Resources to get started on set in motion picture
If you don’t have work experience in film yet, work experience that shows you have stamina, a strong work ethic, service orientation, and most importantly, excellent soft skills (attitude, team-orientation, people skills, dependability) would make a great fit for the motion picture industry.
There is a lot to understand in the world of motion picture production so stay positive, alert and humble, be patient and curious, listen carefully and ask questions if you don’t understand how or why you are doing something. There’s no such thing as a silly question when you’re starting out, particularly when it comes to working safely. Taking basic training like the Motion Picture Industry Orientation Course (MPIO) is recommended to get oriented to the industry.
When working on set, having a driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle or safe mode of transportation is important. You may be working in distant locations where public transit options may not be readily available.
There are six Unions and Guilds in B.C and each represent different departments on set.
To become a permittee or a member, reach out directly to the union or guild for the most up to date information about requirements.
Entry-level work in physical production usually begins as Production Assistant (PA) in the Locations Department or the Production Office. The Directors Guild of Canada, BC Chapter (DGC BC) is a key entry point for those looking to enter the workforce as a Production Assistant. Learn more about their Permittee Logbook Holder Program and access information to help your career as a PA including Getting Started in the Industry and Your First Day on Set.
FINDING PRODUCTION WORK & BUILDING EXPERIENCE
To find work on set, look for opportunities in commercials, corporate videos, digital content, music videos, independent films, short films and student films. Volunteer work is invaluable when you don’t have work experience, as it helps build your resume and provides important contacts that may lead to paid work in the future. When job hunting and volunteering, it is important to understand what you are agreeing to, what your expected duties will be, and who you will be working with. Whether you are working on set or in studio, get to know as much as you can about your role and the impact of production in order to be a positive representative for both production and crew.
Understanding the motion picture ecosystem, including the film adjacent sector, can lead to more opportunities to network, volunteer and potentially secure paid work through film festivals, industry organizations, service and supply and beyond.
In Production Lists
There are are number of free production lists updated on a weekly basis which can be cross-referenced including:
- Creative BC In Production List
- DGC BC Production List
- ACFC West In Production List
- UBCP / ACTRA In Production List
Resumes
Resumes for the motion picture industry look different from a standard resume. If you are unfamiliar with the format, examples can be found on union websites in their permittee and membership sections. Some positions will also require a portfolio or demo reel. Collect some good character and work references for your resume, be sure to tailor your resume to the role, and highlight your relevant skills and certificates needed for the position.
Helpful links to get started
- For PA work, consider connecting with BCPAX – British Columbia Production Assistant Exchange
- Being an extra / background performer can be a way to get on set to get a feel for the rhythm of production. You can learn more about background performing here and access a range of different agents through the Vancouver Actors Guide.
- Film competitions are great conduits connecting experienced industry talent and new entrants. There are a number of established organizations and competitions such as Crazy8s, Might Asian Moviemaking Marathon, Vancouver Short Film Festival and Run N Gun that open up calls for crew members each year.
- For commercials, contacts can be found on the Commercial Production Association of Western Canada (CPAWC) website.
- Working at an equipment rental house that supplies the department in which you are interested can provide a solid, technical foundation with the gear used on set while also building a network of contacts within the industry at the same time.
- Social Media Groups can be an informal way to see volunteer and paid work postings, in addition to events like meet-ups that can further your network and job opportunities.
- If you self-identify as being a person from a systemically excluded group consider Setwork. Setwork opportunities are announced on the Creative Pathways opportunities page and the website. Sign-up for alerts through our newsletter.
- Check out the Creative Pathways™ opportunities page
- There are regionally focused crew directories and more generalized crew directories available to join and showcase your skills. See the listings of crew directories available by clicking here.
- Explore the Creative BC Knowledge Hub for Motion Picture database which contains industry contacts from animation studios, industry organizations, post production houses, equipment vendors and more.
- B.C. has 8 provincially-funded regional film commissions. For the film commissions in your area visit the Regions page here.
Independent Filmmaking Societies
Below are some filmmaking societies which may offer opportunities to work on productions and access to workshops and events:
- Okanagan Society of Independent Filmmaking
- Cineworks (Vancouver)
- Cinevic (Victoria)
- YKA Film Society (Kamloops)
- Mastermind Studios (Kelowna)
Job Listings
Be aware that the postings are not vetted by Creative Pathways™ and it’s wise to ask questions before committing to anything. Here are some examples of where you could start your job search:
INTERNSHIPS, MENTORSHIPS & COMMUNITY
Bear in mind that many productions, including the larger, unionized productions do not accept unpaid volunteers or shadowing opportunities. There may be some production companies open to more formalized internship opportunities, and one place to start research can be the CMPA’s membership database. Alternatively student and independent films, local independent filmmaker societies and film competitions can provide informal internships. Mentorships in motion picture are informal, however more established mentorship programs can become available through industry organizations. Check out the Creative Pathways™ Opportunities page for relevant postings.
View the different communities you can become connected to and the organizations specific to each in this list below: