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How do you get your first job on a film crew (likely as a PA) ?
I know it's hard to get there, but then most people say it snowballs to further jobs.
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Abigail’s Answer
Your question is an excellent one, as penetrating the Television & Film industry can be challenging. However, the silver lining is the multitude of opportunities available if you know where to search. Here are some practical tips and resources that might be beneficial:
1. Create a profile on platforms like Backstage. These websites, often associated with actors, are actually goldmines for positions like PAs, gaffers, lighting technicians, sound specialists, VFX teams, and more. They offer a wide spectrum of job opportunities that differ in duration, location, qualifications, and payment.
2. Embrace all experiences. While it's crucial to make safe choices, it's also important to seize every job opportunity that comes your way at the start of your career. Each set operates differently, and every director has a unique style, providing you with a wealth of learning opportunities. Don't dismiss jobs just because they aren't equity productions or IMDb credited.
3. Value school productions. Universities offering film and television degrees often have capstone projects that result in impressive works. Look into local schools with student productions and check their websites for open crew positions. This can quickly build your resume and reputation, making you a reliable resource for student directors.
4. Consider being a supporting artist. Being an SA, or extra, not only provides payment on professional sets but also offers a chance to observe direction from a different perspective. It's a great way to learn how a set operates and how directors and actors interact. Platforms like Backstage and Facebook's "extras casting" pages are good starting points for this.
5. Follow up. After wrapping up a production, keep in touch with the crew and directors. They might not remember everyone they've worked with, so a reminder of who you are and that you're available can help them recall and possibly hire you.
6. Create a personal website and include its link on your resume/CV. Platforms like Wix or Journo make it easy to create a free website featuring videos, photos, testimonials, referrals, and other interactive content. Regularly update this website to keep it current and engaging.
7. Diversify. Expand your horizons by seeking opportunities in music videos, theatre, commercials, and social media UGC. This will provide you with a wide range of skills and best practices from across the content production spectrum.
Above all, prioritize your safety and use good judgment when choosing sets to work on.
Wishing you all the best!
Create a profile on sites like Backstage
Centralize all experience into a single CV
Set up a personal website and keep it updated
1. Create a profile on platforms like Backstage. These websites, often associated with actors, are actually goldmines for positions like PAs, gaffers, lighting technicians, sound specialists, VFX teams, and more. They offer a wide spectrum of job opportunities that differ in duration, location, qualifications, and payment.
2. Embrace all experiences. While it's crucial to make safe choices, it's also important to seize every job opportunity that comes your way at the start of your career. Each set operates differently, and every director has a unique style, providing you with a wealth of learning opportunities. Don't dismiss jobs just because they aren't equity productions or IMDb credited.
3. Value school productions. Universities offering film and television degrees often have capstone projects that result in impressive works. Look into local schools with student productions and check their websites for open crew positions. This can quickly build your resume and reputation, making you a reliable resource for student directors.
4. Consider being a supporting artist. Being an SA, or extra, not only provides payment on professional sets but also offers a chance to observe direction from a different perspective. It's a great way to learn how a set operates and how directors and actors interact. Platforms like Backstage and Facebook's "extras casting" pages are good starting points for this.
5. Follow up. After wrapping up a production, keep in touch with the crew and directors. They might not remember everyone they've worked with, so a reminder of who you are and that you're available can help them recall and possibly hire you.
6. Create a personal website and include its link on your resume/CV. Platforms like Wix or Journo make it easy to create a free website featuring videos, photos, testimonials, referrals, and other interactive content. Regularly update this website to keep it current and engaging.
7. Diversify. Expand your horizons by seeking opportunities in music videos, theatre, commercials, and social media UGC. This will provide you with a wide range of skills and best practices from across the content production spectrum.
Above all, prioritize your safety and use good judgment when choosing sets to work on.
Wishing you all the best!
