Finding Work in Film
For people who are experienced in the film industry, they will mostly get their work through word of mouth. Over years of networking and getting out on set, everyone knows to hire them because they know they will do a good job, but what if no one knows who you are or what you’re capable of? We’re going to give you a bunch of ideas here on how to get jobs on the crew such as grip, electric, camera assistant, etc. We’ll focus on jobs where someone is not going to hire you based on your reel.
Job Boards
There are many places online to go to where employers post jobs for crew members. You can get a wide range of jobs from low-budget music videos to union commercial jobs through these job boards. Here is a list of websites you can take a look at:
Facebook – Look for film-specific groups in your area
Staff Me Up
Mandy
ProductionHUB
LinkedIn
Craigs List – crew/gigs and film/video section
The benefit of these websites is they can introduce you to people who you would never meet otherwise and who are actively looking for someone to be available for work. The downside is that tons of people will apply for the same job and so responding quickly with the right information is crucial. We’ll go into detail on how to apply to these jobs, but if you are having trouble finding work, it never hurts to frequent these websites.
Cold Emails or Texts
This is where you reach out to someone who may need to hire you in the future. These cold emails could vary from being very formal, to very informal.
Some things to consider including:
-Mention a mutual friend, this can be a quick way to build trust between you two.
-Give a short summary of your work experience. This could be a place to include your IMDB link, resume, etc.
-Ask if you can check in with them every once in a while for work.
It’s really important to make sure it’s ok for you to ask them for work again in the future. Most likely this one email will not lead to anything, but if you’re persistent and you’re reminding people you’re available every 3-4 weeks, you may get them when they’re desperate for anyone. Any follow-up emails or texts can be very simple, an example of this could be:
“Just letting you know I’m available this week if you need someone”.
How to Apply
Once you have found a post for potential work, you’ll have to reach out to them and send them info showing them how you are an excellent fit for the job.
A cover letter is the first chance to interact with the employer. It should be concise, relative to the job you’re applying for, say a little bit about your experience, and have contact information at the end.
Cover letter example
Hello, Im reaching out to you today in regard to the [Grip] opportunity for [The Big Show].
Over the years I’ve been developing my skills as a [Grip] in the film and video industry. I have experience on a wide range of productions such as commercials, corporate, narrative, and documentaries. I am familiar with the latest industry standards of equipment and methods on how to modify light for a variety of sets. I enjoy working with others and take direction well.
Please see the attachments and links for my resume and work experience. I also have references available upon request.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope to hear from you!
Sincerely,
Full Name
Phone
Email
IMDb/website
Tip: Create an email signature that has the following information.
– Full Name
– Job Title
– Phone Number
– Email Address
– Website/IMDb Link
Yes, have your email address in your email signature. It is a straightforward way for those who have hired you to send all your contact info to the person making the call sheet. You can create multiple signatures with most email apps. you can create different ones for the different jobs you’re getting. Grip, Electric, DP, AC or PA, Etc.
References
The references you mention that are available upon request is a short list of people that you know and who will put in a good word and vouch for you being a good candidate for the job you are applying for. It is important that you reach out to these people and ask them if you can send their info to a potential employer as a reference before you actually do so.
Resume
Another tool in your ‘gotta find a job’ tool kit is a resume.
a resume is a more formal document that has more detailed information like your goals within your career as well as work experience and other related accomplishments. Some tips for your resume:
- Make sure the resume is only one page long.
- Only put work experiences on your resume for the job you’re applying for. You do not want a bunch of gaffing experience on your post-production editing job resume.
- Create multiple resumes for different types of work you want to land.
- When people look at resumes they are often times looking for someone else they’ve worked with so they can ask that person what it was like to work with you. Include department heads and production companies.
IMDb
As you begin to rack up work experience freelancing in the film industry, you’ll likely start to gain IMDb credits. Usually, a producer or someone in production puts crew credits into the database, but you can enter them yourself too. If you try and enter them yourself, they will have to be verified and approved by IMDb. Keep your IMDb link in your email signature and use it when applying to job board posts along with your resume. It’s just another tool to demonstrate all your work history and experience on different projects.
