6 answers
Lynn
Student
Nashville, Tennessee
1
Question
Asked
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When is it best to apply to post-production jobs?
About what months are best to apply to entry level jobs in post-production? i know the industry is a bit in flux at the moment, but I'd appreciate any advice.
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6 answers
Ria Ruthsatz
Mid-America Emmy® Winner, Filmmaker + Founder of Tree9 Films - St. Louis Video Production Company
1
Answer
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Ria’s Answer
Start applying now! In the midwest many of us find that there are very few candidates for Post-Production positions, no matter what time of the year it is. Be honest about your experience and your interests. Some companies may love the opportunity to train you - others may not.
In general, spring tends to be less busy for production but that can also mean that decision-makers have more free time to consider candidates. There is no right or wrong time. The best thing to do is consider your approach and, if you can, put together a reel that helps show your capabilities and style.
Cut together a reel. There are plenty of sites that offer free footage if you don't have your own.
Apply, with an email customized to each company that details your experience and interests and how you can help them.
In general, spring tends to be less busy for production but that can also mean that decision-makers have more free time to consider candidates. There is no right or wrong time. The best thing to do is consider your approach and, if you can, put together a reel that helps show your capabilities and style.
Ria recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for the advice! Do you think it'd be presumptuous of me to send emails to companies that don't have any specific jobs open?
Lynn
It's not presumptuous at all! It's commonplace actually. Because many companies hire contractors per project we often have rosters of folks we can call and we won't do a job posting. Getting into that roster is important because we're more likely to promote/hire someone we've worked with. If you're just reaching out vs. applying - definitely stress what you're bringing to the table and your willingness to jump in when needed. Good luck!
Ria Ruthsatz
Nnegest Likké
Film Director
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Nnegest’s Answer
Projects are ALWAYS in post so the answer is 365 days a year. There is no season or time to apply for post production jobs because it is project specific. If it's a certain project you want to work on, the best time to apply is when the producers of the project are in the pre-production stage. That's when they hire most of the team, including production team and post-production team members. Hope it helps!
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Lynn
Louis Adorno
Screenwriter & Filmmaker
10
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Louis’s Answer
The film industry is a constant rollercoaster, so don't sweat it if the time is not right. Unlike actual rollercoasters, anytime is a good time to jump into the fray and try your luck. In reality, every month is both a good and bad time to apply.
The key is to always, apply, apply, apply, to any opportunity to you may come across online. The truth is, if you are starting out, any opperunity that comes available will be your best option to apply for. The editing world kind of functions as: you do impressive work on one job, and then someone offers you another gig. The key is to start working on what you can and use those projects to show other potential clients that you bring a high caliber of work.
Also, be willing to practice your craft in your free time. Even if its downloading footage online and making edits and compilations for fun (or about things you are passionate about) constantly editing helps practice your skills and develop a portfolio that you will attach to any editing jobs you apply to.
I wish there was a magic answer or silver bullet to guarantee how you can get yourself in the mix, but it is a delicate combination of persistence and patience. Keep perfecting yourself, throwing yourself out there when possible, and keep growing until other people take notice of your work.
The key is to always, apply, apply, apply, to any opportunity to you may come across online. The truth is, if you are starting out, any opperunity that comes available will be your best option to apply for. The editing world kind of functions as: you do impressive work on one job, and then someone offers you another gig. The key is to start working on what you can and use those projects to show other potential clients that you bring a high caliber of work.
Also, be willing to practice your craft in your free time. Even if its downloading footage online and making edits and compilations for fun (or about things you are passionate about) constantly editing helps practice your skills and develop a portfolio that you will attach to any editing jobs you apply to.
I wish there was a magic answer or silver bullet to guarantee how you can get yourself in the mix, but it is a delicate combination of persistence and patience. Keep perfecting yourself, throwing yourself out there when possible, and keep growing until other people take notice of your work.
Thank you for the advice, Louis!
Lynn
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
52
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
The market is currently in a dynamic state of change, and while many have faced job losses due to this adjustment, your passion to break into post-production can be your guiding light. Start by defining your ultimate goals and then chart your journey with achievable short-term objectives, even amidst these turbulent times.
