How to Work on a Movie Set

When working on a set, you could be filming virtually anywhere.

The draw of bright lights and a chance at stardom often lure aspiring hopefuls into pursuing a career in the film business. Yet, even figuring out where to begin can prove challenging. Working on a movie set isn't as easy and glamorous job as people might expect, but it's also not impossible to find work and move up the career ladder. By educating yourself, working hard and creating connections, you can succeed.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Production book
• Work clothes
• Closed-toed shoes

Locate the Work

1. Join local filmmaking groups, or contact students enrolled in a local film school. See if they need volunteers, and donate your time to learn the ropes. By building a solid track record, you may be called back for paying gigs.

2. Scour Craigslist, classified ads and entertainment trade papers for potential opportunities to work on set. Then apply for a position and follow up, unless they expressly request that you not contact them.

3. Contact your local film office. Find out if projects are filming in your area and who to contact. Submit your information to the proper person and, hopefully, you'll receive an interview or be given a time to show up to the set.

4. Find an internship that gives you course credit in exchange for set experience. To do this, you must be enrolled in a course, because companies must follow certain regulations when employing interns. Once you've demonstrated your work ethic and skills, the company may decide to offer you a permanent position.

5. Network, but don't go overboard. Let other people know what you're in the process of doing, and ask them if they are aware of any potential opportunities. State your interest and skills, but don't beg or hound other people, or you'll probably drive them away.

6. Agree to start at the bottom. While this may seem unpalatable for people who've worked in other industries, the film industry is very apprenticeship oriented. Until you're able to prove that you can do a basic task, you probably won't be asked to perform more advanced work.

Succeed at the job

1. Read your production book to learn as much as possible prior to arriving on set. Although you'll still have questions once you get there, you'll at least have an understanding of the job each person holds, and what your role is in the scheme of the production.

2. Sleep well the night before you start work on set. Ten- to 12-hour days aren't uncommon, and you don't want to become exhausted and lose your ability to function.

3. Dress appropriately for the type of work you'll be doing. Wear close-toed shoes to protect your feet and a work shirt and jeans, or work pants. Avoid open-toed shoes, skirts or clothes that you wouldn't want to get dirtied.

4. Know exactly what your job is and focus on performing that job when you're needed. While you may dream of being behind the camera, chatting with the cinematographer while the producer is waiting for his coffee isn't going to make a positive impression on either party.

5. Respond to requests quickly and politely. Understand that there's a hierarchy on a film set. Observe which requests are more pressing than others and meet them.

6. Take steps to be proactive. You don't always have to wait until you're told to do something. Observe what needs to be done and offer to help, but also know when to remain quiet.

Tips & Warnings

• Be persistent and over time you'll land your first gig on a movie set.

• Ask questions if you're unsure about something. In most cases, people would rather have you ask a question than wait 20 minutes for you to figure out what you're supposed to be doing.

• Avoid clashes with people you meet on set. Film is a relationship-oriented industry, and you won't get very far if you gain a reputation for being difficult.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Motion Picture and Video Industries

Resources

• craigsist.com: Homepage
• Variety.com: Media Careers