How to Become a Best Boy

By eHow Careers & Work Editor

Rate: (0 Ratings)

Becoming a best boy means taking your talent as an electrician and working with the gaffer and cinematographer to create a fabulous shot of a scene for film or television. Getting to this position in the film industry takes a certain process and dedication, as described here.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Research and write down names of people, whether you know them or not, who work or have some sort of connection to film or television. Create a spread sheet or roster of their names, addresses and phone numbers. The Internet Movie Database (see Resources below) is a good place to find basic information.

Step2

Take your list of people, call them on the phone and tell them your goal is to be a best boy or electrician on a film or television set. Ask if they need any immediate help on a production. You are willing to do anything to get your foot in the door, even work for free just to get your start.

Step3

Be open to taking a position as a runner, gopher or production assistant at the beginning of your career. Keep making yourself known to others as an electrician in a nonevasive way.

Step4

Continue taking jobs while working your way up the line, getting along with people in the business, doing a good job and creating a list of credits. Eventually, production companies will start calling you. Next thing you know, you will be working on a film as a best boy.

Step5

Join an electricians union or other applicable union within the film industry. In many cases, you must be a member of a union to get work in Hollywood. Unions also provide great opportunities for networking.

Tips & Warnings

Have a resume and cover letter prepared for mailing to those people or companies willing to accept your submissions.
Business cards are absolutely essential in the film production industry. Network while you are on the set.
You need to be a qualified and experienced electrician to be a best boy.