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Best career for someone who loves the film industry but doesn't want to be involved in directly making the movies?

I absolutely love all things movies! I think the industry is very interesting but I also know its hard to get into to. Im not particularly interested in being a director,producer etc. I just want a career that will get me close to the work that goes on behind the scenes helping to put these films out there. #film #movies #career-details

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Ld’s Answer

Hi Kayla! I LOVE this question! I've been in LA for 2 years as an actor, but have been studying the industry on a whole as well. Not knowing what your other interests are, I'm going to suggest a couple of possible courses of action for you. First, know that this is a competitive business all around, but there are numerous corporate-related jobs that have nothing to do with the actual production of a movie or television show. Look at the "careers" or "jobs" pages on websites for Sony Pictures, Warner Brothers, CBS, 21st Century Fox, etc., and you will see a number of career fields that are in demand. If you haven't been to college yet, this can give you an idea about what kinds of fields might allow you to get that "front row seat" to the industry without being involved in production. These jobs are very cool and probably a lot of fun if they are your thing. Second, you might look at smaller-to-midsized production facilities and see what kinds of people they employ on the side. Some of these places have NO capabilities in-house to actually produce anything: they just have knowledgeable people working there. When they go to make a movie, they link up with 4 or 5 different companies that provide a different service, and get everybody working together on a piece of the film. (Note: That's why at the beginning of some films you see a few seconds of logos for 5 or 6 different companies, such as "Bad Robot," "Sony Pictures," "Illumination," "Lionsgate," and a variety of other companies. They all get signed on to make a single film, but only one company is really leading the actual production.) Third, you might consider trying to get a corporate-related job for a distribution company. This doesn't sound too glamorous, but you might find yourself at an interesting cross-section of the industry. Finally, you might try taking an acting class or an improv class (like over at Second City). I know you don't want to do this full time, but you will make GREAT contacts! There are constantly people trying to do projects, but many people involved in production might have NO interest in the non-production side of the business...and believe me when I tell you that it IS a BUSINESS. Take a look at everything Disney is involved in: making movies is just part of it! Best of luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the response! I will definitely take these steps into action and hopefully it'll help me get a head start towards my potential career! Kayla
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Tiffany’s Answer

Hi there,

Think about what component of movie that interests you. Do you like managing people? Do you like managing money, setting up a budget for a movie, making sure that people stick to the budget (<-hard to do) ? Do you enjoy applying makeup? Do you enjoy setting up a scene, i.e. the props for each scene? Do you enjoy dressing people up, a.k.a. stylist?

I would encourage you to first be on set for any type of production, it doesn't have to be movie to see what role would interest you the most. You mentioned you just want to be on set. The above are positions that allow you to be on set but the question is which one excites you?
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Hank’s Answer

Well, the "making of films" involves a huge number of trades & skills. You can be a screenwriter and never actually get involved in the physical process of creating the film.

• You could become a film critic -- though you'd definitely have to enjoy watching films.

• You could work for a film production company in many non-production roles.

• You could become a casting agent or director.

• You could become a talent agent or manager.

• You could open a movie theatre.

• You could be a location scout or set dresser, though you're closing in on "filmmaking" with those.

Lots of possibilities!
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Mark’s Answer

Hi Kayla, you're correct about employment in the film industry. The best jobs behind closed doors would be to compose music, and especially to edit. You could also consider working as an agent or manager. Or to learn writing criticism after reading scripts for studios and contests.
Good luck.
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