Because
of the closed nature of the movie business, job placement services do not work well and you will rarely find a job this way. You get
jobs in the film business by winning the confidence of people who have the
ability to hire you. This is done through your work (credits, awards)
and your personality (networking).
At the start of your career, you obviously do not have screen credits to
showcase yourself. For this reason,
many aspiring filmmakers try to win awards (or work on films that win
awards). Often, just getting your movie distributed in some fashion
is enough to open doors.
The other way to gain entrance is to make contact directly with the people in
charge--producers, production managers, assistant directors. Trade papers
like the Hollywood Reporter list movies that are in pre-production. Some
cities have local filmmaking organizations and publications that list "crew
calls." These sources allow you to track down the production company and, in
turn, the production manager or producer.
When you find the right person, remember that traditional techniques do not work
in this business. For example, mailing a resume to the production company is not
going to get you an interview. Phone calls are the best way to go. Get on the
phone and make contact with these people. Let them know that you are
interested and stay in contact with them. If you can talk to them in person,
even better. Perhaps you can drop by the production office or arrange a
"chance" meeting with someone in charge.
It is a very "people" oriented business and very tightly knit, so you must inch
your way in. Don't underestimate the people on the front lines (secretaries,
production assistants) either, because they are the gateway to the people in
charge. You will face rejection but keep a positive outlook and be persistent!
The most famous networking story involves Steven Spielberg, who never went to
film school. He simple walked onto the Universal lot (by waving to a guard, no
less!)
and occupied an empty office. He learned the business by watching productions
in progress. He got to know so many people that by the time management figured
out who he really was, he had already won them over and they gave him a chance
to direct. True story!
The point is that you must develop a strategy. First decide on the craft you
want to specialize and then decide on the best route to take (network, earn
membership in a craft guild, or make your own movie). We hope this was
helpful!
