📥8+ Excellent Resume Templates Download

Breaking into the film and TV industry can feel overwhelming, especially when starting out with no experience. Whether you’ve just graduated from film school or you’re switching career paths, it’s hard to know where to begin. The good news? You don’t need years of experience or a flashy portfolio to get your foot in the door. With a bit of hustle and some smart strategies, you can start building your career today.

Below, we’ll outline five actionable steps to help you land entry-level jobs in the film industry, make connections, and begin working towards your dream role.

Start Early: Timing Is Everything

Why You Should Start as Soon as Possible

The earlier you start gaining experience, the better. When you’re younger or earlier in your career, chances are you have fewer responsibilities like a mortgage, kids, or pressing day-to-day commitments. This makes it easier to take on unpaid or low-paid roles to start building your network.

Even if you’re not fresh out of school, there’s no “wrong” time to start—just don’t delay. Every production you work on builds skills and connections that get you closer to bigger and better opportunities.

Begin with Local Low-Budget Productions

If you have no experience, working on local low-budget productions is a great place to begin. These smaller sets often welcome volunteers or offer entry-level roles for little to no pay. It’s a chance to observe how the industry operates, learn what’s expected on set, and gain confidence.

Don’t discount the value of these opportunities. They may seem small, but they’re your first step into the industry—whether you’re grabbing coffee or helping carry equipment.

Learning By Doing

Every set teaches you something valuable, even at the lowest level. You’ll learn what works, what doesn’t, and how the different departments operate. Think of these early gigs as an education, except you’re learning by doing rather than in a classroom. Mistakes are inevitable, but they’re also essential for growth.

Build a Network from Day One

Film and TV are collaborative industries, and relationships matter. Volunteering on smaller sets means you’ll meet a wide range of people, from fellow beginners to experienced professionals. The person who’s next to you unloading equipment today might be the one recommending you for a paid role tomorrow.

Working Around Responsibilities

If volunteering full-time isn’t an option for you, there are creative ways to contribute. Offer your help after work, on weekends, or even for one-off tasks like delivering lunch to the crew. Small contributions still put your name out there and show your willingness to lend a hand.

Get to Know the Different Departments

Understanding Film Set Roles

You might dream of directing, but every big production involves a lot more than just the director and actors. Departments like wardrobe, props, locations, transportation, art, and accounting all play crucial roles. Each one offers entry points into the industry, and all have beginner-friendly jobs like Production Assistants (PAs).

Take Any Opportunity You’re Offered

When starting out, you can’t afford to be picky. If there’s an opening in wardrobe or art, but you’ve got your eyes on the camera department, take the job anyway. It doesn’t mean you’ll get stuck in that department forever—it means you’re getting your first experience.

Even unrelated roles expose you to how productions work and give you access to valuable contacts. Sometimes, saying yes to an unexpected job can lead to surprising opportunities down the road.

Don’t Worry About Being Pigeonholed

One of the common fears among beginners is that starting in the “wrong” department will lock you into that field. It won’t. Many skills can transfer between departments, and as you build trust and connections, you’ll have chances to move into roles closer to your end goal.

Where to Find entry-level Jobs

Use any contacts you have to find out who’s hiring locally. Look for production coordinators and send your CV to them, even if it feels like a long shot. More often than not, these roles require more enthusiasm than expertise. You don’t need a lot of fancy qualifications to get hired—sometimes all it takes is showing up, being willing to learn, and having a solid attitude.

Use the Resources You Have

Leverage Online Platforms

Websites like Staff Me Up are great tools for finding production jobs in your area. Although the platform has free options, opting for a premium membership can give you access to more listings and help your CV stand out.

Local commercials often post listings on platforms like these. While they may not seem as glamorous as TV or film work, commercial sets typically operate in a similar way and are a fantastic place to gain experience.

Join Facebook Groups

Search for Facebook groups like “[Your City] Film Crew” or “[Your City] Filmmakers Community.” Many of these groups share job postings and opportunities ranging from indie productions to larger projects like Netflix shows. The film industry thrives on local connections, and these forums can connect you with crews in your area.

Look for Indie Projects

Indie films and student productions are also excellent stepping stones. These sets usually welcome newcomers and are more likely to let you experiment and learn on the job.

Rely on Local Connections

Why Local Contacts Matter

The key to a stable career in film is nurturing relationships with people who live and work in your area. Out-of-town producers and directors might promise to bring you along to their next project, but their commitments often end as soon as they leave. Your local contacts, on the other hand, are the ones that can help you land your next gig.

Treat Everyone Well

The people you work with today are the ones who’ll recommend you tomorrow. Build a reputation for being reliable, easygoing, and eager to learn. A great attitude goes a long way in this industry, where word-of-mouth references are everything.

Do the Job You’re Hired For (and Do It Well)

Take Your Role Seriously

Whatever role you land, take it seriously. If you’re hired as a PA, focus on excelling in that role instead of trying to schmooze your way up the ladder. You’ll stand out most by being reliable and hardworking, not by ignoring your duties to chase bigger opportunities.

Build a Reputation for Hard Work

The film industry is gruelling, with 12+ hour days that push both your mental and physical limits. But tough as it is, it’s also rewarding. The connections you make and the skills you gain can shape your career in unimaginable ways.

The people who thrive are the ones who show up ready to work and approach even the dullest tasks with enthusiasm. Show that you’re dependable, and people will want to work with you again.

The Challenges and Rewards of the Film Industry

Be Prepared for Exhausting Days

Production work is not for the faint-hearted. Long hours, tedious tasks, and physical labour are part of the deal. It’s essential to prepare yourself mentally for the grind ahead.

You’ll Meet Incredible People

Despite the challenges, the people you meet along the way make it worth it. Crews are full of hardworking, passionate individuals who share your love for the craft. These relationships can lead to lifelong friendships and collaborations.

Breaking into the film and TV industry takes determination, patience, and a willingness to start small. Treat every opportunity as a stepping stone, and focus on building strong relationships with the people around you.

There’s no magic formula to success, but consistent effort and a great attitude can take you far. Are you ready to take the first step? It might just be the beginning of the career you’ve always dreamed of.