4 answers
Elizabeth
Student
Bemidji, Minnesota
1
Question
Updated
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How can someone without any connections in the film industry make said connections to get into the film industry.
I am going to college but wanted to know what I should do specifically.
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4 answers
Momin Bhatti
Communications
4
Answers
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Updated
Momin’s Answer
Make the connection before they're a connection. You should always be making and building relationships throughout your educational journey and career. It's possible that they become someone who gets into the film industry and could be a valuable contact for you. Similarly, you could be a valuable contact for someone else looking to get their big break.
Always have a 'what can I do for you' or 'how can I help you' approach, instead of thinking what your contacts can do for you.
Always have a 'what can I do for you' or 'how can I help you' approach, instead of thinking what your contacts can do for you.
Christy Schmid
Producer at Christy Schmid Productions, LLC
5
Answers
Updated
Christy’s Answer
Getting into film or photo production is all about connections. So, try to network as much as you can—at school, events, and online. Starting as a Production Assistant (PA) is usually the best way to enter the film industry. It might be the lowest-paying job on set, but you'll learn a lot, and if you do well, you can move up quickly. Here's an article with lots of info: https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/become-production-assistant-5604/
To find jobs and connect with people who hire PAs, like producers or coordinators, check out https://www.mandy.com/ or https://www.productionhub.com/find-crew-and-vendors
This substack has more tips for PAs: https://theanonymousproductionassistant.substack.com/
As a producer, I look for crew members who pay attention on set and have a good work ethic. Helping out other crew members, like stylists or the camera team, can lead to more job recommendations. If people enjoy working with you, they'll tell others, making it easier for you to get more jobs.
To find jobs and connect with people who hire PAs, like producers or coordinators, check out https://www.mandy.com/ or https://www.productionhub.com/find-crew-and-vendors
This substack has more tips for PAs: https://theanonymousproductionassistant.substack.com/
As a producer, I look for crew members who pay attention on set and have a good work ethic. Helping out other crew members, like stylists or the camera team, can lead to more job recommendations. If people enjoy working with you, they'll tell others, making it easier for you to get more jobs.
Patrick Phillips
screenwriter
16
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Hi, Elizabeth. Great question. I understand. I'm not expert, but I can tell you I had the same experience, and so I will share my experience:
1. I graduated from high school in Eugene, OR. Not exactly Hollywood. Just so happened that a film came to town. I found out all the deets, then got on as an unpaid intern. Pretty much any project will take on an intern, cuz it doesn't cost them nothing. They actually paid me $10/day, so I'd be under the film insurance or whatever. From there, I got some phone #s from the peeps working that movie.
2. That turned into commercials & videos, working as a PA. Pretty much anyone will hire a PA cuz they're cheap. Knock out about a half dozen of those, and between that and your first or second intern project... you'll have a resume! Experience. Some connections. Speaking of...
"THOSE" CONNECTIONS. I see. You mean the big ones, doncha Elizabeth? Producers? Directors. Money people. Stars. The big money, fancy dealmakers, right? Cool. Here's how you do that:
1. Same idea but if a film or something comes to your town, you want to get to know the PRODUCERS. Any of them. Offer to intern for free, tell them you're learning the biz, you want to be a producer. Same thing for the director. There are programs for college students to work with agencies and studios and tv executives. Speaking of agencies...
2. Research and contact the top agencies of Hollywood. Tell them that you're going to intern for them. The big ones are WME, CAA, Gersh, ICM, and then it goes on to the second tier. Just ask Google or AI to rank the top 10 Hollywood talent agencies. Now, a talent agency represents anyone who is an actor, producer, writer, director, athlete, performer, etc. So. That means talent agencies are literally IN THE MIDDLE OF ALL THE BIZNESS. Got it?
Here's a REAL tip, Elizabeth: show bizness likes to hire young, smart and creative women. I personally know a young woman who worked hard in high school, got film school scholarships, then immediately got hired at a major Hollywood talent agency. I think now she might be at the same agency, but now she's writing scripts full-time for television! Yes, that happens! A lot! With hard work, focus and persistence. Okay, yeah... one of her parents was in the bizness a bit at one time, but... in a town where everyone is in the bizness, it really does matter if you stand out with your talent, energy and smarts. Know this; yes, there's always a little bit of nepotism but NOBODY gets the whole thing just handed to them. Even if you have connections. You gotta have something, and you gotta bring something. And if you don't have connections, don't sweat it. But just make sure you DO have the focus, ideas, hard work, creativity, etc.
