Working at a film production can be a lot of fun. By telling stories through the camera and creating one masterpiece after another, a job at a film production company sounds like working in a dream factory. But in reality, all that glitters is not gold, and many things differ from how they are imagined by outsiders.
As a startup that offers a tool for video producers, we’re also in contact with filmmaking studios. That’s why we did some research with filmmaking experts, and we’re going to show you both sides of the coin: the advantages and disadvantages of working on film production.
The Downside of Working at a Film Production…There are many thankless jobs during film production, such as working as a production assistant or intern. Basically, you do everything that no one else wants to do. This situation can get quite frustrating since interns also aren’t very well-paid. But on the other hand, there are many different tasks in several fields of film production, and they can teach you a lot.
After all, this important lesson for beginners is an experience worth having. So if you’re completely new to the film industry, you’ll probably start with one of these jobs. But don’t worry: there’s always a way to work your way up.
How Stuff Works presents the four most thankless film jobs, but also stays realistic and explains the upsides and downsides of them.
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Also, as a little bonus: Want to take a peek into the life of a production assistant? RocketJump FilmSchool made a great, realistic video about what a PA’s everyday life looks like:
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There are tons of passionate artists out there, but no one can guarantee that you’ll manage to make a name for yourself. The truth is that it takes a lot of talent and luck to climb up the career ladder.
You need to be in the right place at the right time and know the right people, which is something you, unfortunately, can’t learn or buy. It takes courage and the blessings of lady luck. Frankly, in the beginning, you shouldn’t set your expectations too high. But in order to achieve your goals, it’s still important to have dreams.
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You might get it from all sides—not only from your acquaintances and relatives, but also from old-timers who have been in the game longer than you. This situation might seem discouraging, especially for greenhorns, but don’t worry: everyone had to start out this way.
Try to see the positive points of constructive criticism, but stay confident at the same time. Only then will you learn to grow as an artist and as a person. But sometimes, you may have to endure a rant, or plainly get insulted.
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Technically, this point could count as a pro argument, since your opinion will depend on which kinds of people you generally like. But prepare to meet many quirky people with some weird habits and character traits.
In particular, some actors can be divas when they’re in a bad mood, so there is a big chance that they’ll vent their anger out on you. Try not to let it get to you; just take a deep breath and move on. ;-) Every branch or working place has its special suspects.
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In many sectors in the creative business, it’s not normal to only work from 9 am to 5 pm. Certainly, you will work overtime during the production phase of a film.
Are you already familiar with the filmmaking world, or did you just take a look at some director’s cuts or “Behind the Scenes” videos? Then you’ll know how much time and effort (and money) goes into the production of a movie.
Artists are often perfectionists, and they work a lot to fulfill the visions of their projects since they’re so passionate about it. In other words, there’s often not much spare time left over. And you don’t really have a say in that.
For example, if you’re supposed to be at the set, you’ve gotta go, no matter what the time or location is. In addition, if you have family, it will be difficult to find the balance between work and private life, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Just be prepared for a pretty packed schedule.
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The art of filmmaking involves giving your creative side free reign. You’ll have the freedom to express yourself and live out your talent! Some people can only dream about it, but you can make a living at it.
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Perhaps the most interesting part of creating a movie is how many different types of creatives are involved in a project. There are costume designers, sound designers, scriptwriters, directors, makeup artists, and much more.
If you think about it, it’s fascinating but only natural that so many different ways of artistic expression join together to create something entirely new. Plus, you can choose the outlet that suits you best.
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Most of the people in the film industry have ambitions, dreams, and mindsets similar to yours. So if filmmaking is totally your thing, you can connect with like-minded people who share the dream of telling stories and artistically expressing themselves. Besides, it’s probably pretty exciting to meet so many creative, sometimes-quirky people.
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In my personal opinion, one of the greatest aspects of being part of a film crew is the interesting environment and experiences you create. Together with other creative people, you’ll have the chance to visualize stories and achieve this goal. Of course, every job has its routine, but there is also a lot of variety and new experiences going on. The lifestyle of always being on the go for the sake of a project isn’t for everyone. But if your heart and soul are into it, you’ll definitely love it!
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For a film artist, there’s almost nothing more satisfying than watching a movie you’ve been part of once it’s finally done. You’ll know that it’s the work for you and your team, especially while remembering all the time and effort that went into making the film.