Abigail recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much! It makes sense to keep tabs on actors' sites to see where production crews are needed. If I can ask a follow-up question: You mentioned a couple of times working within safety measures. What are some red flags you've seen in your time to note and avoid when looking to join a production?
Declan
Good follow up Declan. When I mention safety, I specifically am talking about harassment and other inappropriate behaviors. A job isn't worth doing if you are harassed, bullied, or abused on set. Specific red flags I've seen include Directors that threaten staff over trivial issues, abhorrent yelling and screaming, and bullying. These behaviors are not acceptable. If you are confronted with a toxic situation, finding a way to remove yourself to prevent harm should be your number one goal to stay safe.
Abigail Miller
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Declan
Getting your foot in the door as a production assistant (PA) in the film industry can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Here are some creative and original ideas to help you kickstart your career in the film industry, specifically considering your location in Pennsylvania and the use of Facebook groups:
1. The PA Portfolio: Create a digital portfolio showcasing any relevant experience, such as student films, theater productions, or independent projects. Include your resume, a brief introduction video, and a compilation of any work you've done that demonstrates your organizational skills and ability to work on a film set.
2. Behind-the-Scenes Storytelling: Leverage your local connections and the Philadelphia film group on Facebook to share behind-the-scenes stories about film and theater productions in the area. Use your posts to showcase your passion for the industry, share valuable insights, and engage with others who are already working in the field. This can help you establish yourself as a knowledgeable and enthusiastic aspiring professional.
3. PA Networking Events: Organize or participate in networking events specifically targeted at individuals interested in pursuing careers in the film industry. You could collaborate with the Philadelphia film group on Facebook to host meetups, workshops, or Q&A sessions with experienced professionals. These events could provide valuable opportunities to connect with potential mentors and industry insiders.
4. "PA Chronicles": Create a blog or video series documenting your journey as you pursue your first job as a PA. Share your experiences, challenges, and victories along the way, while also providing practical tips and insights for others who are aspiring to break into the industry. This personal and authentic approach could resonate with others in similar positions and help you build a supportive community.
By combining your creative endeavors and proactive engagement with local industry groups, you can position yourself as a dedicated and ambitious individual within the Pennsylvania film community. This approach not only shows your passion for the craft but also demonstrates your willingness to learn and collaborate within the industry. Good luck on your journey to joining a film crew!
Best of Luck
Jennifer
Getting your foot in the door as a production assistant (PA) in the film industry can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Here are some creative and original ideas to help you kickstart your career in the film industry, specifically considering your location in Pennsylvania and the use of Facebook groups:
1. The PA Portfolio: Create a digital portfolio showcasing any relevant experience, such as student films, theater productions, or independent projects. Include your resume, a brief introduction video, and a compilation of any work you've done that demonstrates your organizational skills and ability to work on a film set.
2. Behind-the-Scenes Storytelling: Leverage your local connections and the Philadelphia film group on Facebook to share behind-the-scenes stories about film and theater productions in the area. Use your posts to showcase your passion for the industry, share valuable insights, and engage with others who are already working in the field. This can help you establish yourself as a knowledgeable and enthusiastic aspiring professional.
3. PA Networking Events: Organize or participate in networking events specifically targeted at individuals interested in pursuing careers in the film industry. You could collaborate with the Philadelphia film group on Facebook to host meetups, workshops, or Q&A sessions with experienced professionals. These events could provide valuable opportunities to connect with potential mentors and industry insiders.
4. "PA Chronicles": Create a blog or video series documenting your journey as you pursue your first job as a PA. Share your experiences, challenges, and victories along the way, while also providing practical tips and insights for others who are aspiring to break into the industry. This personal and authentic approach could resonate with others in similar positions and help you build a supportive community.
By combining your creative endeavors and proactive engagement with local industry groups, you can position yourself as a dedicated and ambitious individual within the Pennsylvania film community. This approach not only shows your passion for the craft but also demonstrates your willingness to learn and collaborate within the industry. Good luck on your journey to joining a film crew!
