5 Tips for Finding Your Dream Job in Film

For every great industry, there are loads of great candidates looking for jobs. Breaking into an industry such as film and TV is competitive because the job is so appealing.

If like lots of other people, you’ve got the bug for being in film and TV, it can be tough when you find out how competitive this industry is, but don’t despair, there are steps you can take to find your dream job in film.

1. You’ve Got to Start Somewhere

Working on a film set is something many people aspire to, so it follows that there’s going to be lots of competition for these jobs. Like any competitive industry, it’s difficult to get straight into your dream position.

You’ve got to show that you’ve got experience and build up to your dream position.

We often call this “putting in the hard yards,” and even the very best have had to do this at some point.

You might have to start with a position that’s not ideal for you, but you’ve got to trust in your ability and see it as a stepping stone to greater things.

2. Persistence Pays Off

You can’t let a few rejections get you down. Some of the greatest minds in the world, across all industries, have suffered rejections at points in their careers. The one thing they have in common is that they believed in themselves and kept going.

When you’re looking to build your experience at the beginning of your career, apply to everything. What do you have to lose? Sometimes, the best jobs can come when you least expect them, but you’ve got to be ready when they do come along.

Find a great platform for jobs in film, such as Video Collective, set up an alert and apply for lots of jobs.

3. Network

The saying goes, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” While you certainly need to know some things to be successful in film, it’s also helpful to know people.

Find meetups in your area, join Facebook groups and generally get to know people in your industry. The more connections you can make in the industry, the higher your chances of picking up jobs.

The key to networking is just to be yourself. You don’t need to be too pushy, just be your usual charming self.

4. Keep Learning

You don’t have to be enrolled in classes or working on a set to improve your knowledge. If you’re passionate about the film industry as a whole, then you can learn so much through being naturally inquisitive.

Use your free time to feed your passion through reading, watching and practicing.

5. Keep Going

What you’re trying to achieve isn’t easy, so don’t get down on yourself if you feel like things aren’t going well. Your next job could be right around the corner, but you just don’t realise it yet.

If you keep your hopes up and keep working towards your goals, then you will be ready to capitalise when the perfect job does come your way.