How Film School Graduates Can Get Started in the Industry

by Lewis Robinson

Congratulations, you have just graduated film school. You may be wondering what to do next. Now that you are no longer in college, you will have to find a way to survive on your own. That can be particularly tough in the competitive movie industry. Here are some tips for getting started in your film career.

1. Control Your Finances

Even with a degree, it will take years for you to get your dream industry job. In fact, it typically takes three to six months for a film school graduate to obtain employment. You must find a way to manage your finances during that time. Otherwise, you could get caught in a cycle of debt that wrecks your chances for a career. Do not be afraid to move back home with your parents if necessary. You could also consider a student loan refinance.

2. Find an Entry-Level Job

There are several different types of jobs available for film school graduates.  Entry-level positions can help you work up the career ladder.

If you have construction skills, you can consider a gig as a set crew member. At this job, you can show off your knowledge of the industry and your willingness to take direction. If you are not architecturally inclined, you could also find work as a painter or prop master.

Of course, some movies are filmed out in the real world and not on a sound stage. Travel coordinators manage this entire process. This is a great entry-level job for those with strong organizational skills.

Film promotion is another important job. After all, if the movie is not advertised properly, no one will want to see it. This field includes a variety of entry-level gigs, from web marketing to canvassing.

Finally, there is the stereotypical entry-level job of personal assistant. While you may have to perform  seemingly trivial tasks, you can also learn a lot about the industry while shadowing a director or producer.  You can find many of these jobs via casting websites and social media groups. In fantasy-style movies, there are always needs for more makeup assistants for consistent makeup touch-ups, lip repair, or wig styling.

If you have some saved funds in your bank account, you can also try freelancing. You can work as a freelancer within your chosen field, whether that is copywriting or videography. You can also freelance within a specific film crew. However, freelancing can require an initial investment.

Full-Time contractor jobs offer a bit more financial stability. Most of these positions are administrative in nature. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you may instead opt to make your own film.

You can also get a job in a related industry to pay the bills as you search for a film gig. Many companies need video content nowadays, so your skills can easily transfer to all types of jobs.

3. Build a Network

Of course, finding one of these entry-level jobs is easier said than done. In the film industry, who you know is just as important as what you do. You should thus try to network with experienced professionals. Make appearances at as many events as possible, and introduce yourself to others in the field. Do not be afraid to help your film-school friends on their projects, either. The more people you meet, the greater the odds that one of those people will offer you a job.

Even if you have tons of contacts, they will not hire you based on name recognition alone. To make the most out of your network, you need to develop a good reputation on film sets. Remain humble, work as hard as possible, and own any mistakes you make.

Once you graduate film school, you need to find a way to pay the bills. Getting your finances in order can relieve some of the stress on your bank account. You then can focus on your budding career. Find an entry-level job and network with as many people as you can. This should help you quickly move up in the industry.