You might call yourself a filmmaker, but that doesn’t stop you from only working in the film industry. Throughout your career, you will likely work in various media.
That’s because your filmmaking skills are in demand within other creative sectors. However, you will find that it is slightly different to find work in these other areas. It can also be helpful to branch out your income as a freelance filmmaker.
To help you make the most of your career, we have created this guide on how to find work within each creative industry.
Film
First, the film industry includes features, shorts, and both professional and independent projects. There are around 500 feature films shot in the US each year, and the numbers for short films are much higher.
This is good news for filmmakers; feature film work alone amounts to thousands of jobs. Nevertheless, keep in mind that the majority of this work is freelance and project-based. So many filmmakers work with a handful or more clients each year.
To work successfully in the film industry, you must develop your skills in an industry job role. Start by finding entry-level experience and training in this role.
Television
TV drama, unscripted TV, and live sport all fall under the television industry. You will find that many people working in these areas will be self-employed. However, unlike film, there are full-time jobs in television.
These full-time jobs will likely be in admin roles. However, you will find in-house film crew staff for recurring television shows, such as soap operas and sports.
It is possible to work in both film and TV at the same time. Nonetheless, TV producers would prefer you to have TV work experience. In short, for any creative sector, it is helpful to have some work experience even if your job is the same.
To start your career in the television industry, you can work any entry-level job role. The entry-level job roles in television are PA or runner. To find out more, check out our work experience guide.
Animation
Animators can work in many creative areas, such as film, TV, and adverts. They can also use any style to animate, from stop motion to digital effects. So, animation skills are highly versatile and in demand across creative sectors.
If you want to learn how to animate, you can start by watching online tutorials. You can teach yourself the basics, but you might wish to take a film course.
Before applying for animation work, you would need to put together an online portfolio. Like with all creative sectors, it’s important to find some general work experience.
Most animators are self-employed, but full-time staff positions are available at big film companies. It is also possible to work in animation and other creative sectors. For example, sound designers can work across film, TV, and the games industry.
Commercial
Another similar industry sector is commercials or adverts. The job roles on these film sets are the same as on film and TV. However, some companies hire full-time staff as part of their in-house team. This team includes directors, so it’s possible to be a full-time director.
You can move into this type of work directly from film or TV. Although, if you are looking for work experience, you might find it on the career pages of company websites.
This industry is close to music video production. So, many commercial directors begin their careers by making music videos for their portfolios. It’s possible to work in both film, TV, and commercials. In addition, this type of work often pays well and follows union guidelines.
VFX
Visual Effects hires more people than the film industry. You will notice a long list of credits belonging to the VFX team at the end of any major film.
Unlike other creative roles, the VFX workforce is highly qualified, and the majority of them have degrees. However, you can still teach yourself these skills by using online tutorials.
Before applying for jobs in VFX, you must create a portfolio. Internships are also typical when first working in this industry. You can find internships on the careers pages of VFX companies. The entry-level roles in VFX are office runner, CGI assistant, and modeling artist.
Games
Games are the fastest growing creative industry. You can find game developers in every state and region, from major brands like Nintendo to independent creators. This sector hires a wide range of skills that have much in common with the film industry.
The jobs that cross over from film to games are writer, director, concept artist, music composer, and sound designer. The game industry also hires a marketing and sales team similar to film. Entry-level games jobs are games tester, games runner, and PA.
To work in game design and development, you will need a degree in 3D modeling or create a portfolio to show off to employers. You will be able to find work by searching for game companies and checking out their websites for opening positions.
Events
The events industry also hires a variety of film roles, for example, in the lighting and camera team. Plus, the events industry is vast, including shows such as theatre, live music, fashion, and sports.
You will find that some event companies hire a full-time crew, such as directors and editors. So, it’s possible to work in both the events and film industry. However, like with all jobs, having work experience tailored to the same creative area is helpful.
You can find work in the events industry on job sites or by searching event companies and directly applying. Event work is often freelance and done on a job-by-job basis. Although, you will find that companies repeatedly hire the same people for work.
Wrapping Up
How your career develops might be different from what you expect. But it is reassuring that you can work across a range of creative industries.
There will likely be many new jobs for filmmakers in the future, such as in virtual reality and new media. What matters is that you keep developing your skills and continue to learn throughout your career.