In order to break into the film industry, having a film-specific resume and portfolio is an essential asset through which you can present your experience. Unlike corporate resumes, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” format in film. Instead, a film resume focuses on creative and production experience, highlighting both on-set and off-set work as well as industry-specific skills. Think of it as your professional story: a record of your work, your credibility, and your potential.
Whether you’re applying for a grant, joining a union or guild, or sending your resume to a production office, read these tips to learn how to get started building a resume and portfolio.
The four Ts of tackling resumes
When preparing your film resume, keep these four guiding steps in mind:
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Track: Research the production details: what’s the genre, budget, or who are the key personnel? This helps tailor your application.
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Target: Identify the correct person or department who should receive your resume.
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Tailor: Adjust your resume for the role, emphasizing the most relevant skills.
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Trim: Remove irrelevant or outdated experience unless it demonstrates transferable skills.
Resume vest Practices
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Submit as PDF only and use a clear file name.
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Include clickable links (email, website, IMDb, LinkedIn, demo reels) and ensure they work.
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Photos are not required (unless submitting for a role as a performer).
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Match keywords to the job posting.
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Keep it succinct: ideally one page, no more than two.
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List credits in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
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Proofread and maintain consistent formatting.
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Ask permission before listing references.
- Be ready for a follow-up call: producers and coordinators often move quickly.
Structuring Your Film Resume
Here’s a common structure you can follow:
1. Contact Information
- Name, phone, email, location (city, province)
- Include any union, guild and industry membership or affiliations
- Optional: LinkedIn, personal website, demo reel (if using hyperlinks make sure they work!)
2. Production Credits
- Always list production credits by most recent first.
- Include production title, type (feature, series, MOW etc.), duration or year, role, key/head of department or supervisors.
- Separate student projects from professional experience wherever possible.
3. Film-Adjacent, Honorary, Board Experience or Other Relevant Experience
- Mention any prior experience tied to the film industry that illustrates your knowledge.
- If you are just starting in film, work that demonstrates transferrable skills applicable to motion picture can be included as you build your experience.
4. Education + Training
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Include only relevant film school or industry training.
5. Certifications
- Traffic Control Person (TCP), Motion Picture Orientation Program (MPIO), WHMIS, and any film industry-approved and required certifications. Always ensure your certificates are not expired.
6. Volunteer Experience
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Include festival volunteering, on-set help, or community contributions.
7. Additional Sections
- Hard skills: driver’s license, languages, equipment/software expertise.
- Awards and nominations.
8. References
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Always ask in advance. Having a familiar and trusted name on your resume goes a long way in the tight-knit film industry.
Where to Find Resume Examples
If you’re unsure how to format your film resume, these resources provide sample templates and requirements:
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DGC BC Member Database: Searchable by department, from Production Assistant to Director.
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IATSE 891 Permittee and Membership Pages: Check each department for application requirements.
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ICG 669 Membership and Trainee Program: Includes a sample resume.
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Vancouver Post Alliance Member Directory: Publicly searchable by expertise.
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IATSE 856 Trainee Resume Guide: : General tips and sample resume.
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Canada Council for the Arts: Offers resume guidance for grant applicants.
Six Tips for Building Your Portfolio
Your portfolio or showreel is the visual complement to your resume: it shows, rather than tells, what you can do. The format and content of your portfolio may depend on the type of role you are applying for, as well as your past experience. For example, if you’re applying for a costuming role, your portfolio can include sketches, final designs, pictures of finished garments, or videos of your garments in use. Keep in mind the specificities of the job and focus on quality, not quantity.
Your application will benefit from including a showreel, where you can collect the work that best demonstrates your skills and abilities. Follow these tips to make it effective:
1. Keep it short
Highlight only your best work. Most recruiters have limited time, so focus on quality over quantity.
2. Focus on the opening
The first few seconds are crucial. Make sure the opening shot, image, or piece of work grabs attention.
3. Think about the audience
Consider who will be viewing your portfolio. It might be a producer, an art director, or a junior staffer. Tailor your content to appeal to them.
4. Check how it looks online
If you’re hosting your work on a portfolio site, check how it displays when the link is opened. Surrounding content can affect first impressions.
5. Ask a friend of a friend for feedback
Show your work to someone unfamiliar with you and ask for their first impressions. This helps identify how your portfolio is perceived by fresh eyes.
6. Keep it up to date
Broken or outdated links frustrate employers. Regularly update your showreel or portfolio with your latest work.
Final Takeaway
Your resume and portfolio are essential components when applying for a role in the film industry. Keep them professional, clear, and relevant to your film career goals. Updating them regularly and tailoring them to each opportunity will help you stand out in a competitive field.
