Navigating Career Management in the Film & TV Landscape

Building Your Knowledge and Skills

Breaking into Hollywood requires a lot of persistence and a lot of patience.

And I do think you have to be kind of crazy.

But the real way to make a name for yourself is to just be a hard worker who does great work.

To do that, you may need some training.

• Writers: Immerse yourself in screenplays, novels, and plays to understand story structure, character development, and dialogue that resonates. Hone your craft through programs, workshops, and online resources.
• Directors: Develop a keen eye for visual storytelling. Analyze films across genres, dissecting camerawork, editing choices, and mise-en-scène. Filmmaking courses, independent projects, and working as a director's assistant offer invaluable experience.
• Producers: Master the art of the hustle. Understand budgeting, financing, scheduling, and the legalities of production. Explore producing workshops, internships with production companies, and shadowing established producers.
• Editors: Develop a sense of rhythm and pacing. Analyze films focusing on how editing choices shape the story, create suspense, and evoke emotion. Hone your editing skills through software tutorials, online courses, and hands-on experience with editing short projects.
• Cinematographers: Master the language of visual storytelling. Study different lighting techniques, camera movements, and lens choices to achieve striking, mood-setting visuals. Seek out cinematography workshops, collaborate on short films, and work as a camera assistant to gain valuable set experience.

Creating a Portfolio

While on your journey to break in, you're using the work you do to build a portfolio, and creating a reputation for yourself.

You can then show this to people to have them get to know you.

Portfolios will be different based on the kind of work you want to do in Hollywood.

• Writers: Draft spec scripts and create original pilots. Short films are fantastic platforms to showcase both your writing and ability to collaborate on a small scale.
• Directors: Direct short films, music videos, or even commercials. Every project serves as a stepping stone. Compile a director's reel that highlights your visual storytelling strengths and ability to work with actors and crew.
• Producers: Build your producing experience by attaching yourself to independent projects or student films. Showcase your ability to solve problems, manage budgets, and contribute meaningfully to the creative process.
• Editors: Assemble a dynamic reel that highlights your ability to create seamless transitions, build tension, and manipulate time and space within a narrative. Include projects that showcase your versatility across genres and styles.
• Cinematographers: Build a visually compelling reel that demonstrates your command of lighting, composition, and camera movement. Showcase your ability to collaborate with the director to realize their creative vision. Highlight your expertise with various camera systems and ability to adapt to different shooting environments.

Work on Your Relationships

We often highlight the important of relationship in Hollywood.

You have to network to have success and to find other people to work with and yo find support.

This step, to me, is the most important in all of your career building.

• Network Actively: Attend industry events, film festivals, and workshops. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to people and strike up conversations.
• Build Genuine Connections: Networking isn't just about collecting business cards. Focus on building genuine connections with people who share your passion for filmmaking.
• Find a Mentor: Seek out an established professional in your field who can offer guidance and support. This mentorship could be formal or informal, but their insights can prove invaluable.

Develop Smart Freelancing Habits

We all start in this business as freelance, moving job to job. And even the higher up you get, it kind of stays that way. you're always signing for your supper in some sense of the word.

You need to learn how to save and how to survive for a long time.

• Budget Wisely: Freelance income can be inconsistent. Learn to budget effectively, anticipating gaps between projects. Develop a realistic understanding of freelance rates in your field and region. And when the pay rises, keep budgeting! you may need it to last longer or longer.
• Develop Multiple Income Streams: Explore opportunities beyond your primary focus. Writers might offer script consulting, directors could shoot wedding videos, and producers can work as production assistants to fill the gaps—the list goes on and on.
• Diversify Your Skills: The more versatile you are, the more hirable you'll be. Be open to learning new skills or taking on additional roles in smaller productions. Can you write and direct? Can you produce what you write? Stay open.

Once You Break In, Nothing Changes

The idea that once you break in, nothing changes speaks to a common misconception about the entertainment industry—that breaking in is the finish line.

It's not.

It's actually the starting line, and everything you've done before is just training.

The film and TV industry is built on a project-to-project basis. Even established professionals continuously hustle for their next gig. The work is never consistent, so you need to be continuously networking, looking for opportunities, and proving your value with each project.