I wish you all the best, Elizabeth! And... "ACTION!"
Patrick
1. I graduated from high school in Eugene, OR. Not exactly Hollywood. Just so happened that a film came to town. I found out all the deets, then got on as an unpaid intern. Pretty much any project will take on an intern, cuz it doesn't cost them nothing. They actually paid me $10/day, so I'd be under the film insurance or whatever. From there, I got some phone #s from the peeps working that movie.
2. That turned into commercials & videos, working as a PA. Pretty much anyone will hire a PA cuz they're cheap. Knock out about a half dozen of those, and between that and your first or second intern project... you'll have a resume! Experience. Some connections. Speaking of...
"THOSE" CONNECTIONS. I see. You mean the big ones, doncha Elizabeth? Producers? Directors. Money people. Stars. The big money, fancy dealmakers, right? Cool. Here's how you do that:
1. Same idea but if a film or something comes to your town, you want to get to know the PRODUCERS. Any of them. Offer to intern for free, tell them you're learning the biz, you want to be a producer. Same thing for the director. There are programs for college students to work with agencies and studios and tv executives. Speaking of agencies...
2. Research and contact the top agencies of Hollywood. Tell them that you're going to intern for them. The big ones are WME, CAA, Gersh, ICM, and then it goes on to the second tier. Just ask Google or AI to rank the top 10 Hollywood talent agencies. Now, a talent agency represents anyone who is an actor, producer, writer, director, athlete, performer, etc. So. That means talent agencies are literally IN THE MIDDLE OF ALL THE BIZNESS. Got it?
Here's a REAL tip, Elizabeth: show bizness likes to hire young, smart and creative women. I personally know a young woman who worked hard in high school, got film school scholarships, then immediately got hired at a major Hollywood talent agency. I think now she might be at the same agency, but now she's writing scripts full-time for television! Yes, that happens! A lot! With hard work, focus and persistence. Okay, yeah... one of her parents was in the bizness a bit at one time, but... in a town where everyone is in the bizness, it really does matter if you stand out with your talent, energy and smarts. Know this; yes, there's always a little bit of nepotism but NOBODY gets the whole thing just handed to them. Even if you have connections. You gotta have something, and you gotta bring something. And if you don't have connections, don't sweat it. But just make sure you DO have the focus, ideas, hard work, creativity, etc.
I wish you all the best, Elizabeth! And... "ACTION!"
Patrick
Steward "Tony" Pacheco
Minister, USMC Vet, John C. Maxwell Cert. Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Teacher, Straight Shooter
158
Answers
Kyle, Texas
Updated
Steward "Tony"’s Answer
Connections can be a double-edged sword in this industry as everyone is jockeying for position and/or payout. I would start practicing and networking at community theater or community television, getting dirty in set up, break down, camera, Lighting, audio, lights then to technical directing, assistant directing, and so on to directing. The projects you will shoot are of such a variety that you will grasp the basics of a multi-production atmosphere.
Yes, I know you want film, but there are many film company professionals who do work in community TV and Theater. They have passions and typically hire those who also volunteer to help with their own community projects. It's fun, you learn, get even certified in switching, lighting, editing, even directing, which can influence your film resume. Especially if you networked yourself into other volunteer films and/or video projects.
You must chase it from every angle or get in line with everyone else who thinks they can just jump into a director's or PS's spot, out from the street.
Network, Network, Network not Gimme, Gimme, Gimme. Be the best at what you do at the time you are doing it. Set the example and those with industry eyes will take notice.
Break a leg!
Yes, I know you want film, but there are many film company professionals who do work in community TV and Theater. They have passions and typically hire those who also volunteer to help with their own community projects. It's fun, you learn, get even certified in switching, lighting, editing, even directing, which can influence your film resume. Especially if you networked yourself into other volunteer films and/or video projects.
You must chase it from every angle or get in line with everyone else who thinks they can just jump into a director's or PS's spot, out from the street.
Network, Network, Network not Gimme, Gimme, Gimme. Be the best at what you do at the time you are doing it. Set the example and those with industry eyes will take notice.
Break a leg!