Although there are many ways to enter into the Motion Picture Industry, those
who are currently working within this industry have made the step-by-step suggestions
for getting started as outlined here. |
Volunteer
Donate
your time with local companies which service the industry.
A good source of information is The Reel
West Digest, a directory for film, video, and multi-media production in
Western Canada. It contains a detailed listing of production houses, support services,
and production personnel and can be purchased at bookstores.
Do
Your Research
Find
out how movies are made.
Education and training
focused on the motion picture production process in general will help you to learn
about all of the parts and pieces of this industry. Take extra courses in business,
marketing and computers to help prepare you for the entrepreneurial challenges
ahead.
Narrow
your interest focus to one area.
The Motion Picture
Production Industry is looking for qualified people with a variety of skills who
can do specific jobs. They are not looking for generalists. You must know exactly
what you want to do within this industry before you look for work or try to join
a union or association.
Go
to School
Complete
any required training within your specific area of interest.
Complete
a set ettiquette/orientation course.
This course is mandatory
in all areas of production.
Get
Out There...
Obtain
film production lists from the BC Film Commission and from each union.
These are produced
weekly and must be picked up in person. Among other valuable bits of information,
you will be able to tell which projects currently in production are union shoots
and which are independent. They will also tell you the name of the production
company. Seek out the independent production companies and drop off a resume.
...
and Show Them Your Stuff!
Drop
off resumes to as many independent production houses as you can.
Do this every 2-3
months, or every time your resume gets updated. (Update often.) Offer to volunteer
on set in a specific area: be prepared to make yourself available for the duration
of the shoot; and not on a part-time basis.
Get
to know the head of your department for every independent film project.
Become reliable,
indispensable, and don't question decisions unless asked to do so. Do a good job,
and you may get called back for another project; or perhaps the department head
will ask for you on a paid shoot. But, be prepared to volunteer for little or
no pay as you gain professional on set experience.
Please Note:If you are planning to join a union,
hours/days logged with independent production companies will give you experience,
but this accrued time does not qualify you to work as a permittee. It will demonstrate
to the union professionals that you are committed, and reliable. Once you have
gained experience working on independent productions (not student productions),
you may apply as a trainee in a specific department. Then, only the work you do
on union productions will apply in your application for permittee status.
