Landing your first job out of film school is so exciting, but also can be daunting for those entering the industry for the very first time. Keep reading to learn about how and where to look in order to find a job after film school!
So you’ve graduated film school – Congratulations! Finding employment is the next step for young film makers. This can sometimes be intimidating when you’re first starting out. If you’re wondering how to find a job after film school, then you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to discover some of the ways you can improve your chances of landing your first job in the film industry.
Optimizing Your Resume & Portfolio
Before you start sending out your resume and demo reel, consider tailoring your portfolio to reflect a specialization. Ideally, you’ll have gravitated towards a certain field during your time in school. By tailoring your portfolio to that field, you’ll be emphasizing your expertise in your chosen specialization.
The Job Market
British Columbia is one of the top places in the world to work in the film industry. This vibrant and growing industry gives fresh graduates in Vancouver an advantage, helping them to find a job after film school.
Creative BC estimates over 62,000 gig and freelance workers. Known as Hollywood North, BC is the third largest production centre in North America, with a constant flow of work from American studios and networks due to tax credits and the favourable Canadian dollar.
Where to Look to Find a Job After Film School
If BC is a film production haven, how do you find work after film school? Some production jobs are listed, but many aren’t. Here are some places to look:
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Facebook
- There are many Facebook pages dedicated to hiring independent filmmakers. Filmmakers will create their own community for hiring purposes.
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Networking
- Introverts, strap on your social face! Filmmakers network intensely. Take a look at Women in Film and Television in Vancouver, DOC BC, Celluloid Social Club, Cold Reading Club, etc. Projects often arise from like minds finding a mutual passion. These jobs may never be advertised.
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Craigslist
- Check out the Gigs and Production Jobs sections on Craigslist. These jobs are well paid, but beware of listings that ask if you are “adventurous”—it might be the porn industry!
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Job Boards
- One search on job boards like Indeed will bring up many listings for compositors and other VFX positions.
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Unions
- Unions such as IATSE are one of the best routes to take when you want to find a job after film school. Members of these unions make up a pool of eligible labour that big feature films and TV series will pull from. The unions control access to these jobs to ensure large producers have trained and qualified crew members. Once a student has met the union criteria, they’re often placed in a “hiring hall system.” This is why you don’t see these jobs advertised!
