Ready to enter the film industry but need experience for your resume? Check out the best way to make a film resume with no experience.
I’ve always thought it was weird for people to have huge requirements and demanding skillsets for an entry-level job, or is it just me? Most jobs, especially ones in the film industry, can be taught and learned. I started as a screenwriter, making me an Executive Producer for my projects. Listen, when I first started, I knew nothing about filmmaking. Creating my projects and giving myself the opportunity was the best thing to ever happen to my career.
So, let’s get right to it.
Create Your Own Opportunity
Creating your own opportunity is my #1 top way to level up your resume and career. It may be challenging, but it will change your life. Creating your own projects allows you to have multiple roles as a first-time filmmaker and learn what it takes to run a production. So let’s check out a few potential roles.
Getting your first production off the ground may take some time, but I know you can do it. When you create your project, you officially become an Executive Producer. An Executive Producer title will qualify you for multiple roles you can add to your resume, and I’ll list a few below.
Executive Producer
Executive Producer- A person who oversees a project from development to distribution. Check out this article from Screen Skills, Executive Producer (Film and TV Drama)
Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities to Add to Resume:
- Developed and ensured the film stayed within the budget.
- Organized crew and actors.
- Hired key personnel such as directors, actors, writers, and editors
- Skills: Leadership, communications, problem-solving skills, budgeting, understanding of legal contracts and laws, time-management skills, hiring, financing, and multi-tasking skills.
- Software: Yamdu, Studio Binder, Trello, Movie Magic, Adobe WriterDuet, Slack, Sony Vegas Pro, Final Cut Pro, Microsoft Office
Screenwriter
One of the first things you want to do is get your hands on a script. If you’re not a screenwriter, that’s OK; you can ask around; trust me, someone will give you a script to produce. Check out StudioBinder, What does a screenwriter do?
When writing a script or looking for one, here is what you want to look for:
- Make sure the script is short. 1-5 pages are more than enough. You want to write a skit or short film. Refrain from overwhelming yourself with a nine thousand-page script. Remember, you’re just trying to learn the process and get experience.
- Try to write or find a script that has 1-3 characters in the story.
- A one-location script is best for new filmmakers. It becomes an entirely tricky process if you’re thinking of multiple locations. You now have to focus on getting your entire cast, crew, equipment, crafty, etc., and crew from place to place. You also must consider more contracts, extra actors, parking, etc.
Whether you find a script or write one, you can have multiple titles.
- Screenwriter – if you write the script yourself.
- Script Reader – if you find and review the script for your production.
- Script Editor- If you analyze and improve the script.
- Co-writer if you help to write the script.
Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities to Add to Resume:
- Ensured that characters, dialogues, and plots were well-developed.
- Reviewed existing scripts to determine potential improvements and issues that needed to be resolved.
- Collaborated with colleagues to receive feedback
- Skills: Film Development, Script Reading, Script Coverage
- Software: WriterDuet, Final Draft, Studio Binder
Casting Director
If you cast your talent, even if it’s your cousin, you’re now a Casting Director. Check out NFI on everything you need to know about casting
Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities to Add to Resume:
- Studied script to understand all speaking roles
- Collaborated with directors and producers to determine a role’s requirements
- Reviewed resumes and called suitable actors
- Skills: Knowledge of auditions, an instinct to recognize talent, ability to schedule table reads and auditions, ability to negotiate talent fees and contracts.
- Software: Casting 42, Production Tools
Director
You may decide to Direct your film due to budget, time, and vision.
A director is a person who determines the creative vision of a feature film, television show, play, short film, or other production. Check out MasterClass on what a Film Director does?
Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities to Add to Resume:
- Studied script to understand all speaking roles
- Participated in all stages of the filmmaking process, from scriptwriting and pre-production to the final edit and release.
- Oversaw pre-production processes and procedures such as budgeting, choosing filming locations, and preparing shooting timetables.
- filming locations,
- Skills: Knowledge of auditions, an instinct to recognize talent, leadership skills, communication skills, technical skills, and interpersonal skills.
- Software: Adobe, StudioBinder, Yamdu, WriterDuet, Slack, Trello, Sony Vegas Pro, Final Cut Pro, Microsoft Office
Conclusion On Creating Your Own Opportunity
Conclusion On Creating Your Own Opportunity.
Creating your projects allows you many opportunities to make your resume land your dream job. One project may not be enough for you to be completely comfortable, but it’s MORE than enough for you to have learned a million things. It is enough to experience for you to have a resume. If you feel uncomfortable jumping into a prominent role afterward, do it; if not, gear your resume toward Production Assitance.
PAs are always the best place to start if you go on another set that’s not yours. It allows you to get a proper understanding of production. It’s fun, has little room for mess-ups, and it’s suitable for network opportunities.
Now go and Create Something. =)
