If you don’t have film experience, any paid or volunteer experience that shows you have stamina, a strong work ethic, service orientation and excellent soft skills (attitude, team player, people skills, and dependability) make a great fit for the motion picture industry. Taking motion picture courses like the Motion Picture Industry Orientation Course (MPIO) can provide a helpful introduction to the industry.
There is a lot to understand in the world of motion picture production so stay positive, alert and humble, be patient and curious, and listen carefully. There’s no such thing as a silly question when you’re starting out, particularly when it comes to working safely.
Having a driver’s license and a reliable vehicle or mode of transportation is important to get to and from set safely, since filming can happen on location where public transportation is not available.
There are six Unions and Guilds in B.C. that represent different departments on set. Contact the Union or Guild directly or read their website to understand the requirements needed to join.
Entry-level work in physical production usually begins as a Production Assistant (PA) in the Locations department or the Production Office though with how large this industry is. The Directors Guild of Canada, BC Chapter (DGC BC) is a key entry point for those looking to enter the workforce as a Production Assistant. Learn more about their Permittee Logbook Holder Program and get important information including Getting Started in the Industry and Your First Day on Set.
Finding Production Work & Building Experience
To find work on set look for opportunities in commercials, corporate videos, digital content, music videos, independent films, short films, short film competitions, and student films.
The film adjacent sector can also offer opportunities with film festivals, industry organizations, service and supply and beyond to build connections and work experience.
Volunteer work can be invaluable when you don’t have work experience to build your resume and make important contacts that may lead to paid work. When job hunting and volunteering, it is important to understand what you are agreeing to, what your duties will be, and who you will be working with. Get to know as much as you can about your role and the impact of production to be a positive representative for both production and crew.
In Production Lists
There are are number of free production lists updated on a weekly basis which can be cross-referenced including:
Resumes
Resumes for the motion picture industry look different from a standard resume. If you are unfamiliar with the format, examples can be found on union websites in their permittee or membership sections, and can be specific to the department of interest. Some positions will also require a portfolio or demo reel.
Collect some good character and work references for your resume, be sure to tailor your resume to the role, and highlight your relevant skills and certificates needed for the position.
Helpful Links to Get Started
- For PA work connect with BCPAX – British Columbia Production Assistant Exchange
- Being an extra / background performer can be a way to get on set and get a feel for the rhythm of production. You can learn more about background performing here and research agents through the Vancouver Actors Guide
- Short film competitions bring experienced industry talent and new entrants together. There are a number of established organizations and competitions such as Crazy8s, Might Asian Moviemaking Marathon, Vancouver Short Film Festival and Run N Gun that open up calls for crew members each year
- Commercial contacts can be found at the Commercial Production Association of Western Canada (CPAWC)
- Working at an equipment rental house can provide a solid, technical foundation with the gear used on set while also building a network of contacts within the industry
- Social Media Groups may post volunteer and paid work, events, and workshops
- Setwork opportunities are announced on the Creative Pathways™ opportunities page and the website. Sign-up for alerts through our newsletter so you don’t miss out
- Bookmark and explore the Creative Pathways™ opportunities page
- Add yourself to a crew directory or regional crew list by clicking here
- Research contacts through the Creative BC Knowledge Hub for Motion Picture database
- B.C. has 8 provincially-funded regional film commissions. For the film commissions in your area which may also have resources specific to your locale and to put yourself on their crew list, visit the Regions page here.
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Internships, Mentorships & Community
Many productions, including the larger, unionized productions do not accept unpaid volunteers or shadowing opportunities. There may be some production companies open to more formalized internship opportunities, and one place to start research can be the CMPA’s membership database.
Alternatively, student and independent films, local independent filmmaker societies and film competitions may provide informal internships. More established mentorship programs can become available through industry organizations, click on the Creative Pathways™ Opportunities page for relevant postings or visit the Creative BC Knowledge Hub to research industry organizations.
View the different communities you can become connected to and the organizations specific to each in this list below:
