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So you Wanna be in the Movies?

Even though there are big Hollywood pictures being made in the UK, the British Film Industry is actually quite a small place. And there are thousands of young people trying to get their big break into it. We don’t make that many films so competition for jobs is fierce. So before you think about a career in film you need to realise that. You should also know that you won’t have a permanent job. Almost everyone who works on films is a freelancer moving (if they are very lucky and talented) from one feature to the next every 3-6 months. If you’re not put off by this, good! Well done! You’ve passed the first test. Determination and perseverance are the name of the film game. You won’t get anywhere without them.

For further information – visit www.skillset.org/film/  

Skillset's film website is completely endorsed by the industry; it's the definitive site and should be the first port of call for film-makers, employers and training providers who want advice and guidance on training and skills.

Behind the scenes.

A lot more goes into getting a movie on to the cinema screen than you might think. Investigate as much as you can so you get a good idea of all the jobs and how they work together as an overall business before approaching anyone for a job.

Pre – production – before filming the writer has to develop the script, the crew has to be hired, the finance to pay everyone has to be raised, and the locations for each scene have to be found and sets have to be built.

Production – filming of the movie begins. Here the grips, AD’s, and dresser props get to work. Grips are responsible for the tracking and dolly which the camera sits on and is moved around on, an AD is one of many Assistant Directors and dresser props set up the locations and backdrops to look authentic.

Post-Production – now the scenes that have been shot need to be edited together and special effects need to be done and music added. For this Foleys, editors, and ADR (additional dialogue recording) are needed.

Visit ‘The Business – Understanding Filmmaking’ page on www.skillset.org/film/ where you will find an interactive, visual guide to how films get made, from the initial idea right through to making a profit.

Visit www.skillset.org/careers/  where you will find hundred’s of industry job profiles and fact sheets containing high quality information on careers based on the different job profiles.

How do I get in?

Experience. Experience. Experience. Many Universities run film courses or you might apply to a specialised film school. But remember, there are no courses that can guarantee entry into a film career. When looking at courses, choose the ones that are hands on; that have good links with the industry; and that can get you work experience placements. There are some structured new entrants schemes which last 18 months to 2 years; give you a recognised industry qualification; and a series of vital practical work placements on movies ranging from Bond to Bend It Like Beckham.

For information on ‘Skillset Approved’ training courses – contact Skillset on

020 7520 5757 and ask for a member of the Approvals team.

Write to companies. Pester them. Get hold of a copy of The Knowledge, it’s expensive so go to your library or visit www.theknowledgeonline.com .  The Knowledge is packed full of addresses and contact names. To get your foot in the door you will be starting as runner.  A Runner basically runs around getting everything in place.  They have to know exactly what is needed on a film or television set and get it there as quickly and efficiently as possible, whether it's a cup of coffee for the star or a vital prop gone missing.  A Runner is also needed to run between offices during a normal working week.  They are expected to do anything required by the production team.  Tasks could include carrying messages, delivering equipment, tapes and scripts and running documents or tapes between studios and locations.  Must be efficient and pleasant.  Excellent communication and organizational skills are also required.  Must be prepared to work very long hours.  Enthusiasm, stamina and initiative are the vital traits.

If you can’t get experience why not start making your own movies. Technology is changing. More and more films are being made cheaper using hand held digital cameras so if you want to produce or direct, get out there and show people what you can do. Visit www.filmcouncil.org.uk for info on projects to help young filmmakers.

Sarah-Jane Wright from Working Title Films, which made hit movies Bridget Jones Diary and Johnny English, suggests:

“Write to production companies and studios, find out what films are in pre production, be humble and prepared to start at the very bottom. Be persistent and dedicated and never underestimate the importance of enthusiasm. Producers want to see how keen you are to get into the industry and how much you know about the realities of the work. A vague dream to make movies will not cut it. And if you are going to work for 18 hours straight on location in often miserable conditions as a dogsbody possibly for free you are going to need a sense of humour.”

In a side box

For all careers enquiries visit Skillset Careers at www.skillset.org/careers or call 08080 300 900 (England)* or 0808 100 8094 (Scotland) for free advice over the phone.  *Also available to callers from Wales and Northern Ireland