Don't let pessimism cloud your vision, instead, embrace realism. Harness your creative thinking to devise strategies to make your first entry. Networking is your best tool here. Leverage your charismatic personality (assuming you have one) and your existing connections to navigate through this labyrinth. Regularly visit job sites, not just LinkedIn. There are numerous platforms dedicated to entertainment jobs. Explore them all.
Consider embarking on a personal passion project. Create something using your iPhone, edit it, then share it with the world. Let everyone witness your potential.
Best of luck on your journey.
Don't let pessimism cloud your vision, instead, embrace realism. Harness your creative thinking to devise strategies to make your first entry. Networking is your best tool here. Leverage your charismatic personality (assuming you have one) and your existing connections to navigate through this labyrinth. Regularly visit job sites, not just LinkedIn. There are numerous platforms dedicated to entertainment jobs. Explore them all.
Consider embarking on a personal passion project. Create something using your iPhone, edit it, then share it with the world. Let everyone witness your potential.
Best of luck on your journey.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this! Thank you so much.
Lynn
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Lynn,
Optimal Timing for Post-Production Job Applications
In the realm of post-production, the timing of your job applications can be a game-changer, especially for those seeking entry-level roles. Despite occasional industry shifts, there are broad principles that can guide you in identifying the most opportune moments to submit your applications for post-production roles.
1. Recognizing Industry Patterns and High Recruitment Phases: Grasping the industry's patterns and high recruitment phases can provide an edge in your job applications. Generally, the film and television sectors have busier stretches during certain parts of the year when production schedules are at their highest. This often leads to an increase in job vacancies in post-production.
2. Graduation Periods: If you're a student or a recent graduate aspiring to join the post-production industry, it's crucial to factor in graduation periods. Many firms actively seek fresh talent following graduation seasons, which usually occur in the spring and summer. Applying during these periods can boost your likelihood of securing an entry-level role in post-production.
3. Networking Gatherings and Industry Summits: Participation in networking gatherings and industry summits can offer invaluable chances to engage with post-production professionals. These events often act as platforms for job seekers to encounter potential employers and discover job vacancies. Keeping abreast of upcoming events and actively engaging in networking activities can help you stay updated about job prospects in post-production.
4. Ongoing Job Hunt: Even though the industry has high recruitment phases, it's vital to sustain an ongoing job hunt throughout the year. Post-production roles can emerge anytime due to project requirements or unforeseen vacancies. Regularly checking job boards, company websites, and industry-specific platforms can enhance your chances of discovering suitable job vacancies, irrespective of the season.
5. Adaptability and Tenacity: Flexibility and perseverance in your job hunt are critical to securing a post-production role. Continually refine your skills, update your portfolio, and connect with potential employers, even if there aren't immediate vacancies. Showcasing your dedication and enthusiasm for the field can make you an attractive candidate when opportunities present themselves.
In summary, although there's no specific "best" month to apply for entry-level post-production roles due to industry shifts, staying informed about industry patterns, capitalizing on graduation periods, effective networking, maintaining an ongoing job hunt, and demonstrating adaptability and tenacity can significantly boost your chances of securing a post-production role.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
1. The Hollywood Reporter: The Hollywood Reporter is a trusted source for news and insights into the entertainment industry, including trends in film production and post-production hiring practices.
2. Creative Cow: Creative Cow is a professional community for digital media professionals, offering resources, forums, and articles on topics related to video editing and post-production careers.
3. LinkedIn Industry Insights: LinkedIn provides valuable industry insights and data on hiring trends within specific sectors, including film and media production. Leveraging LinkedIn’s resources can offer valuable information on when companies are actively recruiting for post-production roles.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Optimal Timing for Post-Production Job Applications
In the realm of post-production, the timing of your job applications can be a game-changer, especially for those seeking entry-level roles. Despite occasional industry shifts, there are broad principles that can guide you in identifying the most opportune moments to submit your applications for post-production roles.
1. Recognizing Industry Patterns and High Recruitment Phases: Grasping the industry's patterns and high recruitment phases can provide an edge in your job applications. Generally, the film and television sectors have busier stretches during certain parts of the year when production schedules are at their highest. This often leads to an increase in job vacancies in post-production.
