Thursday 10 September 2015

2.3 – Outline the potential progression routes into the film industry and wider sector


What could be your potential progression route into the film industry?


Getting into the industry can be difficult; it’s about who you know and how you come across. Making a good, lasting impression is what will get you more work as people will keep requesting you. It requires dedication and grasping opportunities.

Runner: make contacts, get names out, fill CV, experience on-set, get to know how sets/companies work

Film school: learn skills needed on set

Work on short films: large role in small projects, learn skills at own pace

Runner -> 3rd/2nd AD -> 1st AD -> director

Runner -> AC -> Cam Op -> DoP

Write short films -> write screenplay

There is the option of getting stuck in as a runner/camera assistant and doing your time, working your way up the ladder. The good thing about this is that I may get to be involved in big projects and end up with great credits on my CV, learning from top names in the industry. However it does take a long time to progress into a role where I have creative input. On the other hand, if I want be to be involved in the creative process from the beginning, I could set up as a freelancer and work on as many small projects as possible. This meant that I will be problem solving and learning a lot on the job.

Producing online content is a great way to create professional development opportunities. Once your videos gain some attention, companies and individuals come to me with projects they want me to be involved with...

The creative media sector is growing, meaning the line between traditional film and modern media is beginning to blur. Original Netflix’s shows are testament to this; streaming television only available online is an entire new phenomenon.

A degree in Media Studies or a more specialised degree will be of value especially if it has a work- experience or gap year within it.


The BFI Film Academy is a very useful way of finding out what aspect I may be interested in and what course, internship or apprenticeship to apply for as well as ideas about work experience and general ways of making contacts and adding skills to my CV

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