Exploring Careers Newsletter
October 2022
Careers for the Film Buff
Career #1: Production Assistant – you want to make an entrance!
What They Do: While it’s a demanding entry-level film job, becoming a production assistant (PA) is a great way to begin your career in the film and TV world. The role is essentially a launching pad for someone who’s serious about working in the industry, as it provides an up-close view of how a production runs.
Production assistants, or PAs, support the entire film or television set doing everything from hauling camera equipment to handing out daily call sheets and reheating an actor’s coffee. Production assistants can specialize in one of the many film production departments: sound, lighting, cameras, costumes, sets, etc. One of the most important skills a production assistant needs is the ability to be flexible, and a willingness to listen and learn how you can be of assistance to everyone on set. You will also need the ability to think quickly on your feet, and be ready for all kinds of different requests. When you make the decision to become a production assistant, it is critical that you check your ego at the door: every task you are asked to complete should be received with a positive attitude and a determined work ethic, because each new challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow, and demonstrate your passion for the industry.
As an entry-level job, the advantage of being a PA is the possibility of making connections with industry insiders who may offer mentoring, references and career advice. The job of a PA puts them in the center of the action where they mingle with accomplished actors, directors and producers who might notice their talents and ambition. Many production assistants join industry groups and network with each other on social media to offer encouragement and share information about unadvertised jobs.
Average Salary: $34,000
Education Level: on-the-job training; at least Associate’s degree to move up
Related College Majors: Film, Digital Media, Production
Colleges with Film Production: Southern Methodist University, University of Texas at Austin, Columbia College (IL), University of Southern California, Chapman University (CA), New York University
Resources to Learn More:
- https://www.careersinfilm.com/production-assistant/
- https://filmlifestyle.com/production-assistant/
- https://dallascreates.org/community/getting-started/advice-for-production-assistants/
Career #2: Make-Up Artist – every face is a potential canvas for your creativity!
What They Do: Far beyond doing make-up at Sephora before prom, make-up artists find a wide variety of creative outlets, from celebrity make-up for award shows to special FX makeup involving sculpture and prosthetics. Doing makeup for theater, TV, movies, or other performance arts can be a fast-paced, high-stress, high-skills job. Makeup artists in this position need expertise in multiple areas—no two performances are alike. Makeup artists will also need training in at least basic special FX makeup – being able to simulate bruises, cuts, burns, or to age a character quickly and effectively is often part of the job!
While the majority of makeup artists are self-employed and work as freelancers, many professionals work as employees of cosmetics companies or seek alternative career paths that allow them to showcase their talent and expertise. Professional and well-established make-up artists can serve as columnists and editors for beauty and style magazines. They may lend their expertise on product-development panels and write books and have their own blogs on the subject of make-up application.
Average Salary: $70,000-$122,000 (depending on location)
Education Level: Associate’s degree or professional certification
Related College Majors: Special Effects Design, Theater Design, Cosmetology, Visual Effects, Makeup
Colleges with Makeup Design: CMC Makeup School (TX), Fashion Institute of Technology (NY), Westmore Academy of Cosmetic Arts (CA), Cinema Makeup School (CA), EI School of Professional Makeup (CA), Webster University (MO), University of Cincinnati (OH), University of North Carolina College of the Arts
Resources to Learn More:
- https://theartcareerproject.com/careers/makeup-artist/
- https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/make-up-artist/
- https://local706.org/ - Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild
Career #3: Continuity Director – it’s all in the details!
What They Do: Continuity Directors are all about consistency. Most of the time a film is shot out of order. Usually, a production will shoot one side of a room before flipping to do another angle of the opposite side. This means that everything must be put back in the exact same spot as the first angle for the two shots to cut together. Continuity directors may also be called Script Supervisors; they pay attention to script changes to ensure that names are pronounced the same or if something is referenced in one location, it’s always referenced in the same direction.
A person usually lands their first Script Supervisor gig through student films or a recommendation from their mentor. As they continue to work, a network of relationships will be built that results in rehires, leading to consistent work. Many Script Supervisors advance in their career by working on larger productions. Some will go on to become Directors or Editors because they spend so much time focusing on shot setups and details. The best approach for advancing as a Script Supervisor is to understand the context of what it means to be on set, including etiquette, as well as knowing what needs to happen for each specific scene and when.
Average Salary: $67,400
Education Level: Associate’s degree
Related College Majors: English, Film Studies, Cinematography, Film/Video Production, Screenwriting
Resources to Learn More:
- https://www.careersinfilm.com/script-supervisor/
- https://www.careersinscreen.ie/role/script-supervisor-continuity/
Career #4: Editor – you make all the pieces fit together seamlessly!
What They Do: The Film Editor works with the Director, editing footage together to shape character and perspective, thereby creating a comprehensive onscreen narrative. While some editors stay removed from the project during the filming process so as not to steer the director away from his or her concept of the film, many of them do visit the director on set while production is underway. Nevertheless, the majority of a film editor’s work is done alone. Despite that solitude, interpersonal skills are just as important as endurance is in an editor’s career. Film editors work closely with sound editors and musical directors as the film nears completion.
To prepare for a career in editing, you should expect a combination of self-study and formal education. It is a definite bonus to become familiar with editing software on your own time. However, learning how to tell a story is a refined skill that takes time to develop. Many people will take writing courses and enroll in film school to hone their storytelling skills. If people have access to the internet, they can solve most of the technical problems involved with editing but telling a good story requires practice.
Average Salary: $87,300
Education Level: Associate’s degree or higher
Related College Majors: Film Studies, Film Production, Digital Media
Colleges with Video Production: Southern Methodist University, John Brown University (AR), Oklahoma City University, Webster University (MO), Drexel University (PA), Virginia Commonwealth University, University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Resources to Learn More:
- https://www.careersinfilm.com/film-editor/