ConclusionThe film industry is certainly an interesting, informative field to work in. You can tell whether or not it’s for you by answering the following questions: Is it your dream to be part of a creative project where stories are told? And are you willing to put your heart and soul into it? If so, then a film production is definitely for you.
As with everything in life, it’s up to you to decide. Do the minor disadvantages outweigh the great advantages? Then go for it!
If you’ve already considered working at a film production company, then take a look at your filmmaking career options in this article “The Ultimate Film Career Guide: 17 Jobs that Could Suit You!”
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Are you preparing for an upcoming audition/interview? When it comes to film and television, questions tend to be tough; but with the right preparation and practice, you can master any inquiry. This blog post will cover ten essential film interview questions and answers that will give you confidence in your upcoming audition or opportunity.
From talking points on why you’re applying for the job to advice on answering character-focused queries — our tips are sure to increase your chances of standing out from the competition. Read on for more details!
Not surprisingly, the first question in any filmed interview is, “Tell me about yourself.” When answering this, it is important to stay focused on your professional credentials and not stray too far into personal details. Focus on your past experiences related to the role you’re auditioning for. Be sure to explain why you are suited for the role and mention any achievements that may be relevant.
The second question is usually, “What inspired you to pursue a career in acting/filmmaking?” It is an opportunity to showcase your passion for your job.
Talk about what draws you most to this profession and include the talking points of creativity, storytelling, performing, working with other actors and directors, etc. Showing enthusiasm for filmmaking will help you demonstrate a genuine passion for it to the casting team.
The third question often asked in film interviews is, “What do you think sets you apart from other actors?” This question requires some self-reflection on your part. Think about the unique qualities or skills that separate you from other actors.
For example, if your strength lies in excellent comedic timing, explain how it can add value to projects by providing vivid comedic moments to the audience.
Similarly, if you possess a talent for singing or know how to play a musical instrument, be sure to include that in your answer to help the casting team see what value you can bring to the role.
The fourth question typically encountered in film interviews is, “What challenges have you faced while making films?” While it’s tempting to focus on negative issues such as creative differences, lack of adequate rehearsal time, or personal conflicts, try instead to focus on how these obstacles pushed you outside of your comfort zone, forcing creative solutions or helping build resilience against future challenges faced within the industry.
This will help you showcase your tenacity and perseverance to potential employers, as well as a dedication to your craft, no matter the circumstances.
Another question commonly seen in film interviews is, “Where do you see yourself professionally five years from now?” When responding, try telling a story by describing what roles or projects would excite you most at this point (e.g., directing a feature-length film if you’re angling for a directorial role) while also outlining any specific goals or plans related to advancing your career (e.g., obtaining additional certifications/attending acting workshops/doing stage plays).
In addition, demonstrating an understanding and appreciation of industry trends further scores you more points in the interview!
Another question often asked is, “How did you get into acting?” It gives the actor a chance to explain how they got started in their career and provides insight into their passion for the craft. The second question typically posed is, “Who inspired you as an actor?” Here, the actor can speak about influential figures who have helped them along the way or inspired their choices for certain roles or acting jobs.
Following this, interviewers often ask, “What motivates you when performing?” It allows actors to talk about what drives them in their work and helps build depth within their characters. Another common inquiry is, “How has your background influenced your roles?” With this question, actors can discuss whether growing up in a certain area or having experienced specific events impacted how they approach performances.
Questions like “What advice would you offer someone just starting in acting?” or “What do you wish you knew before getting into acting?” enable actors to provide words of wisdom from having gone through different experiences throughout their careers.
Additionally, asking questions such as “Do you want to direct or produce at some point?” delves more into what other directions you could take within the profession. It also tells the interviewer how much you know about the entertainment industry and the production process.
Finally, the last question in a film interview will often be, “What do you like most about being an actor?” It allows you to express why you truly love your job and all that goes with it — from preparing for a role to experiencing life on set. Also, be sure to highlight some of the best, most rewarding experiences you’ve had while making a film or theatre production and color those with the strokes of learning and personal enrichment.
These questions help create meaningful conversations between interviewer and interviewee while also allowing casting directors to gain insight into who they may be hiring for future projects.
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