Best of Luck
Jennifer
Thank you so much! I was low-key planning a blog/vlog already, but understanding the idea of giving tips or sharing victories helps me figure out how to build the brand for it. I'm looking forward to getting started.
Declan
Updated
Lawrence’s Answer
Hey Declan!
There is a lot of tv and film production in and around Atlanta and getting on as a P.A. is the easiest role to break in with and you may even get paid! My suggestions include:
- Reaching out to the Georgia Film office and find out what TV and film productions are both in development and in production. Find the contact for a producer or producers and send a resume with a cover letter explaining who you are, what you want to do and what you're willing to do i.e. work long hours, possibly even work for free, etc.
- Atlanta also has an office of film and entertainment. Do the same thing.
- Find local production companies. Do the same thing.
- Contact the film departments of UGA, GT and state colleges. Do the same thing.
- Find local directors. Do the same thing.
- Be willing to work for free at first.
As for "snowballing", yes it can. So you know moving forward, a more accurate and industry-standard term is "networking" and it's crucial that you become good at it and really, it's easy. All you need to do is whatever job you're hired to do to the best of your ability, be open to doing even more, be a good and friendly, outgoing person and it's very likely that someone will either give you someone else's contact or will take you with them on their next gig. Remember that just about everyone on -set, I mean just about everyone, are looking for their next job even in the middle of their current gig. The more people you become friends with, the more people get to know who you are and that you're someone who's eager, knows what they're doing and wants to do more, the greater the likelihood you won't just keep working, but that you'll be given the opportunity to explore other positions. The PA path generally leads to being an AD (2nd/2nd, 1st, etc) but while on set you may discover that you want to explore being an AC, or grip or whatever. Once you're on set, especially if it's a smaller, low budget set, you'll have plenty of opportunities to do just about anything.
Lastly, consider moving to L.A. :)
Good luck!
Reaching out to the Georgia Film office and find out what productions are both in development and in production. Find the contact for a producer and send a resume with a cover letter explaining who you are, what you want to do and what you're willing to do i.e. work long hours, possibly even work for free.
There is a lot of tv and film production in and around Atlanta and getting on as a P.A. is the easiest role to break in with and you may even get paid! My suggestions include:
- Reaching out to the Georgia Film office and find out what TV and film productions are both in development and in production. Find the contact for a producer or producers and send a resume with a cover letter explaining who you are, what you want to do and what you're willing to do i.e. work long hours, possibly even work for free, etc.
- Atlanta also has an office of film and entertainment. Do the same thing.
- Find local production companies. Do the same thing.
- Contact the film departments of UGA, GT and state colleges. Do the same thing.
- Find local directors. Do the same thing.
- Be willing to work for free at first.
As for "snowballing", yes it can. So you know moving forward, a more accurate and industry-standard term is "networking" and it's crucial that you become good at it and really, it's easy. All you need to do is whatever job you're hired to do to the best of your ability, be open to doing even more, be a good and friendly, outgoing person and it's very likely that someone will either give you someone else's contact or will take you with them on their next gig. Remember that just about everyone on -set, I mean just about everyone, are looking for their next job even in the middle of their current gig. The more people you become friends with, the more people get to know who you are and that you're someone who's eager, knows what they're doing and wants to do more, the greater the likelihood you won't just keep working, but that you'll be given the opportunity to explore other positions. The PA path generally leads to being an AD (2nd/2nd, 1st, etc) but while on set you may discover that you want to explore being an AC, or grip or whatever. Once you're on set, especially if it's a smaller, low budget set, you'll have plenty of opportunities to do just about anything.
Lastly, consider moving to L.A. :)
Good luck!
Lawrence recommends the following next steps:
Thank you sir! This helps a lot.
As a follow-up question: I see you're a television producer. If someone implemented this strategy and gave you a resume/cover letter, what would you be looking for in both?
