Our Tips For How To Get Started In Film Production
Getting into the film or TV production industry can feel incredibly daunting but it doesn’t have to be! At Pictures For The People, we’ve helped a range of young people from all different walks of life get their start in the industry and we’re big believers that with the right attitude and the best training, absolutely anybody can start the journey to getting started in video production.
The film industry can be notorious for getting started, and sometimes, landing your first job can feel like an uphill battle. That’s why we’ve gathered all the tips and tricks from our time in the industry to get you off on the right foot as you try to break into the production industry.
Find Your Niche
When it comes to getting into the production industry, you don’t want to just apply for any old role in the hopes something sticks. Find something that you’re genuinely passionate about and perfect your craft in that niche.
Whether you want to get into branded video content, animation, social media videography or anything in between – finding your niche is crucial to help you stand out from the competition.
Work Your Way Up
One of the best tips we can give when it comes to video production for beginners is really to work your way through the ranks. It’s not going to be huge, high-paying roles when you’ve just started out and it’s vital that you’re realistic in your expectations.
Whether it’s doing a few hours each week for free as an intern or offering to help out family and friends at a discounted rate to build your portfolio, you really need to work your way up in the production industry. No one starts right on top no matter what the internet may lead you to believe!
Practical Experience Is Key
When you’re trying to get your foot in the door, getting real life practical experience is critical. This can look different for everyone but consider making your own films, have screenings for your family and friends to gain feedback and try to volunteer to work on outside projects to get as much experience as possible.
No matter your background, we believe everyone should have equal opportunity to break into the industry and undertaking a training course can really set you apart from the competition. Volunteering, taking part in training or courses and making your own videos are all great ways to gain practical experience, find out what you like and provide you with a portfolio of work you can show to potential employers!
Build Your Network
Knowing people in the industry is a surefire way to find out about opportunities that you may not have found out about otherwise. Consider attending film festivals and networking with people in your niche. Not only does meeting like-minded people open the doors for potential collaboration, it can also provide you with a sounding board for any new ideas or projects you might be working on.
You never know, you might meet someone who’s looking for someone just like you to help them out with a project they’ve been working on.
Get Used To Rejection
This might seem counterintuitive, but being comfortable with rejection can be a huge factor in whether you eventually make it in the industry. You should be able to accept rejection and implement constructive feedback from jobs or roles you’ve been applying for.
Not everything is going to be the perfect fit, but to get into the production space, you can’t retreat at the first sign of rejection. You have to be comfortable with people saying no and ensure you remain motivated to continue putting yourself out there regardless.
Most Importantly, Work Hard
If you’re looking for the number one tip for getting started in video production, it really comes down to hard work. The film industry is incredibly competitive, so you’ll need to be comfortable with potentially long hours (hours that don’t fit your standard 9-5) on your feet.
You’ll also need to work on a portfolio outside of your “standard” work so that you have something to show potential clients and employers. Hard work is vital when it comes to breaking into the film industry, and to see success, you have to be incredibly dedicated, motivated and most importantly, passionate about your craft.
Find Out More About Video Production For Beginners
If you’re looking to break into the industry, access additional training or you want to chat about potential opportunities in your niche, you can contact a member of our expert team today.
As a social enterprise, we’re incredibly proud to help young, disadvantaged individuals break into the film and production space. Who knows, your dream role might be even closer than you think!
