You love a good movie. A captivating TV drama. An in-depth documentary. Even commercials make you sit up and pay attention. And now you want to make your passion for film your profession.
The film industry—be it movies, commercials, TV, mobile media, or even corporate media—is full of options for talented and hardworking people like you. We’ve compiled a list of 5 of our favorite jobs in the film industry to give you an idea of what to expect.
Director
The Director is the person who is ultimately responsible for making a script come alive. They have a deep understanding of the script (and often write it!) and instinctively know how to interpret it. They are both storytellers and team leaders and are the driving force behind every production.
The job of a Director is different with every single production, but it usually involves things like:
- Pitching ideas to potential investors
- Help selecting cast, crew and location
- Script editing
- Working with the crew to manage the technical aspects of film
- Working with actors to perfect their performance
- Working with editors in post production
A Director has to have great creative vision, passion and dedication to make their vision of the final production become alive. They are ultimately responsible for a film’s artistic and commercial success or failure.
Is this a fit for you?
If you have a solid understanding of visual storytelling, great communication skills, leadership skills, are good under extreme pressure and have extensive understanding of the entire film making process, this beautiful but challenging role could be for you.
Grip
To put it simply, a grip is a technician who provides camera and lighting support. They are responsible for building and maintaining all the equipment that supports cameras — some of which are dollies, tracks, cranes, and rigs — as well as working with the electrical department to create set-ups for lighting.
A grip department is led by the Key Grip, who oversees the rest of the crew: the Best Boy who functions as chief assistant to the Key Grip, the Grip, who specializes in camera and lighting rigging, and the Dolly Grip, who is in charge of working with the camera dolly.
Is this a fit for you?
You are a natural problem solver and keep calm under pressure. You are energetic, physically fit and strong in order to be able to move and handle heavy equipment, and have a lot of stamina. You have extensive technical knowledge and like fixing and building things. Sounds like you? Then you might want to consider pursuing this career path after graduation.
Location Manager
The Location Manager is responsible for finding, securing and supervising locations for film, TV, or commercial productions. Their responsibilities range from finding the perfect location(s), negotiating rates, submitting permits, getting insurance, and restoring the location to its original state once production folds — a tricky job sometimes, especially if the filming includes a war scene!
Is this a fit for you?
If you don’t mind adapting your personal to your work schedule as jobs can be last minute and you don’t work set hours, are ready to learn a lot about real estate, are a born negotiator with exceptional people skills, and have solid business skills, you could be a great fit for this role.
Camera Operator
Camera Person, Shooter, Camera Operator…. However you call them, the clue is in the name. The Camera Operator is the person who shoots the action on a set. They also work closely with the Director of Photography to spot any problems that can occur with lighting and focus.
They are also the first in line to see if anything — hair, costume, make-up — needs to be fixed when a shooting starts, and it’s their job to notify the other departments before time and money is spent.
Is this a fit for you?
You have a keen eye for detail and know your equipment intimately. You get the job done without drama and work well under pressure. Do you think that’s you? You might be a great fit to become a Camera Operator once you graduate.
Producer
The Producer is in charge of the business side of filmmaking. They are the ones who are responsible for the budget, timeline, and — in conjunction with the Director — the quality of the finished product.
The responsibilities of a Producer are too many to list, but they include:
- Finding and pitching projects to raise money
- Hiring and overseeing staff
- Coordinating the activities of writers, the director, actors, managers, and the film crew
- Overseeing the budget, schedule, and marketing
Is this a fit for you?
You have outstanding communication and decision-making, and time management skills and like to oversee a project from start to finish. You also possess advanced management and fundraising skills and are a savvy deal-maker. Is this you? Then you should think about pursuing this path after finishing your degree.
Prepare for a Career in the Film Business with a Digital Film Associate Degree
Do you feel you are the right fit for a career in the fast-paced film industry but don’t know where to start? Consider one of our accredited Digital Film program. In as little as 16 months you will become equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to get started in this exciting yet competitive industry.