How to land your next film crew job
How to land your next film crew job
One of the challenging things about working in the film/tv industry is that you are most always looking for the next job/gig unless you happen to be lucky enough to work on a six month tv-series or the next Marvel movie that has an extended shooting schedule.
How does one land that next job/gig/position as an AD, UPM etc?
Below I have come up with a list of ways you can use to secure that next job.
Know someone who is hiring. For better or worse this is the number one way to land your next job. Who do you know that is in a hiring position and is the "decision maker" on a project that is in development or in pre-production? Even if they don't currently have a job opening..they may have an opening tomorrow or next week or next year. Maintaining relationships with people over the years and reminding them you exist can be paramount to securing that job that is currently vacant. More than just knowing this person who is hiring...is the person you know excited to consider you because you did an awesome job the last time you worked for them? People want to hire people they know who are great to work with...plain and simple.
Know someone who knows someone who is hiring. If I'm in a position to hire someone and all the people I know are currently booked, the next method of securing that position is to ask others for trusted referrals. The referral is very important because it's easier to trust other crew member referrals than a resume of someone I have never worked with. A referral could come from anyone really. I was once referred as a 1st AD by the craft service person...
Apply for positions on Facebook. Yes I know not everyone uses facebook, however there are hundreds of film facebook groups and many groups specifically for ADs, Production, Line Producers etc. The great thing about facebook groups is that by joining these groups they will notify you of new posts.
Apply for positions on Film Crew websites. Sites like staffmeup.com, Mandy.com, IMDbpro.com are just a few of the many film crew websites out there were you can search by position and area etc.
Check local film commission job listings. Many cities and states that have a film commission will also list an email that you can send your resume for upcoming projects and sometimes they might even list specific positions that are vacant.
Update your avail on the DGA Avail List. If you are a member of the DGA you can list yourself as available once you login to the website in the availability section. Producers and UPMs occasionally will look at this list when trying to fill certain vacancies.
Secure an Agent. Agents can broaden your network and help you to land meetings with Producers and Directors that once may have been impossible to get.
Join a committee, organization etc. Expand your network and meet other people in the film industry by staying active and contributing in various ways that allow you make new connections.
Research projects that get green-lit. Occasionally films that are about to go into production will be announced on the trades such as Deadline or Hollywood Reporter. In addition to the trades you can search IMDbpro to see what projects are tracking and contact producers and UPMs that list their contact info. Occasionally you may notice someone you know who is attached to a project which could lead to an open door.
Remind people you exist. This is different for everyone but finding that way to network online or in person is important to stay present in people's mind. Follow your favorite crew members on instagram or send an email/text to people with your updated resume letting them know you are avail and looking for work.