How To Write A Film Production Cover Letter

In this guide, we’ll explain the structure of a film production cover letter in detail, with a free template included at the end.

Did you know that even professional freelancers write cover letters? Unless you know the person hiring you, you will likely apply via a job site or email, so you need a cover letter. Also, you will need to adapt your cover letter per application.

Full-Time Jobs

Firstly, there are different types of jobs in the film industry, most notably full-time contracted positions and freelance work. If you apply for a full-time job, your application method will be longer and more formal.

In addition, full-time jobs tend to hire with online job applications. This generally means completing an online questionnaire before submitting your resume and cover letter. You must attach your resume as a PDF and copy/paste your cover letter into a text box.

When writing a cover letter for a full-time position, read the job description carefully. Full-time job descriptions tend to bullet point what they are looking for from a candidate, so make sure you touch upon all of them.

For example, if the job description asks for previous admin skills, write a sentence or two about past admin work experience.

Freelance Jobs

If you’re applying for a crew job role, you’re likely to be a freelancer. If so, this will mean working on a job-by-job basis on short-term contracts.

A cover letter for a freelance position is shorter and often less formal than one for a full-time job application.

This is because you will most likely be applying through a film job site or emailing people directly. Film job sites often have a smaller text space for cover letters. Alternatively, if you are sending a job application to someone’s inbox, the email itself is the cover letter.

To put it another way, when applying for freelance jobs, you don’t need to attach a cover letter to an email. Your email is the cover letter, and you only need to attach a resume.

Here is a list of differences:

• Freelance cover letters are shorter and less formal
• You will be sending out a lot of job applications every year
• The email text is the cover letter as opposed to an attachment
• You will attach your resume to the email in PDF format

Cover Letter Structure

Introduction

Firstly, introduce yourself with a simple hi or hello; you don’t need to be too formal. If you know the name of the person you are emailing, be sure to use it. In the first sentence of the cover letter, introduce yourself and state what position you’re applying for.

Example

Hello Thomas, my name is Amy Clarke, and I am applying for the script supervisor position on your upcoming production.

First Paragraph

You can mention some more details about yourself in the first few sentences, such as where you found the job, your location, your education, experience, and skills. Your goal is to let the reader know from the start that you are a great candidate that meets their requirements.

Example

I have 5 years of experience working on independent feature films and shorts. Including past experience working on films within your genre. I also live locally, and I am free during the production dates.

Second Paragraph

Write a second paragraph that gives additional reasons to hire you. Read through the job description and make sure to touch upon any job requirements. Also, film production job ads might ask what equipment you own or for a breakdown of previous experience on similar projects. Your goal is to show you can do the job well and are reliable.

Example

Additionally, I own my own car and have digital Script-E equipment. This allows me to quickly and accurately send all of my project files to the production office and editor at the end of each working day.

Call To Action

Lastly, your cover letter ends with a call to action. For example, attaching your resume or including a link to your showreel. You could also ask to meet up or set up a Zoom chat to discuss the project in more detail. Your goal is to encourage the reader to get in touch.

Example

Thank you for your time, I have attached my resume with a list of previous work credits. If you want to talk more about the project this week, I am happy to meet up, or we can organize a Zoom chat.

Attachments

Finally, if applying via email, make sure to attach your resume as a PDF. If needed, you can also place links to your portfolio or showreel. If you want to include links to social media or LinkedIn, you can do this with an email signature.

Summary

To sum up, cover letters are important. It could potentially be what’s standing between you and your new job. So, take your time when applying; it’s better to send out one great application than ten careless ones.