Breaking into Film & TV: 7 Essential Career Tips

Published on 18 July 2023 6 min read

1. Pick Your Path in Film and TV

2. Network with Industry Professionals

3. Create a Compelling Portfolio

6. Stay Abreast of Industry Trends

Dreaming of breaking into the captivating world of Film and TV? Whether you're drawn to the glitz of the silver screen or the small-screen drama, you're in the right place. This guide will give you seven handy tips for launching a successful career in film and TV. Let's dive in!

1. Pick Your Path in Film and TV

First things first — let's get this straight: the Film and TV industry is a vast ocean of opportunities. And just like a buffet spread, you can't possibly try everything at once. So, where do you start when breaking into the industry? Here's a simple plan:

Identify Your Passion

Is it directing, writing, producing, or acting? Maybe you're into cinematography, set design, or visual effects? Get specific about what excites you most about film and TV. This doesn't just help you focus, it also makes your journey more enjoyable.

Explore Multiple Roles

Once you know what you like, it's time to dig deeper. Don't just stick to the obvious roles. The industry has a lot more to offer. For example, if you're into writing, you could be a scriptwriter, a dialogue writer, or even a screenplay consultant.

Choose a Genre

Now, consider the type of content you want to create. Do you enjoy rom-coms, thrillers, documentaries, or fantasy? Choosing a genre can help guide your career direction and influence the kind of projects you work on.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to a career in film and TV. The important thing is finding what lights your fire and pursuing it with all you've got. Because, in the end, breaking into the industry: tips for launching a successful career in film and tv all start with your passion and dedication.

2. Network with Industry Professionals

Here's a little secret about breaking into the industry: it's not just about what you know, but who you know. Networking is a powerful tool in your arsenal.

Attend Industry Events

Get yourself out there. Attend film festivals, workshops, conventions, and award ceremonies. These are your opportunities to meet the movers and shakers of the industry. Don't be shy, strike up conversations and make connections.

Join Online Communities

Thanks to the internet, you can network from the comfort of your home. Join online forums, Facebook groups, or LinkedIn communities centered around film and TV. Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your thoughts.

Connect with Alumni

If you've attended a film school or a workshop, reach out to your fellow students or alumni. They might be working on interesting projects and could be looking for someone with your skill set.

Remember, networking is a two-way street. Don’t just approach people when you need something. Offer help, share your experiences, be genuinely interested in theirs. This isn't just a stepping stone for breaking into the industry, but for fostering long-term relationships that can support your career in film and TV.

3. Create a Compelling Portfolio

Breaking into the industry means showing off your talents. Think of your portfolio as your visual resume, a collection of your best work that showcases your skills and creativity.

Quality Over Quantity

It's tempting to include all your work in your portfolio, but remember: Quality over quantity. Every piece you include should be something you're proud of, something that represents your best work. Don't include something just to fill up space.

Organize Your Work

Don't just throw everything together—organize. Categorize your work by project type or by the role you played. If you're a director, separate your commercials from your short films. If you're a cinematographer, divide your work between lighting, composition, and camera operation.

Personalize Your Portfolio

Your portfolio is a reflection of you. Make it personal. Include a section about yourself, your journey in film and TV, and your career aspirations. This gives potential employers or collaborators a glimpse into who you are, not just what you can do.

Creating a compelling portfolio is an ongoing process. As you grow in your career, continually update it with your newest and best work. This is more than just a step in breaking into the industry—it's a vital part of building and maintaining a successful career in film and TV.

4. Seek Ongoing Education

Breaking into the industry doesn't mean you've finished learning. In fact, continuing to learn is a crucial part of a successful film and TV career. The industry evolves—new technologies emerge, trends shift, and storytelling techniques develop. To stay competitive, you need to evolve with it.

Formal Education

Consider continuing your formal education. Certificates, diplomas, and degrees in film, television, and related fields can provide a strong foundation. But remember, the real world of film and TV can be wildly different from the classroom.

Workshops and Seminars

Workshops, seminars, and masterclasses provide practical, hands-on experience. Learn from industry professionals who've been where you are and have made it to where you want to be. You'll gain insights you can't get anywhere else.

Online Learning

The internet is a treasure trove of information. There's a wealth of online courses, tutorials, and forums where you can learn new skills, keep up with industry trends, and even network with other professionals.

Never stop learning. In this industry, knowledge truly is power—the power to create, the power to innovate, and the power to succeed.

5. Apply for Internships

Interning is the film and TV industry's equivalent of dipping your toes into the water—it's your chance to learn on the job, gain real-world experience, and build relationships. Think of it as a practical extension of your ongoing education.

Experience and Exposure

Internships provide you with hands-on experience in the industry, from understanding the dynamics of a film set to learning the intricacies of post-production. Not only do you get a front-row seat to the action, but you also become part of the process. You'll get to see and participate in the making of film and TV projects—how cool is that?

Networking

Remember when we talked about networking? Well, internships are one of the best ways to start building those connections. You'll meet industry professionals who can guide you, mentor you, and maybe even offer you a job one day.

How to Find Internships

So, where do you look for these internships? Start with industry-specific job boards and websites. Also, don't forget to reach out to your network—professors, classmates, and even family and friends may know of opportunities.

Applying for internships in film and TV is an exciting step towards breaking into the industry. So, dust off that resume, get your portfolio ready, and start applying—you're one step closer to your dream!

6. Stay Abreast of Industry Trends

Just like fashion has its trends, so does the film and TV industry. If you want to keep up, you need to know what's hot and what's not. Staying current in the industry is not just about knowing the latest Netflix series or Oscar-winning movie, it's about understanding the subtle shifts in storytelling, technology, and audience tastes.

Why It's Important

Knowing the pulse of the industry can make you more versatile and adaptable. It can inform your creative decisions, inspire your work, and make you more appealing to potential employers or collaborators. After all, who doesn't want to work with someone who's got their finger on the pulse?

How to Stay Informed

So, how do you keep up with industry trends? Start by reading industry publications and following relevant websites. Attend film festivals, industry panels, and workshops. Stay active on industry-specific social media platforms. And, of course, watch films and TV shows—lots of them.

Be a Student of the Game

Remember, the film and TV industry is constantly evolving, and part of your job is to evolve with it. So, be proactive, be curious, and never stop learning. Keeping up with industry trends is more than just a career tip—it's a way of life when you're breaking into the industry.

7. Practice Persistence

In the world of film and TV, persistence isn't just a virtue—it's a necessity. This isn't an industry for the faint-hearted; rejection is a part of the game. You might have to go through numerous auditions, pitch meetings, or script revisions before you see any success. But don't let that deter you.

Why It's Important

Think of persistence as your silent partner in your journey of breaking into the industry. It's the driving force that keeps you going when things get tough. It's the trait that distinguishes the successful from the rest. In fact, many successful personalities in film and TV attribute their success to their relentless pursuit of their dreams.

How to Cultivate Persistence

So, how do you cultivate persistence? Start by setting clear, achievable goals. Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Celebrate your small victories—these can help you stay motivated. Learn to embrace failure as a learning opportunity, rather than a setback. And most importantly, never lose sight of your passion for film and TV.

Keep Going

Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your career in film and TV. It might take time, effort, and lots of patience. But if you keep pushing, keep learning, and keep striving, you'll find that breaking into the industry is not just a dream—it's a goal that's well within your reach.

If you're looking to kickstart your career in film and TV, don't miss Jessy Moussallem's workshop, 'Breaking Into Acting: 9 Tips for Aspiring Actors'. This workshop offers essential advice and practical tips for aspiring actors, helping you navigate the competitive world of film and TV acting with confidence.