Strange Ripples in The Job Pool
Ride the wave
Jobs will somehow come in waves. One job will lead to another or they will stack up in a row nicely or the worst is when every production wants to shoot on the same day.
Trickle-Down Effect
When your area gets busy those A-list crew members are not available because they are booked on something else already. So, naturally, producers go down the list. You may be their next call! Sometimes we call these opportunities ‘come-up jobs’ where someone with less experience but has promise gets a call to work. Usually, these are referrals, someone out there believes in you! Face the fear and go for it! You’ll find that your positive attitude and passion for collaborative efforts will take you far! You can do it!
Go on Vacation
Is work slow? Plan a vacation! Don’t worry, you’ll start getting calls for jobs during your vacation time as soon as you book the nonrefundable deposit on whatever. Not sure why this happens, it just does!
Last seen, First Call
People tend to hire the person that they last spoke with or worked with. This is why it’s good to keep in touch and keep conversations, especially industry-related ones, active. “Wow, you see that cool new light that just posted?”
Three R’s of Taking a Job
Reel – We know you don’t have a reel as a grip, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still be passionate about the content. Everyone wants to work on a good movie.
Revenue – Can’t say no to a full-rate job, right?
Relationships – There are some people you always want to work with, and you’ll try and say yes to keep them calling you.
It is wise to at least meet 2 of these reasons, if you can make all 3 then that’s fantastic.
Networking
On Set
This is one of the best places to network. These people are working and they see you working. Some things you can do to stay on their radar:
- Get their phone number and exchange info after the shoot.
- Friend them on social media.
- If someone asks you for a recommendation, recommend the people you like and are meeting on set. You can tell them you recommended them for a job and hope that they get it. If it works out, they’ll want to reciprocate!
Note: Make sure to respect people’s privacy. Start with their social media account and only ask for their phone number if it’s really necessary.
Social Media
Instagram/Facebook/Twitter/Tik Tok are all great places to network. Engage with people’s posts and post your own content about you #onset. Keep in mind people will be much more likely to engage with your content if it is educational in some way, nobody likes a bragger.
Hobbies can also be a great way to connect with new people as it’s much easier to make friends with someone if you have some shared interests.
Industry Events
Equipment expos, film festivals, and industry social events are good places to meet people you haven’t met yet in the film community. Try and look on Facebook, Instagram, or even things like Eventbrite to find local events near you—the more local the better.
Clubs
Do some research to find industry-related clubs or communities in your area. Don’t have any? Start one! It could be as simple as gathering your industry friends to go see a movie once a month and talk about it over drinks or dinner. Invite new people to join you to expand your network!
Tip: Try and fill out their contact card in your phone as much as possible over time. First and last name, phone, email, social media handles, etc. You can do this easily for other people by creating your own digital calling card using an app like Blinq.
Keeping in touch with people
Once you know someone, you need to keep the relationship active for them to consider you for jobs. This could mean asking them to get coffee or inviting them to hang out with some mutual friends. Depending on the relationship this may differ, but can be a great way to have some fun and keep you top of mind for people that might hire you in the future. You do want to aim for genuine relationships, so if it doesn’t feel right to hang out, don’t do it!
How to Get a Call Back
– Show up early
– Bring your tools
– Wear work-appropriate clothing
– Have a professional attitude
– Socialize during lunch and appropriate downtime on set
– Say goodbye to your fellow crew members at the end of the day
– Follow up with those you enjoyed working with
– Engage on social media – post your self working and engage in posts of those you like to work with
– Keep your phone close- Be the person who responds quickly to texts, emails, or calls.
Hope this helps you land your next gig!
Bolt Lighting Rental Inc is a lighting rental house located in the San Francisco Bay Area. We’re committed to training the next generation of technicians everywhere. Check out our Instagram for daily educational content.