GETTING SKILLS
Some entry-level roles in motion picture production are a combination of on the job-training and weekend workshops to supplement skills and increase your knowledge base. If you know what you re interested in, find out as much as you can about that department and position, including what skills and experience are required. Union websites are useful at this stage if they post departmental requirements for membership. You can look at those to determine what you need to learn. However, if you are interested in learning a specific craft, an accredited school will help you discover your talents and acquaint you with the important skills and prerequisites for your chosen career. For more information on the career path of your choice, contact the relevant institutions offering the program you re interested in. We recommend researching your options before committing to a program to ensure it a good fit, and that you get what you re looking for out of the experience: Educational Institutions
Carefully review what requirements may be needed to join any respective union or guild as you gain experience, should you wish to join one of them. You can read more about the 6 different unions and guilds by clicking here.
NETWORKING
There no way around it: the motion picture industry is a huge network. Make the most of your network to generate connections and contacts personal networks are key and can easily be widened with a little effort and courage. Growing your network can help you get experience and getting experience will grow your network.
You can gain a better understanding of the below-the-line, above-the-line, animation visual effects and post production communities to join.
Take every opportunity to attend industry events, forums and workshops. If you can’t afford the fees, volunteering is a great way to be involved and meet people. Contact film festivals, associations or film schools to learn about opportunities, to meet people or to acquire skills through volunteering:
- Vancouver International Film Festival
- Whistler Film Festival
- Women in Film and Television Vancouver – and their Vancouver International Women in Film Festival.
- DOXA Documentary Film Festival
- Crazy 8s filmmaking challenge
- Cineworks Independent Filmmakers Society
- Student productions: Contact film schools some film production programs have restrictions around non-students working on student films, but if volunteering on student productions is welcome, it’s a way to glean some knowledge from your fellow crewmates.
- Motion Picture Industry Career Expo– an information event presented by MPPIA (Motion Picture Production Industry Association) featuring industry companies, educators and labour organizations, providing timely insight and advice to students and professionals interested in working in screen based industries.
- The Celluloid Social Club
- Run and Gun Film Festival
- Documentary Organisation of Canada BC chapter (DOC-BC)– promotes the production of independent documentary films in BC.
Above all, do your research! Get to know the industry organizations, production companies, filmmaking initiatives, and other resources in your area of interest.
Some places to look are:
LEARN THE LANGUAGE
SOCIAL MEDIA
