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What are some possible alternative jobs I can go into if being a film director is not what I want later in life, but still want to be in the film industry?
I am a 12th grader and I love the behind the scenes of movies. My favorite kind of movies are sci-fi and action. I am currently taking a class about film and I am enjoying the class a lot. #film #director
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Leland’s Answer
Are you willing to relocate? If you're wanting to work on huge Hollywood blockbusters, Southern California or a few other major cities are your only options since that's where the major studios are located. If you're staying local, consider opportunities working on smaller productions, TV or theater. Taking a film class is a great introduction to different opportunities in film, whether it's directing, writing, producing, acting, editing, pre-production, set design, visual effects, and sound. But if you watch the credits of any major film, you might notice that there are also plenty of roles that have to do with the business and operations of a film. There are accountants, caterers, researchers, and drivers who all contribute to the process, even though their work might not be directly reflected onscreen. To reiterate Norma's comment, think about what interests you. The next step is the to find a way to build up those skill by doing it. Does the film class you're taking involve creating an actual production? If not, you might want to work on your own small projects to start putting into practice the things you learned. Think about your classmates as potential collaborators. Look around your community for opportunities to be involved in production, whether it's school projects, clubs, public access television or theater. Think of Zoom calls as well and social media posts as productions. How can you apply things like framing, lighting, costume, and set to those productions? As with any dream job, tell everyone you know about your hopes and ambitions in addition to telling them everything you're doing to try to achieve them.
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Marylou’s Answer
Hello Daniela!
So many wonderful tips above. I simply have one thing to add. You could look in to being a P A, a production assistant. I have a dear friend who’s been doing it for years. And it’s a great deal of fun! You get to meet the most interesting people, and some of the most interesting actors.
Wishing you all the best.
Maggie Phillips. (my stage name)
So many wonderful tips above. I simply have one thing to add. You could look in to being a P A, a production assistant. I have a dear friend who’s been doing it for years. And it’s a great deal of fun! You get to meet the most interesting people, and some of the most interesting actors.
Wishing you all the best.
Maggie Phillips. (my stage name)
Updated
Norma’s Answer
Hi, Daniela. Do you like to write? You might want to look into becoming a screenwriter for film or TV. A book called "The Screenwriter's Bible" is a great introduction to this field. Other film/TV careers include set design, make-up, and costumes. It mostly depends on what interests you the most. Once you do some research and have a clearer idea, you can take classes and build the skills you need for the job you like most. For example, classes in interior design, cosmetology, fashion/sewing, etc. Good luck!
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Lauren’s Answer
This may be a different answer, but I work in Marketing and we rely on video SO MUCH! There is huge business on the commercial side of film and video, too. From video conception and art direction to film production and post-production (i.e. taking video footage and editing it into a video or film) there is a lot of opportunity in the field.