Choosing to work in B.C.’s motion picture industry means joining one of the world’s premier centres for screen production. With cutting-edge infrastructure, dependable tax incentives, and a skilled, experienced workforce, B.C. is a global destination for film and television. If you’re passionate about storytelling, creativity, or visual arts, but unsure how to turn that into a career in #BCFilm, this guide is for you. Whether you’re a student, a career-changer, or just starting to explore the industry, Creative Pathways™ can help you understand the different disciplines and begin your journey.
Four Main Pathways Into the Industry
Not all careers in film follow a straight line. Many roles are freelance, and experience often starts before formal education. Your entry point depends on your interests:
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Creative leads → Interested in writing, directing, or producing? Explore above-the-line roles.
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On-set crew → Love the action of set life? Look into below-the-line production roles.
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Creative tech → More into animation, VFX, or post? Consider studio-based digital careers.
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Industry support → Want to contribute without being on set? There are dozens of film-adjacent careers in business, education, and logistics.
Above-the-line
Creative Leads
Writers. Directors. Producers. These are the vision-setters—the ones who shape a project’s purpose, story, and emotional impact. Getting started often means doing it all: writing, shooting, and producing your own work. Many break in by building a body of projects rather than waiting for a big break. Formal education helps, but so does working with others. Think: short films, writing groups, and learning by doing.
Want to lead the story? Understand the journey
Below-the-line
On-Set Crew
There are 300+ roles on a film set—and every one is essential. From lighting and camera to costumes and set design, these professionals bring ideas to life. You don’t need film school to start, but you do need grit, training, and connections. Most crew begin with short gigs or “day calls” before joining a union. Production Assistants (PAs) are often the first step in. It’s hands-on, fast-paced, and full of opportunity.
Ready to get on set? Understand the journey
Animation, VFX, Post Production
Creative Tech Careers in Production
Prefer studio over set? This is where imagination meets software. Animators, VFX artists, and post production specialists build and finish the visual worlds we see on screen. These roles demand creative skill and technical training. Portfolios speak louder than résumés—and B.C. is home to top schools and world-renowned studios.
Want to craft digital magic? Understand the journey
Film Adjacent
Behind-the-Scenes Support
Not all film careers happen on set. From legal to logistics, publicity to education, these roles power the industry from the sidelines—essential, strategic, and often overlooked. Whether you’re sourcing equipment, running a festival, teaching the next generation, or supporting productions through government and industry organizations, you’re part of the ecosystem that keeps B.C.’s screen sector thriving. These jobs often follow traditional hiring models and offer stability beyond project-based work. Many start by applying transferable skills—like budgeting, coordination, or communications—to film-specific contexts.
Want to shape the industry from behind the scenes? Understand the journey
Where to Begin
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Get trained. Most production roles require entry-level safety and orientation courses like MPIO and WHMIS.
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Build experience. Start with student films, short projects, or day calls to get on-set exposure.
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Stay connected. Programs like Setwork can help you land those critical first jobs and meet peers.
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Know your path. Whether you’re aiming for union crew work, creative tech, or producing your own films, Creative Pathways™ helps you map the journey.
No matter which path you’re considering, the right information can make all the difference. Creative Pathways™ provide curated resources to help you find opportunities, and connect with the B.C. film and TV talents.
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