3 answers
Clara
Student
Woodbury, Minnesota
4
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what jobs are stable in film/tv?
i want to pursue film production but it seems like a risky industry. Are there more stable jobs surrounding film/tv?
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3 answers
Jerome Levy
81
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Jerome’s Answer
Depends on what job you actually want to do. Most film production jobs are per-diem and associated with a specific production, so when that ends, you're out of work. However, if you are a union member -- and that can take years to accomplish -- you may have other jobs lined up right afterwards, so you can make a good living in the field. A good non-union freelancer can also make a decent living, but it's a lot tougher.
Some jobs like sound mixing, editing, and so forth can be either per-job or done as a staff employee at a production house.
In terms of television, if you work for a production house, a network, or a TV station, jobs tend to be long-term and stable. They're also hard to get, because they're long-term and stable :) .
Both can be rewarding careers and a lot of fun -- as well as a lot of hard work, long hours, and travel. Consider your needs carefully, and good luck in your career!
Some jobs like sound mixing, editing, and so forth can be either per-job or done as a staff employee at a production house.
In terms of television, if you work for a production house, a network, or a TV station, jobs tend to be long-term and stable. They're also hard to get, because they're long-term and stable :) .
Both can be rewarding careers and a lot of fun -- as well as a lot of hard work, long hours, and travel. Consider your needs carefully, and good luck in your career!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Clara
Sherie Greene
Human Resources
26
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Sherie’s Answer
Hi Clara;
You are right most jobs in that industry are very risky, however if that is your passion then go for it. The closest job in that industry that would be stable possibly would be working in corporate for a film or television company like Disney or ABC for example but again there is no guarantee.
You are right most jobs in that industry are very risky, however if that is your passion then go for it. The closest job in that industry that would be stable possibly would be working in corporate for a film or television company like Disney or ABC for example but again there is no guarantee.
Brook Simpson
Manager, Economic Development - Amazon Studios
8
Answers
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Brook’s Answer
Jerome's answer is a good one. I would add that where you choose to locate yourself will have a strong correlation with your ability to work fulltime in the industry ie. places like LA, Toronto, and Atlanta have consistently high amounts of production and soundstages whereas smaller and less film/tv-centric locations will be more sporadic.
You will want to think about whether you are interested in jobs "Above the Line" or "Below the Line." Essentially, jobs on the creative side (Producers, Screenwriters, Directors, Actors) vs the jobs involved in the day-to-day making of film/tv (line producers, camera crew, hair and makeup, editing, and more). Neither type of position will have the stability of a 9-5 job but it is entirely possible to build a great and fulfilling career in both.
You will want to think about whether you are interested in jobs "Above the Line" or "Below the Line." Essentially, jobs on the creative side (Producers, Screenwriters, Directors, Actors) vs the jobs involved in the day-to-day making of film/tv (line producers, camera crew, hair and makeup, editing, and more). Neither type of position will have the stability of a 9-5 job but it is entirely possible to build a great and fulfilling career in both.
Thank you!
Clara