2. Graduation Periods: If you're a student or a recent graduate aspiring to join the post-production industry, it's crucial to factor in graduation periods. Many firms actively seek fresh talent following graduation seasons, which usually occur in the spring and summer. Applying during these periods can boost your likelihood of securing an entry-level role in post-production.
3. Networking Gatherings and Industry Summits: Participation in networking gatherings and industry summits can offer invaluable chances to engage with post-production professionals. These events often act as platforms for job seekers to encounter potential employers and discover job vacancies. Keeping abreast of upcoming events and actively engaging in networking activities can help you stay updated about job prospects in post-production.
4. Ongoing Job Hunt: Even though the industry has high recruitment phases, it's vital to sustain an ongoing job hunt throughout the year. Post-production roles can emerge anytime due to project requirements or unforeseen vacancies. Regularly checking job boards, company websites, and industry-specific platforms can enhance your chances of discovering suitable job vacancies, irrespective of the season.
5. Adaptability and Tenacity: Flexibility and perseverance in your job hunt are critical to securing a post-production role. Continually refine your skills, update your portfolio, and connect with potential employers, even if there aren't immediate vacancies. Showcasing your dedication and enthusiasm for the field can make you an attractive candidate when opportunities present themselves.
In summary, although there's no specific "best" month to apply for entry-level post-production roles due to industry shifts, staying informed about industry patterns, capitalizing on graduation periods, effective networking, maintaining an ongoing job hunt, and demonstrating adaptability and tenacity can significantly boost your chances of securing a post-production role.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
1. The Hollywood Reporter: The Hollywood Reporter is a trusted source for news and insights into the entertainment industry, including trends in film production and post-production hiring practices.
2. Creative Cow: Creative Cow is a professional community for digital media professionals, offering resources, forums, and articles on topics related to video editing and post-production careers.
3. LinkedIn Industry Insights: LinkedIn provides valuable industry insights and data on hiring trends within specific sectors, including film and media production. Leveraging LinkedIn’s resources can offer valuable information on when companies are actively recruiting for post-production roles.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Thanks for sharing those resources! I appreciate it!
Lynn
Beatriz Lorenzo Botella
VFX artist
13
Answers
Santa Monica, California
Updated
Beatriz’s Answer
Hello,
for animation it used to be spring or maybe early in the year, as studios are ramping up for the crunch in the summer, to make the Thanksgivings traditional release.
However, these days all is more open and anytime is a good time. Some visual effects studios have a layout of what's going to be needed for the year and they know they'll be hiring for specific departments this or this other month. As we cannot possibly know all of this for every single studio, the best is to apply anytime.
Also, as soon as you have an update that's reasonably interesting for the hiring team, you should apply again telling them you want to show your new work, because recruiters want to see how things are moving on your end too. Is this a person that keeps coming back and back again with more cool material???
Recruiting fairs are also a good point for entry level positions, they usually happen alongside industry fairs (Siggraph, etc).
Good luck!
for animation it used to be spring or maybe early in the year, as studios are ramping up for the crunch in the summer, to make the Thanksgivings traditional release.
However, these days all is more open and anytime is a good time. Some visual effects studios have a layout of what's going to be needed for the year and they know they'll be hiring for specific departments this or this other month. As we cannot possibly know all of this for every single studio, the best is to apply anytime.
Also, as soon as you have an update that's reasonably interesting for the hiring team, you should apply again telling them you want to show your new work, because recruiters want to see how things are moving on your end too. Is this a person that keeps coming back and back again with more cool material???
Recruiting fairs are also a good point for entry level positions, they usually happen alongside industry fairs (Siggraph, etc).
Good luck!
Thank you for sharing your perspective! Do you have any recomendations for virtual industry fairs that recruit for post-production?
Lynn
Hello Lynn,
mmm Siggraph, FMX, Mundos Digitales... there's more for animation too and I'm actually not sure of all the names, there must be so many! Maybe try and find this info in magazines or directly at the companies you might be interested in, they advertise where they'll be and the big companies tend to have presence everywhere.
I hope it helps a bit.
Beatriz Lorenzo Botella