Declan
First and foremost that both are well-written relative to grammar and spelling, and that you make it crystal clear what it is you are looking for. If you're looking to get your foot in the door, say that along with specific role you're interested in, i.e. on-set or office Production Assistant, Wardrobe Assistant etc. Don't leave it up to them to try to decipher what is you're wanting to do. The first gig will definitely be your most challenging because you're cold calling, but once you do get your foot in the door, while work is rarely guaranteed, it'll be a lot easier once you then incorporate all the other things I mentioned yesterday. At that point you have way more power to dictate what happens next rather than just waiting around for the phone to ring or the email to drop.
Lawrence Richards
Updated
Charles’s Answer
Film crews or anything involving motion are usually big, whether in Music videos, advertising, or more. One way to get a first job is to look into every and any way you have on hand. Craigslist, for some reason, always has some small jobs where you can get a foot in. Facebook and Instagram are also ways to get in touch with production or film crews that are looking for extra hands.
Every job is a good opportunity to connect with other people, no matter what the job is, so if you see a job offer for something other than a PA job, you can always email the employer to ask if they are looking for extra hands.
You can list the number of production companies you would like to work with from films you have seen and email them; you never know.
Many music videos don't necessarily pay, but they are always full of talented crew willing to do the work to help directors, DPs, or bands make something cool happen. Getting involved in one and then connecting with them can help you get more work.
Never underestimate the power of reaching out. Often, we get caught up in a project and don't necessarily think of talented PAs we met on a previous shoot.
So, if you nail a first gig, you have a call sheet. Use the contact there to send an email a few weeks or a month later and do it on regular basis.
Reminding other crew members that you are available will make things snowball.
Every job is a good opportunity to connect with other people, no matter what the job is, so if you see a job offer for something other than a PA job, you can always email the employer to ask if they are looking for extra hands.
You can list the number of production companies you would like to work with from films you have seen and email them; you never know.
Many music videos don't necessarily pay, but they are always full of talented crew willing to do the work to help directors, DPs, or bands make something cool happen. Getting involved in one and then connecting with them can help you get more work.
Never underestimate the power of reaching out. Often, we get caught up in a project and don't necessarily think of talented PAs we met on a previous shoot.
So, if you nail a first gig, you have a call sheet. Use the contact there to send an email a few weeks or a month later and do it on regular basis.
Reminding other crew members that you are available will make things snowball.
I wouldn't have thought about Craigslist. Thanks for the tip!
If I can ask a follow-up question: if sets are really as big as you say, what have you seen are ways a PA could distinguish themselves?
Declan
Tim Cruz
Feature Film Director, Television Director, Commercial Director
1
Answer
Updated
Tim’s Answer
When I initially embarked on my career, I served as an intern on various film sets. I had the opportunity to meet filmmakers during Q & A sessions and at graduate programs. I willingly offered my services on their sets, which, over time, evolved into professional environments, and I was hired as a Production Assistant (PA).
In the early stages of my career, I also utilized social media to find work. I sought out Production Managers and Assistant Directors, applying for opportunities through their networks. Once I secured a job, I dedicated myself to understanding every facet of everyone's role. This was to ensure that I could provide the most effective assistance and service.
It's been my experience that individuals who appreciate your efforts often invite you to work on other projects with them. This is another way I was able to gain more professional experience.
In the early stages of my career, I also utilized social media to find work. I sought out Production Managers and Assistant Directors, applying for opportunities through their networks. Once I secured a job, I dedicated myself to understanding every facet of everyone's role. This was to ensure that I could provide the most effective assistance and service.
It's been my experience that individuals who appreciate your efforts often invite you to work on other projects with them. This is another way I was able to gain more professional experience.
Thank you so much, sir! This helps a lot.
As a followup if I may, how would you approach a production manager or assistant director on social media without coming off creepy?
Declan
I think "creepy" comes from intention. If you intend to learn and help you won't come off as creepy. If you're there to be a predator then some will infer that as "creepy." Good luck! Work Hard!
Tim Cruz