How to Write a Film Resume (With Example)

Updated June 29, 2023

Film resumes typically require special sections to help your application stand out to employers. If you wish to work in the filmmaking industry, then it may be helpful to review key tips and information about how to prepare your resume. In this article, we discuss what film production is, what should and should not be included in a film resume and how to write a film resume with a resume sample.

What is film production?

Film production refers to each step of the filmmaking process, including screenwriting, casting, shooting, directing, editing and screening. A filmmaker is responsible for overseeing, making and developing motion picture productions to be released in theaters or on the small screen. Some film production job titles are:

What to include in a film resume

Film resumes should include a variety of experiences and qualifications. There are a few ways to make your resume stand out to potential employers. Here are some items you may want to include on your film resume:

Professional summary: This section will give a brief explanation of who you are, your experience and what you hope to accomplish with this new company or position.
Relevant qualifications: Your qualifications should be relevant to the job you are applying for. The qualifications section should be a list of 6-8 items that contain a combination of soft and hard skills.
Film credits: It is important to list completed film projects you have assisted with. This adds to your credibility and experience, especially if some of the films or shows are well-known or have won awards.
Education: Your experience in the film industry may be sufficient, but you should include any film-related education on your resume. Production companies will want to see that you have formal educational training in the art of filmmaking.

What not to include in a film resume

It is essential to eliminate items that do not add immediate value to your resume. Here is a list of some items that may be left out of your film resume:

Student projects

If you have a demonstrated history of completing film projects, then it is unnecessary to keep low-budget or unknown student films on your resume. The space on your resume should only be used for your most credible projects.

Any unnecessary personal information

It is best not to include your political views, marital status, social security number or other personal information that is irrelevant to the job you are applying for.

Non-industry jobs

If you have completed other jobs outside of the film industry, it is best to leave those jobs off your resume since potential employers will likely be uninterested in such information.

How to write a film resume

There are some essential components a film resume should have to help you stand out from other applicants. Here are some helpful steps you may take to help you write your film resume:

Choose a simple resume template.
Organize your film credits.
List specific qualifications.
Add professional film activities.

1. Choose a simple resume template

Using a template for your film resume will help you stay organized and assist the hiring manager with reviewing your provided work information quickly. Consider choosing a resume template that will allow you to fit your information on one page, preferably with these sections in the following order:

Contact information: Make sure your contact information is the first thing the hiring manager sees. You should include your name, city, state, email and phone number.
Professional summary: This section allows you the opportunity to introduce yourself and your relevant experience and skills. This section should be no more than three sentences.
Qualifications/skills: Include some qualifications and skills directly from the job description.
Selected projects: Potential employers will want to know which projects you have worked on to make sure you have the accurate working knowledge to handle the tasks in the position they are hiring for. Employers may also look into your projects and watch them to see if the projects you have completed are up to their standards of quality.
Experience: In the experience section, it is important to list your relevant experience first and give simple descriptions and accurate dates for each job.
Education: List your highest level of education in this section. You may list a master's and bachelor's degree if you have completed both programs and they are relevant to film.
Activities: If you belong to any guilds, organizations or well-known film clubs, you may add this information here.

Download Resume Template

To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.

2. Organize your film credits

Your film credits will be in the center of your resume. It is important to organize them by completion date and type since many filmmakers or film producers tend to have a mix of films, documentaries and television shows. You may also mention the genre of the film project, so the potential employer has an idea of which genres you are proficient in.

3. List specific qualifications

Film jobs often require you to complete many interdisciplinary tasks. The hiring manager will likely know the vast responsibilities you were required to complete in former positions. Try to keep this section relevant to the position you are applying for. Make sure the qualifications you list are specific and include the technical skills you have with certain equipment, software programs and other items.

4. Add professional film activities

Adding professional film activities you are involved in may help your resume and application stand out from others if the potential employer is familiar with the organization you are a part of. Some of these activities may be credible and distinguished in the film community and increase your chances of procuring an interview.

Sample film resume

Here is a sample film resume that you may reference as you write your own resume:Celine Johnson—Filmmaker
Los Feliz, CA
323-333-4444
c.johnson@email.comSummaryCreative and imaginative filmmaker and producer with 5 years of industry experience making short films, documentaries, and commercials. Demonstrated history working with the latest and most advanced video, audio, camera and editing equipment. Highly collaborative team member who enjoys each step of the production process and meets deadlines with ease.Qualifications

Film and television production
Script analysis
Film and sound editing expert
Establishing strong working relationships with cast and crew
Adobe Premiere, FinalCutPro4, Preproduction Software
Able to meet deadlines
Enthusiastic
Attentive to details
Strong communicator

EducationMaster of Fine Arts in Film Production, New Media Film School, Universal City, CA—2014Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Studies, Arizona Sun University, Phoenix, AZ—2012Selected ProjectsDirector / Producer
“Space between Clouds”–Digital Video Short Film
“Summer in a Hole”–Digital Video Short FilmProducer
“No Hope”–HD short documentary
“Dance Dance Alive”–HD Short FilmWriter/ Director
“Create and Shake”–Short P.S.A Producer
“We Were Here”–HD short documentary
“Alta Amy”–Short Film Technical DirectorExperienceDirector/Producer June 2016–current

Direct and coproduce films and commercials
Budget, plan and organize film shoots
Scout shooting locations and secure approval for scene locations
Assist with casting actors and hiring film crew
Provide final approval on edits, picture and sound

Production Assistant Aug 2014–June 2016

Assisted with set preparation, including props, light and other equipment
Helped directors, camera operators, set designers, costume designers and other crew members as needed
Answered calls and distributed scripts and call sheets daily

Graduate Student Intern Summer 2013

Assisted crew members with various tasks
Reviewed and edited scripts for clarity
Communicated important messages to production staff members