GUEST EDITORIAL: 5 Simple Ways to Work on a Movie

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5 Simple Ways to Work on a Movie

by Lewis Robinson

If working on a movie set is on your dream job bucket list, it might be time to check that mark. Landing a job on a film is easier now than it has ever been. The introduction of streaming services, the ability for viewers to watch programs while on the move and the rise of content marketing has created a need for more and more creative work.

Experience, of course, will determine the type of film production work you are most qualified for. A career python formatter, for example, could make a great extra, but he probably isn’t directing a movie in the near future. Though there may be options for him. Here are a five of them:

1. Work in the Background

One of the simplest ways to work on set is to audition for a background role. As a background actor, or extra, you will fill in the scene as someone crossing the street in a crowd, for example, or eating in a restaurant or attending a ball game. Casting calls for background players rarely require experience as an actor. As long as you can follow direction, specific rules on set and are punctual, you can not only work on a film set, but eventually see yourself on the big screen.

2. Rent Your Vehicle

If you own an older vehicle or vintage automobile, you might find an opportunity to loan your car to a film production. When movie shoots go on location, they need to source larger props locally. When the story is set in a specific time period, the production crew will often put out a call for period automobiles. If your car fits the bill, you may be invited to join the crew, parking your car where directed or driving through a movie scene. 

3. Rent Your House

If you don’t have a vintage automobile, you could consider offering your home. If a screenplay features a home as a set piece, it is possible your home might be just what the production crew is looking for. Listing your house with your local film commission tells filmmakers you are willing to live with a little disruption. If they choose your home, you are sure to get a bird’s eye view of the filmmaking process, since your house will literally be the set. Another option is renting your home to a member of the cast. If you have a second property or are willing to move out for a bit, some celebrities prefer to rent a nice home in a nondescript area where they are filming to avoid hotel crowds and enjoy the amenities of home.

4. Get Hired as Craft Services

These days known better as “crafties,” craft services is the fine art of feeding the cast and crew between meals. Craft services professionals will set up a table or two and stock it with snacks, typically a mix of healthy options, like fruits and nuts, and sweet options, like candy and donuts. Small budget films will often hire someone locally to provide this service. If you can do a little shopping and keep with cast and crew demand, you could get hired to handle craft services.

5. Become a Production Assistant

Production assistant is the lowest rung on the production ladder, but it is still a rung. Production assistants, or PAs, do all the miscellaneous work on set: pick up the star’s dry cleaning, assist the lighting crew, block pedestrian traffic and more. Most PAs are either film students still in film school or just out of film school, but just as many have no formal production training. Your best bet is to find a low-budget film simply looking for help and either volunteer or work for next to nothing. Either way, you’re working on a movie and will likely see your name in the credits.

These are five of the easiest ways to work on a movie, but there are others. One of the simplest is also the most challenging: Make your own movie. Technology has advanced enough that anyone with a smartphone, some lights and editing software can produce a film. All you need to do is start.