3 answers
Monica
Student
Ridgewood, NY
2
Questions
Asked
684 views
Where can I find jobs in music video production, particularly on set? I am looking for an entry level job, production based. Are there any job sites or production companies in the NYC area?
I looked through showbiz jobs, entertainment careers, google jobs, and linkedin and I cant seem to find jobs related to music video production.
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3 answers
Kevin Martin
Music, Audio, Video Instructor, Musician, Composer/Writer, Supervising Producer
12
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Hi Monica,
First, I'm not from the NYC area, but would advise something similar for most larger metro areas. If you are in school, consider trying to sign up for an internship that may be offered in the telecom or video/film departments of your school. Larger television production companies will start you out at an entry level (possibly paid) and then you get experience and work your way up from there.
If you are not in school, I would try to volunteer at a local PBS (public broadcasting station) which are usually looking for volunteers who are willing to start with general tasks like delivering items, cleaning and restoring studios before and after production, watching more experienced volunteers so they can learn the art and techniques of being around a video studio, etc.
As Barry said previously, there is a line of experienced production people that are trying to get paid work at various levels. Many of them are union workers and you might consider contacting your local union to see if there are opportunities. I wouldn't join the union unless you are pretty sure you can earn some money through them, because you will have to pay dues which can be expensive when not taking advantages of the union benefits.
I used to tell my video production students to be pro-active and get in touch with the local union, cable and PBS stations. Ask them if they have a job site that allows you to see their job board(s). When trying to enter the video production area, you have to make it a point to stay on their radar (stay in contact). If you do get a chance to volunteer/work with them, be honest about your experience and abilities and keep a positive outlook.
First, I'm not from the NYC area, but would advise something similar for most larger metro areas. If you are in school, consider trying to sign up for an internship that may be offered in the telecom or video/film departments of your school. Larger television production companies will start you out at an entry level (possibly paid) and then you get experience and work your way up from there.
If you are not in school, I would try to volunteer at a local PBS (public broadcasting station) which are usually looking for volunteers who are willing to start with general tasks like delivering items, cleaning and restoring studios before and after production, watching more experienced volunteers so they can learn the art and techniques of being around a video studio, etc.
As Barry said previously, there is a line of experienced production people that are trying to get paid work at various levels. Many of them are union workers and you might consider contacting your local union to see if there are opportunities. I wouldn't join the union unless you are pretty sure you can earn some money through them, because you will have to pay dues which can be expensive when not taking advantages of the union benefits.
I used to tell my video production students to be pro-active and get in touch with the local union, cable and PBS stations. Ask them if they have a job site that allows you to see their job board(s). When trying to enter the video production area, you have to make it a point to stay on their radar (stay in contact). If you do get a chance to volunteer/work with them, be honest about your experience and abilities and keep a positive outlook.
Thank You so much!
Monica
Barry Loudermilk
Loss Control Consultant
17
Answers
Elgin, South Carolina
Updated
Barry’s Answer
Working on music videos is a very challenging job because they rarely hire entry level associates.
These types of jobs normally don't seek applicants from websites. They usually hire what is called "union" workers who are already doing the job, not entry level people.
One thing that you might want to consider is volunteering with your local community theater group. They have jobs behind the scenes to help with the production. You can learn a lot by helping out with a community theater and they are often looking for assistants to help.
Now, you might have to start by doing things you don't want to do- like cleaning up things or moving props. But you will learn a lot and eventually you will get to do different jobs if you do a good job.
These types of jobs normally don't seek applicants from websites. They usually hire what is called "union" workers who are already doing the job, not entry level people.
One thing that you might want to consider is volunteering with your local community theater group. They have jobs behind the scenes to help with the production. You can learn a lot by helping out with a community theater and they are often looking for assistants to help.
Now, you might have to start by doing things you don't want to do- like cleaning up things or moving props. But you will learn a lot and eventually you will get to do different jobs if you do a good job.
Thank you, Barry!
Monica
Stephanie Terrero
Director, Producer, Actor
4
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Hey Monica!
I’m a born and raised New Yorker but I’m now living in Atlanta. I would suggest Facebook groups!
I worked on a few music videos as a first time assistant director when I was hired by a friend that I met through another friend on set.
Sometimes doing extra work (background acting) can lead to huge networking opportunities. You never know who you’ll meet on set. I met a friend who introduced me to my director friend, we became fast friends and then he offered me the assistant director job on a non union music video set, even though I was new to the role. I excelled and got hired again for another music video and then it kept on and on for a while.
But my best advice would be to look up “production nyc” on Facebook and join those groups. Advertise that you want to work as a production assistant (entry level) on music videos. At first it’ll be indie bands but you might get lucky and work with mainstream singers. The most important thing to remember is that everyone is there to work. Try not to get star stuck, just show up and doing an outstanding job and you might get hired to work on another project. Everything is referral based in this business.
Hope this helps!
I’m a born and raised New Yorker but I’m now living in Atlanta. I would suggest Facebook groups!
I worked on a few music videos as a first time assistant director when I was hired by a friend that I met through another friend on set.
Sometimes doing extra work (background acting) can lead to huge networking opportunities. You never know who you’ll meet on set. I met a friend who introduced me to my director friend, we became fast friends and then he offered me the assistant director job on a non union music video set, even though I was new to the role. I excelled and got hired again for another music video and then it kept on and on for a while.
But my best advice would be to look up “production nyc” on Facebook and join those groups. Advertise that you want to work as a production assistant (entry level) on music videos. At first it’ll be indie bands but you might get lucky and work with mainstream singers. The most important thing to remember is that everyone is there to work. Try not to get star stuck, just show up and doing an outstanding job and you might get hired to work on another project. Everything is referral based in this business.
Hope this helps!
Okay this is very helpful, thank you!
Monica