Hints and tips on working in the film and TV industry

The media industry offers a large variety of career opportunities covering television, film, video and interactive media. Each year thousands of people consider entering the industry - far more than there are jobs available. It is a very competitive world and if you want to get in and get on you will have to work hard and have 100% commitment. It is a tough industry and there's no space for people who are not prepared to contribute fully.

Media, television in particular, is the most powerful medium of mass communication. Thanks to technological advances, television is now extensively being used to entertain, inform, educate/train, market/advertise as well as providing a community service.

There are no hard or fast rules in terms of ways to enter the industry. There aren't any standard qualifications that would guarantee entry into the industry, but most people enter the industry after completing higher education courses such as BTEC, Degree or similar course in relevant areas. These people will still have started at a more practical level as a 'runner' or similar junior position and then gained experience as they progress.

Most of the time it's the case of being in the right place at the right time and having the skills wanted at that particular point. In this industry a lot of trust is called upon. The production manager or the person who is in charge needs to know you can work to a high standard, and very often under pressure. They have deadlines and it's important these are met which is why it is a hard industry to break into. You need to think about the route to follow, and remember people in the industry are flexible within their field and sometimes adapt and expand into more than one sector.

What should you do to give yourself the best start?

Try to get practical experience in anyway you can - write to the media companies that relate to you, i.e. TV Production CO's, Film CO's, Advertisement CO's, Promo CO's, Multi-Media CO's, etc. Get in touch with any related organisations you can - they may have a regular newsletter detailing current productions, funding schemes, workshops, local courses offered. Read the trade magazines and newspapers related to your field, for example in the TV/Film industry it would be recommended to read Broadcast, Screen International as well as the media supplements in The Independent (Wednesdays) and The Guardian (Mondays). Nearly all jobs within TV or Film sectors are on a self-employed freelance basis, which often involves chasing jobs against tough competition. Large numbers of freelances are only employed for short periods and many work for less than half of the year. The industry is an exciting, if unpredictable area to work within.

Be persistent - especially on TV or feature films. In most cases you will be applying to the production manager or head of department directly, so if you write a letter or send your C.V to them, follow it up with a telephone call. Other media is usually advertised so application is often the usual selection process.

Be prepared to prove yourself in the first instance - for example, in TV and film, remember you are the one who wants to learn. If you manage to get some work experience, make yourself invaluable. Don't sit around waiting to be told what to do - be observant and think about what needs doing - offer to make tea, do the photocopying or carry equipment. This will be appreciated and get you remembered, and hopefully, asked back in the future.

It is worthwhile undertaking some background reading before contacting potential employers directly or applying for courses specialising in media. Fortunately, there are many excellent publications available providing good background information on the industry and how it operates. You should read about the different areas and what each job entails - what you might think a certain job entails, may be quite different to what it actually is. Try to think about the area you would like to go into; for example, are you more technically minded or do you enjoy organisation and planning?

For further information on roles and job descriptions within the TV and film industry check out the rest of our Working in the Industry pages.