Entering the movie industry can be both exciting and daunting due to its variety of roles and career paths. Here are several steps you can take to navigate a film career pathway in the creative industries, specifically in movies. The trick is to find which route might be the best fit for you:
Explore Various Roles:
Meet filmmakers
Meeting filmmakers who are a step or two ahead of you is a great eay to advance your career. Probably the best place to meet is at film festivals, like Raindance. Att4end as many festival industry events and networking events and see if you can
Educational Background:
Formal education at a film school can provide a comprehensive overview of the film industry and hands-on experience in different roles. It’s also a great place to meet future collaborators. Alternatively, short courses in specific areas such as screenwriting, directing, producing or digital cinematography are recommended. Raindance offers many such short film courses. You gain valuable information in a short time frame allowing you to hone your interests without braking the bank.
Film Schools and Educational Resources:
- • British Film Institute (BFI): A cornerstone in the UK film industry offering training programs, funding, and hosting the BFI Film Academy for young aspiring filmmakers.
- • National Film and Television School (NFTS): One of the top film schools in the UK, offering numerous courses in various aspects of filmmaking.American Film Institute (AFI): Offers prestigious programs in cinematography, directing, editing, producing, production design, and screenwriting.Skillset
- Since 1992, Raindance has offered be-spoke film training, both short classes and degree programmes.
Gain experience
Start gaining experience by working on student films, local productions, or creating your own projects. This hands-on experience is invaluable and provides insights into the practical aspects of filmmaking.
Networking:
Overcome the introvert side of you and become a professional networker.
Connect with professionals in the industry through workshops, seminars, film festivals, and social media platforms. Networking can provide mentorship opportunities and insights into the daily workings of different roles.
Networking and Professional Groups:
- BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts): Offers a range of networking events, masterclasses, and mentorship programs for emerging filmmakers.
- Women in Film and Television (WFTV): A UK network dedicated to supporting women working in the creative media industries.
- BIFA (British Independent Film Awards) events and mentorship.
- Directors Guild of Great Britain (DGGB)Provides resources for film directors and offers a training program for assistant directors.
- WBGB (The Writers Union) events, resources and support for writers.
Actors Equity: Local branches and networks for performers. - LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals, join groups related to film and media, and participate in discussions.
• Internships and Apprenticeships:
Gaining relevant experience is a great way to embark on a successful film career pathway.. Look for internships or apprenticeships in production companies, film studios, or with independent filmmakers. These positions can provide a closer look at specific roles and help build professional connections.
- Mandy Network: Provides listings for jobs and internships in the film and TV industry.
- EntertainmentCareers.Net: Offers a variety of internships and job opportunities in the entertainment industry, including many in film production and post-production.
Film London Jobs Board: a good place to find film jobs from around the country - Creative Lives in Progress: A centralised hub for entry-level and junior creative opportunities
- ProductionHUB: A global network for finding crew members, vendors, and clients in the film industry.
- Staff Me Up: A popular site for finding production jobs in television and film.
- Local Film Offices and Organisations:
Job Opportunities:
- My First Job In Film: A platform for finding internships, trainee positions, and entry-level jobs in the UK film industry.
- The Unit List: Posts job listings for UK-based production work, including entry-level positions suitable for those starting out.
- The Talent Manager: Provides job listings and personal profiles geared toward the UK’s television and film production industry.
- Creative England: Lists job opportunities and also provides funding and support for film projects across England.
Join Film Communities:
Participate in online forums, local film clubs, or social media groups focused on film making. These communities can be great resources for advice, collaboration, and staying updated on industry trends.
- Shooting People: A vibrant network for independent filmmakers in the UK, providing resources, forums, and funding opportunities.
- The Dots: A professional network for people in creative industries, including film, where you can showcase your work and connect with potential collaborators and employers.
- Reddit: Subreddits like r/Filmmakers provide a platform for amateur and professional filmmakers to discuss and share insights about the industry.
