I always feel proud when people ask me what do I do and I reply I am a film producer.
But that proud feeling was not always there for me in the beginning. I remember the days when I was just starting off looking to work in the entertainment industry and however frustrated and overwhelmed I felt about attempting to make it the industry. People would constantly tell me this is tough business to get into or it is all about who you know. Now I agree there is some true to these statements, however, from my five years so far of industry experience the biggest stumbling block for those looking to transition into the industry is LACK OF THE RIGHT INFORMATION.
Once you have the right information, everything in life becomes easier. So this article will give you some of the right information you might need to find work within the film and television industry. These websites are not in any particular order but just good solid sources for emerging filmmakers to build your work experience and skills.
4. Mandy.com (International)
Mandy.com has been around since 1995 and was the first database of film/TV technicians and facilities on the web. The site offers a wide variety of services and resources for film industry people all around the world like:
A) Yellow pages of technicians and facilities. Search for "Sound recordists in
Scotland", "Camera rental in South-West USA", or "Producers in Asia Pacific specializing in TV Documentaries".
B) Casting calls searchable by actor age and ethnicity.
C) Search for current job vacancies in film / TV production in your area.
D) Buy/Sell your production equipment.
E) Database of Films and TV Programs for sale. It assists independent producers find niche sales in our fragmenting marketplace.
Once you have your resume on file with mandy.com it is quite easy to search and apply for both paying and non-paying work.
3. Variety The Biz (Canada & U.S.)
This website reminds me of workpolis.com but for the entertainment industry. Again once you have setup a profile and uploaded your resume, searching and applying for work becomes quite easy. I find that the majority of the jobs advertised on this site are more office/internship type of positions with very little to no on-set production work. However, if the office/internship type work is something that interests you. Then you should check out the Variety career site.
2. EntertainmentCareers.net (U.S. only)
This site provides job seekers with hundreds of entertainment jobs and internships opportunities. The positions available range from associate producer to audio engineer. From a non-paying gaffer position to part time receptionist and everything in between. If you live or plan to live in the LA or NY area, this is a great resource for seeking a wide variety of entertainment industry jobs. Another cool thing about this site is the several of the big Hollywood studios, TV networks and production companies post job openings here.
1.Craigslist.org (International)
Thank God for craigslist. I am sure a lot of us have benefited one way or another from using craigslist. Just in case you have not heard of or used craigslist, it has free online classified advertisements with sections devoted to jobs, housing, personals, for sale, services, community, gigs, resumes, and discussion forums. It serves 570 cities in 50 countries. Once you go on the site and find the city/area that interests you, search the following sections for film/TV jobs:
- TV/film/video
- crew
- writing
- talent
It might take you sometime to sift through all the job ads to find the ones the interest you but apart from that craigslist is a great place for newbies and more experienced industry players to find work and build both their resume and skills set.
