Getting a Job in Entertainment

How to find work by making connections

Jan 8, 2008 Joe Lam

Learn how to break in, build connections, and land a job in the entertainment industry.

"It's who you know."

Making it from Timbuktu to Tinsel Town may appear daunting without the contacts everyone says you need, but if you're like many newcomers, a good start is to ask family, friends, relatives, and acquaintances who may know someone in the industry. If not, here are a list of sources containing industry contacts:

Research a Working Professional

Getting in touch with an Editor, Writer, or Cinematographer is relatively easy. But before doing so, it's best to do some homework. Find out what projects they've previously worked on for use as conversation material.

Prepare a Phone Script

Write down what you plan to say. Cold calling is difficult in the beginning, so preparation will ease the process. It may feel silly to you, but remember, they can't see you or your notes.

Overcoming Fear

If you have difficulty in the stage of calling like many people, just know that it is natural and the more you do it, the easier it becomes. It may take just one call or one hundred calls to different people, but eventually, if you are genuinely passionate about working in this industry, someone will see it and give you that chance. This quote from the film Into The Wild sums it up, "If you want something in life, you have to reach out and grab it."

Initial Conversation

When you first call someone, begin by introducing yourself, praise them for their work, and then state your intentions of finding work in entertainment. This is a good time to promote yourself by mentioning if you've attended film school, any film or video projects you've worked on, earned film awards, etc. Even if you have no background whatsoever, you can at least convey your passion to enter the field.

Topics for discussion:

Praise their work on a recent production
Find out how they started in the business
Ask for help and advice
Inquire about job openings
Learn about open industry events for networking
Request to meet in person or call again

Schedule a Meeting or Next Conversation

This is extremely important: If they do not have a job opening, are too busy to talk, or are unable to schedule a meeting, then simply thank the individual for their time and ask if they wouldn't mind if you called them back in a month. If they say "yes", make sure you follow up in a month because you will begin to gain their trust. It could take one call or ten calls for them to take a meeting and consider hiring you as it all varies depending on the person. Remember, you're a complete stranger to them, so it will take patience and persistence.

Build a Relationship

The goal is to build a relationship with these working professionals. With subsequent calls or meetings, continue to ask about their lives as well as their work. If they cannot hire you, don't worry, call back once in a while to keep them in your mind, even if it's just to say "hi" and wish them well. They will greatly appreciate it. However, be careful not to be too aggressive by making sure to ask if they wouldn't mind you calling once in a while. If they want no further contact you should respect it and move on to someone else.

The copyright of the article Getting a Job in Entertainment in Film/TV Industry is owned by Joe Lam. Permission to republish Getting a Job in Entertainment in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Make a Connection

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