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How can I get more involved in film/the entertainment industry while still in high school?

I will be a sophomore in a couple months. I already selected electives such as video production(mainly works on my school’s tv show) and animation for this upcoming year and I took “intro to acting” last school year. I’m also in stage crew for our play and musical. I want to gain more experience and I know that these will help but I want to be involved outside of just classes. What’s the next step that I should be taking to get involved and gaining experience?

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Gina Vincenza’s Answer

I became involved in all of the things you’re doing during my high school days as well. After graduation I continued by finding work in the entertainment and film industries as a stage hand. I moved into wardrobe because I knew sewing. My seamstress work evolved into working as a costume designer for film, theme parks, Broadway and more. Although there are schools you can go to for further education, I was able to move up through the ranks gaining experience and even won an Emmy Award for my celebrity costume work in 2020.
One project I still work on as a volunteer since 2014 is the 70,000 Tons Of Metal Music Cruise. They recruit volunteers every year for their 60 band concert production on a cruise ship. It’s a fun, great way to gain experience and meet people working in the entertainment industry from all over the world. I know many people went on to paying gigs through volunteering at this event.

Gina Vincenza recommends the following next steps:

Find local production crews to work for who are staffing arenas, theaters, conventions and events.
Volunteer to work at events to gain experience and contacts.
Create social media profiles showcasing the work you’ve done on platforms like LinkedIn and connect with people you’ve worked with.
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Luciana’s Answer

You seem to be getting plenty of cool advice here, so I will just add my 2 cents.
1) Search for a creative partner. You don't always find them quickly but having one helps a lot move your career ahead, even if they are a beginner too.
2) Explore short film festivals (some have a "Short Movie Filmed On A Phone" category), One way of doing that is by creating a free profile on FilmFreeWay.
3) Keep a list (a database) of every person you meet who is either in the entertainment business or seriously planning to be. It is highly underrated how important it is to remember people, their names, and how you met over the years. Your friends and acquaintances that you start building at a young age will help you for the rest of your life.
Best luck in the journey!
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Alex’s Answer

I really can't emphasize this enough - you're in the prime position to explore internships. This is an amazing opportunity to get a head start in your career. I strongly suggest connecting with your nearby news stations - every single one of them. This will not only provide you with a mentor but also pave your way to a successful career in television.
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Chelita’s Answer

Work or volunteer as a PA.
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David E.’s Answer

Here's an uplifting spin on your text:

The most valuable suggestion I can share with you is to seize the day and embark on a project beyond the confines of your school. Gather your friends and conjure up something extraordinary outside the usual academic environment - that's where the real magic happens! Once you've done that, delve into your local community and see if there's a chance for you to donate your time and skills to create something meaningful for someone, a music group, or a church organization. Let your imagination run wild. It's essential to gain real-world experience and put your classroom knowledge into action! Offer your services without any charge to gain this invaluable experience. It's time to start building up your resume.
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Matt’s Answer

You can never go wrong with getting your work out there. I use Artstation. There are also sketchfab and deviant art. These are just two of many.
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Guy David’s Answer

It really depends on which role you would like to work in the industry - or, you can always go with a "Jack of all trades"...

For a DP (Director of Photography), for example - the most important thing is practicing your camera-skills, and finding a way to showcase them (like on social media - IG, for starters and/or having a portfolio website.)
If you volunteer filming shorts (or comedy sketches), music videos or documentaries (including promotional material) - you can start building a portfolio that actually has clients (even if they're not paying at that point.)

Now, take the above advice - and implement it to any of the filming professions - Acting, Editing, Animating, Puppeteering, Lighting, Screenwriting, etc.

Hopefully, while you're still in high-school, you will be able to get experience, make yourself somewhat of a name and a beginning of a career - and attract some clients (or potential employers) and make your way up the ladder.

Good luck!
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