How to Make a Film Resume Without Experience

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Need experience for your film resume but have no experience? Check out these tips on making a film resume without experience.

I have always wondered why companies have such high requirements for entry-level jobs, or am I the only one? Most jobs, especially those in the film industry, can be taught and learned. I started as a screenwriter, becoming an Executive Producer for my films. In the beginning, I did not know about filmmaking. The best thing that ever happened to my career was bringing together my projects and giving myself a chance to do so.

Let’s get right to it.

Create Your Opportunity

My #1 top tip for getting your resume and career to the next level is creating opportunities. Creating your projects allows you to play multiple roles as a first-time filmmaker and learn what it takes to run a production.

Here are some possible roles.

Screenwriter

The first thing you need to do to start producing a film is to get a script. If you don’t happen to be a screenwriter, that’s fine. You can ask around; you’ll find someone to send you a script for production.

Check out StudioBinder, What does a screenwriter do?

Here are the things to look for when writing or buying a script:

• The script should be short. 1-5 pages is more than enough. You want to write a skit or short film. Refrain from overwhelming yourself with a nine thousand-page script. 
• The script should have 1-3 characters, not a large cast. Please keep it simple.
• A one-location script is best for new filmmakers. In the case of multiple locations, getting your cast, crew, equipment, crafty, etc., and crew to and from each location becomes very challenging. You also have to deal with location issues besides contracts, extra actors, and parking. 

You can have multiple titles whether you find a script or write one. 

• Screenwriter – if you write the script yourself.
• Editor/Coverage – if you can analyze and improve a script. 
• Co-writer if you help write the script. 
• Creator: if you create an idea for a series, write or commission it.

Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities to Add to Resume:

• Assured that the story’s characters, dialogues, and plots were well-developed.
• Reviewed the script outline to determine potential improvements that could be made as well as issues that needed to be addressed.
• Collaborated with colleagues to receive feedback
  • The following skills should be gained: Film Development, Script Reading, Script Coverage, Research, and Analysis of Scripts.
  • Software: WriterDuet, Final Draft, Studio Binder, etc

Executive Producer

It may take a while for you to start your first production, but you can do it. When you create your first project, you become an Executive Producer. An Executive Producer title qualifies you for multiple roles you can add to your resume.

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:

• Assembled the budget for the film and ensured that it stayed within it.
• Organizing the crew and actors in a professional manner.
• Recruited key personnel such as directors, actors, writers, and editors for the production
  • The following skills should be gained: leadership, communication, problem-solving, budgeting, knowledge of contract law, time management skills, hiring, financing, and multi-tasking ability.
  • Software: Yamdu, Studio Binder, Trello, Movie Magic, Adobe WriterDuet, Slack, Sony Vegas Pro, Final Cut Pro, Microsoft Office, and Adobe InDesign

Casting Director

You are now a Casting Director if you cast any talent, even if it’s one of your cousins. 

Check out NFI on Everything you need to know about casting.

The following are a few tips you should keep in mind when casting:

• Create character descriptions for the roles you are applying for. By doing this, you will ensure that people are applying for the right role.
• The best way to find talent is to use casting sites.
• If you are casting for a show and want to keep things confidential, make sure you use a working title.
• Make sure that actors send you their resumes, reels, and social media pages so that you can review them.
• IMDb is always a great place to check actors’ work. 

Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities to Add to Resume:

• Studying the script to understand the roles of all the speakers
• Collaborated with directors and producers to determine the requirements for a particular role
• Identified suitable actors based on resumes and arranged callbacks 
• A liaison between the Producer and Director, and the actors and their representation.
  • The following skills should be gained: A working knowledge of auditions, an instinct for recognizing talent, the ability to schedule auditions and table reads on time, and the ability to negotiate talent fees and contracts. 
  • Software: Casting 42 and Production Tools

Director

As a result of budget, time, and vision, you may direct your own film. You will need to be highly organized and understand the task at hand. You will also need to be able to delegate tasks and manage resources efficiently to ensure that the project is completed on time and on budget. Finally, you should have a clear vision of the story you want to tell. 

Directing is essentially setting the creative vision for a film, television show, play, short film, or other production on the screen. Check out MasterClass on what a Film Director does?

Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities to Add to Resume:

• Script studied so that all speaking roles could be understood
• Participated in all stages of the filmmaking process, from scriptwriting and pre-production to the final edit and release of the film.
• Supervised pre-production activities, such as budgeting, selecting filming locations, and creating shooting schedules, and managed pre-production processes and procedures. 
• Scouted locations for filming.
• Contributed to the post-production of the project by working with editors
  • The following skills should be gained: A good understanding of auditions, an instinct to recognize talent, leadership, communication, technical, and interpersonal skills are all important. 
  • Software: Adobe, StudioBinder, Yamdu, WriterDuet, Slack, Trello, Sony Vegas Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Microsoft Office.

Conclusion On Creating Your Own Opportunity

If you create your projects, your resume can land you the job of your dreams. One project may not be enough to make you completely comfortable, but it is MORE than enough to learn a million things. It is sufficient to have the experience to have a resume. It is okay if you feel uncomfortable jumping into a prominent role afterward; you can gear your resume as much as possible toward Production Assistance.

PAs are a good place to start when preparing for an experience on another set that’s not your own. They offer an excellent opportunity to learn more about the production side. They’re fun, there are few messes, and they’re suitable for network opportunities.

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