- Join Raindance: Loads of freebies, discounts and mentorship
Reflect on Personal Strengths and Interests:
Consider personal skills and interests in relation to the demands and rewards of different roles in the industry. Some film career roles may require strong technical skills, while others might be more creative or administrative.
Stay Informed and Adaptable:
The film industry is continuously evolving with technological advancements and changing market trends. Reading the trade papers keeps you informed about these changes . You’ll also learn about new tools, methods, and ideas can help in finding a niche and staying relevant. Film industry trade paper are the key way to track trends as well as relevant news.
Trade papers that Raindance follow:
Online Learning Platforms:
A quick Google on any topic will bring up a host of online tutorials. some are free, and on others you need to pay.
- FutureLearn: Offers courses in partnership with UK universities and institutions, including filmmaking and film studies.
- BBC Academy: Provides free online training resources covering various aspects of broadcasting and filmmaking.
Film Festivals and Workshops:
This is a great pathway to a film career. Attend festivals, meet filmmakers and hear their pearls of wisdom in their Q&A’s and masterclasses.
- Sundance Institute: Offers labs and workshops for up-and-coming filmmakers and is also associated with the famous Sundance Film Festival.
- South by Southwest (SXSW): Hosts conferences, festivals, and competitions that provide filmmakers with opportunities to network and showcase their work.
- Edinburgh International Film Festival: Offers a talent development program, networking events, and showcases for new filmmakers.
- Raindance Film Festival:: In addition to a bust part-time and degree film education programme, Raindance hosts the annual Indie Film Forum – a ten day event with panels, seminars and networking events.
Local Film Offices and Organisations:
Every region has it own film office. Here are two:
These UK-focused resources and organisations provide targeted support and opportunities that can be invaluable for someone looking to break into and navigate a film career pathway.
Explore the Raindance film career pathway
A taster evening; 99 Minute Film School – a single evening explaining how the film industry works.
A taster One Day Masterclass: Saturday Film School – discover the ins-and-outs of writing, directing and producing a film in an information packed and entertaining day
The Raindance 2 year Higher National Degree: a students entry point to Higher Education
Study filmmaking or acting over 2 years at one of our 3 international campus’! This is a full-time University level course. Through Raindance, students will have the opportunity to attend renowned courses delivered by industry professionals and attend our networking events to develop further opportunities.
The Raindance BA in Filmmaking or Performance: The Raindance Film School Top-Up BA (Hons) in Film and Performing Arts Practices is a one year practical course. It’s been designed to provide aspiring, and existing, Film and Performing Arts practitioners the opportunity to develop their existing academic or professional experience up to BA level in a chosen pathway or pathways (producing, directing, screenwriting or acting).
The Raindance MA: Study your MA in Filmmaking or Screenwriting at Raindance Film School (accredited by De Montfort University). They are 21st-century degrees for filmmakers, entrepreneurs, creatives and future academics wishing to upskill or transition into the film and digital media industry. These programmes provides a unique opportunity for you to benefit from the experience of Industry Experts across the world, whilst developing your personal professional practice, as well as your research and independent study skills.
Photo Credit: Bertie Watson
Few people know more filmmakers and screenwriters than Elliot Grove. Elliot is the founder of Raindance Film Festival (1993) and the British Independent Film Awards (1998) and Raindance London Film School (2017). He has produced over 700 hundred short films and seven feature films: the multi-award-winning The Living and the Dead (2006), Deadly Virtues (2013), Amber (2017), Love is Thicker Than Water (2018), the SWSX Grand Jury Prize winner Alice (2019) The Effects of Lying 2022 and Evil Sea (2023.. He teaches screenwriting and producing in the UK, Europe, Asia and America.
Elliot has written three books which have become industry standards: Raindance Writers’ Lab: Write + Sell the Hot Screenplay, now in its second edition, Raindance Producers’ Lab: Lo-To-No Budget Filmmaking and Beginning Filmmaking: 100 Easy Steps from Script to Screen (Professional Media Practice).
In 2009 he was awarded a PhD for services to film education.
Elliot teaches one of the most popular courses at Raindance Film School: Screenwriters Foundation Certificate
