The film industry is an exciting place to work, but it can also be a bit confusing. There are plenty of entry-level jobs that will help you get your foot in the door and start making connections, but how do you know which one is right for you?
Here’s a brief rundown of some of the most popular options:
Production Assistant
This is one of the most common entry-level jobs in the film industry. It involves taking care of a lot of behind-the-scenes tasks that need to be done before filming can begin, such as setting up equipment, organizing props and costumes, communicating with other departments on set (like lighting), and even acting as a stand-in for actors who aren’t present during filming. This position requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn quickly—but if you’re willing to embrace those challenges and put in the time this position could lead to bigger opportunities down the road!
Assistant Director
Assistant directors are responsible for managing all aspects of production from day one until wrap time on set—which means they’re usually working closely with directors (usually referred to as ADs) throughout their careers. They help make sure that
Film Industry Entry Level Jobs
1. Runner
A runner is the lowest ranking role on a film set.
In short, you would be a general dogsbody on set. And as a result, be expected to do the grunt work that no one else wants to do.
In the USA they also call this role ‘Production Assistant’. Some of the tasks you might carry out in this role are for example:
- Collecting Lunch For Cast And Crew
- Driving Actors To Set
- Cleaning Up After Wrap
Additionally, you also don’t get much of a choice with where you are placed on set.
For instance, I know someone who started out as an accountancy office runner. Also, there are post-production runners as well as on-set production runners.
It is not a glamorous role, so why would you want it?
Firstly, you can start out in this role with no prior experience. It also gives you the chance to watch how a professional film set operates.
As much as entry-level film jobs go this is the easiest one to get.
Here are a few links where can you find paid runner jobs in the UK:
- Facebook Groups → TV Runners
- Film Job Sites → My First Job In Film
- Film Company Sites → Tiger Aspect
2. Trainee
A trainee is the lowest ranking role within a department.
Instead of a runner who can apply to any department, a trainee has a specific area of interest.
For example, costume trainee, camera trainee, and sound trainee.
In short, if you already know what film department you want to work within start out as a trainee.
There will however be less paid work advertised in these positions. Unlike the runner role, you may also be expected to have some previous initial work experience.
Here are a few links where can you find paid trainee roles in the UK:
- Council Organisations → Screen Skills
- Large Film Companies → Pro Cam
- Filmmaker Unions → GBCT
3. Intern
Many major film and TV companies have internships.
You won’t find formal internships on a film set (i.e you would be a runner). But if you are interested in working for a well-known company then this option is for you.
Overall these internships will be based around admin office work. There might be some aspects of creativity to the job but mainly you won’t be working on set.
Internships are often not paid but can be used as breaking in jobs for a particular company. An internship for a well-known company can also look impressive on your CV.
Here are a few links to where can you find paid internships in the UK:
- Major Film Companies → BBC
- TV Stations → Channel 4
- Large Film Companies → Working Title
4. Videographer
Yes, I know a videographer can be a very professional job role. However low budget videographer jobs can also be good entry-level film jobs.
A videographer is another name for a self shooter. In other words, someone who produces content without a crew.
Additionally, you will need to own a camera to start this job. Some clients will also expect you to edit your own footage as well.
To begin, apply for lower-paid/fewer risk jobs and then build up your showreel and reputation. Examples of videography work are:
- Shooting Wedding Videos
- Filming Conferences
- Corporate Video Making
It will take time to gather enough clients to make this job provide a full-time income.
It’s also worth mentioning that a videographer is not a job role on a professional film set. If you want to work on a film you will need a crew role.
Film job sites are the easiest place to find videography jobs:
5. Freelancer
You can start your career freelancing in any film job role.
On one hand, the traditional way into the film industry is to climb the career ladder.
However, you can skip this step and start out within your desired role straight away. Even so you will have to begin by working on very low budget film sets.
Similar to the videographer job role you will need to slowly build up your both talent and contacts. This is indeed the hardest route you could take but also the most creative.
Film job sites are the easiest place to find freelancer jobs:
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