportunities in film sets in your local area. By immersing yourself in the industry and experiencing what it is like to work on a film or production company, you will learn if you like the industry, the work and what it entails. If you are able to, try work shadowing different jobs as it related to the industry - trying out different jobs and tasks will allow you to get a thorough understanding of what you like or don't like. Also, ask lots of questions! Learning and understanding the job and the industry will help you decide if you would like to work in the film industry or if it's more like a hobby. The more hands-on exposure you get, the better you will arrive at the right decision.
April N
3
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
April’s Answer
I was in the industry for several years, early on in my career. I don't regret one minute of it. It's not an easy business, but if you enjoy it, you should go for it. For monetary reasons, I decided that it was best to go into the financial services industry as the years went on. I think it makes sense for you to go into the business side of the industry so that you can still be in the business but have an income to support you.
rita reis
2
Answers
Updated
rita’s Answer
you can ask and try to take an intership, and always remember, networking is everything
Michelle Whang
Associate Product Manager
4
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hey Innana -
It's great to hear that you want to pursue a career in film! It's a great choice.
I went to USC & minored in Cinematic Studies and have many friends who have gone on to pursue film professionally.
Drawing on some of my friends' experiences, I think a really helpful path for you would be to: LOOK FOR FILM FELLOWSHIPS. I had two friends go through the Jubilee summer film fellowship experience a few years ago, and it provided them the tools to succeed in both a tactical and network/social way. I believe that for the Jubilee Fellowship, you have to pay some sort of tuition - if you don't have the financial means for that I highly suggest applying for a scholarship or finding another fellowship that has different grants. The biggest value of a film fellowship is the network that it provides you afterwards. I know my friends (who are now working remotely) have consistently gotten work opportunities from the fellowship after years of graduating from it.
Second, APPLY FOR INTERNSHIPS - unfortunately, film isn't a lucrative career to start off with. It'll involve a lot of free work and menial tasks, but that's how you climb up in the industry. It's about the people you know - and you can't know people without putting yourself out there and asking them "How can I be helpful to you?"
Third, START BUILDING A PORTFOLIO - try creating a film reel! put together a film pitch. Start writing a script for a story idea. Create a schedule where you watch a few movies a week & study up on what editing/cinematic styles you like from different directors. There are so many things you can do on your own that will show your value to the next opportunity you apply for.
Good luck! You can do it.
It's great to hear that you want to pursue a career in film! It's a great choice.
I went to USC & minored in Cinematic Studies and have many friends who have gone on to pursue film professionally.
Drawing on some of my friends' experiences, I think a really helpful path for you would be to: LOOK FOR FILM FELLOWSHIPS. I had two friends go through the Jubilee summer film fellowship experience a few years ago, and it provided them the tools to succeed in both a tactical and network/social way. I believe that for the Jubilee Fellowship, you have to pay some sort of tuition - if you don't have the financial means for that I highly suggest applying for a scholarship or finding another fellowship that has different grants. The biggest value of a film fellowship is the network that it provides you afterwards. I know my friends (who are now working remotely) have consistently gotten work opportunities from the fellowship after years of graduating from it.
Second, APPLY FOR INTERNSHIPS - unfortunately, film isn't a lucrative career to start off with. It'll involve a lot of free work and menial tasks, but that's how you climb up in the industry. It's about the people you know - and you can't know people without putting yourself out there and asking them "How can I be helpful to you?"
Third, START BUILDING A PORTFOLIO - try creating a film reel! put together a film pitch. Start writing a script for a story idea. Create a schedule where you watch a few movies a week & study up on what editing/cinematic styles you like from different directors. There are so many things you can do on your own that will show your value to the next opportunity you apply for.
Good luck! You can do it.