How to Get on Production Crews in Hollywood

Getting on a production crew in Hollywood requires a lot of diligence.

Even though becoming a working actor or actress in Hollywood is extremely difficult, they have it easier than someone who wants to break into show business working behind the camera. Actors can show off their skills in plays of all kinds for visibility and work with an agent who will help them get auditions for jobs. Getting jobs on a production crew in Hollywood requires a lot of networking, volunteering and keeping abreast of production schedules.

Instructions

1. Graduate from film school. It's not necessary to graduate from a school in California, but it should be an accredited institution. Work on as many productions as you can while in college to build up your resume and as many positions as you can to learn the different jobs as there are hundreds of different roles on a production crew. Offer your services for free for a variety of different jobs related to production to increase your skill levels.

2. Read the entertainment trade newspapers and websites daily. Subscribe to publications to guarantee that you receive them in a timely manner. The publications will list shooting schedules, job openingd and industry-specific news.

3. Apply for jobs offering positions that you have worked in the past or that your skills will translate well to. Submit a professional resume that highlights all production work you have previously done, highlighting any titles or associations that might be recognizable to the person doing the hiring.

4. Avoid joining a union until you receive an offer that requires you to be a member of the union. This will allow you to work non-union jobs such as cable access productions and earn valuable experience.

5. Network with friends and industry personnel. Social networks provide an invaluable amount of information about upcoming productions and links to industry personnel. If you develop friends in the industry, keep in contact with them so they will keep you in mind when a job pops up.

6. Visit open production sites. Many shoots are held off studio lots and are somewhat accessible. Watch the shoots and make a note of who some of the personnel are. For example, if you notice who the production assistant is, make a note of who that person is and try to see if there are any openings on the crew -- production assistants are the best contacts on a current production.

References

• "Hollywood 101: The Film Industry"; Frederick Levy; 2000
• Devon DeLapp: How I Got That First Job In Television
• "Film Crew 101: Tips, Tricks & Secrets for Success from Motion Picture Profession"; Peter Clarson; 2007
• International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 33

Resources

• Mandy.com; Film/TV Jobs; Hollywood