Visit www.staffmeup.com and create your free profile!
This is the first of a series of blogs and vlogs I will post to explain How To Get A Job In The Film Industry. First, let me qualify myself for this job; Authoring this piece on How to Get A Job In The Film Industry.
My name is Carter Yocham. I learned the ins and outs of video production from Moore Norman Technology Center in Norman, Oklahoma. MNTC has a Digital Video Production (DVP) program I was interested in after a friend shared information on the program.
Since I've graduated the DVP course, I've worked on a variety of Television Shows, Feature Films, Commercial Productions and Events over the past seven years. I've also been a business owner for the past three years providing video production in Boise, Id.
Here's a list of some of the networks I've worked for.
- National Geographic
- Travel Channel
- Food Network
- CNN
- NBC
- TLC
- ABC
- FOX Sports
- History Channel
Of course, these networks don't produce their own shows. They hire production companies like Megalo Media or Original Media or Pilgrim Studios to do the job. So I was technically working for these companies, and you will be too if you get a job on set.
A majority of my experience has come from working on Reality Television shows, so I will be continuing the blog with Reality TV as the main topic, but the same principles do apply to scripted television, commercials, and feature films.
How do you get a job on a film set? Great question. Most people don't know where to start, but luckily we have something called the internet to give us access to hundreds or resources that will lead us to the right place. Early on I was introduced to StaffMeUp. StaffMeUp is an online resource for film crew patrons to build a credits list, post jobs, and submit resumes for potential gigs.
Here's a list of the site's key functions:
- Network with other SatffMeUp users
- Update your availability
- Keep a credits list of shows and positions you've worked in the past
- Search for specific video production jobs in specific locations
- Post video production jobs if you're hiring
- Set up alerts to notify you when a job you qualify for opens up in an area you serve
In the photo above you see a basic search for any video production job near Seattle, WA. You can see in the first listing that a production company is producing something for the NFL and they need an AC (Assistant Camera) for two days starting August 13th, and that it was posted August 10th. You can also see that the type of production is REALITY/DOC (TV).
If you find a job you're interested in, you can simply look through the details of the job and apply if you feel you qualify for the position. (Go sign up for a free account just to see the website from the inside. Add me in your network! Just search Carter Yocham once you create a profile HERE)
THIS IS ONLY ONE RESOURCE
Please realize, this is only a single resource to find video production jobs. Fortunately, this is a pretty dang good one, and you should be able to find work no matter what.
WHAT POSITION DO I APPLY FOR?
Generally speaking, your first job on a video production will be a (PA) Production Assistant. The way I like to explain to people what their job duties are is to ask them to think of the people they see on TV with headsets, carrying coffee and a notepad doing everything for the 'important' people. This is a picture of me on my first Reality TV gig for History Channel. Think I would be holding a camera? Me too. But no! I'm holding a 46 lbs. catfish. This is what I mean by "doing everything for the important people." You might have the opportunity to hold a camera, change a battery, fix a light or help with the Art Department. But be prepared to do ANYTHING that production asks you to do unless you want to be fired!
Now that you've created your profile on StaffMeUp, take a look through the site and figure out how it works. Set up your profile and add any credits to your profile to start building your resume.
YOU NEVER KNOW
Don't be afraid to apply for jobs, PA jobs specifically. A lot of productions are willing to hire someone with NO experience because honestly, they just need an extra hand. Many times you might be the only one applying for a job. If you're willing to drive to a different location, make sure you mention that in your cover letter.
In my next blog, I will talk about HOW TO BE A GOOD PRODUCTION ASSISTANT. I'll share a few key tips a tricks I've learned to out-do my competition and get hired over and over again. We'll talk about set lingo, film equipment, job duties and more.
Follow me on Instagram @carteryocham and keep up with my latest adventures.
If you get hired for a production job before my next blog post, feel free to contact me and I'd love to give you some info on how to succeed on your first film job.