Film Jobs in Sunderland

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Film Jobs in Sunderland

Film Jobs in Sunderland

How do I get in?

Getting into the film industry is hard; it takes talent and determination. Film doesn't just mean feature films; you could work on drama series', documentaries, commercials, animation, pop videos or corporate productions. The qualifications required depend on the role you want to do. Most people working in film are either university graduates or have completed technical or artistic courses related to their job.

For some technical jobs a science degree is the norm. Channel 4, the BBC and FT2 (Film and Television Training) offer training courses but places are limited. Courses are also offered by private colleges; you should research these carefully before choosing one as some are more highly thought of than others. In addition to academic or vocational qualifications employers will be looking for proof of your enthusiasm and motivation.

If you are serious about working in film you should work on student films at college, try to get work experience at a production company or regional television centre or apply to work as a film 'extra'. Contacts in the industry are always useful and many people get their first job this way.

What job could I do?

Executive Director - this can be a hands-on directorial role or the person responsible for raising finance, and sometimes both
Scriptwriter - script writing means, unsurprisingly, writing the script. Either writing an original script and trying to sell it, or re-writing someone else's work

Director of Photography - the DOP creates the look and feel or the film in conjunction with the director and producer. This means working with the lighting and camera teams

Set Decorator - this involves decorating and furnishing the set, 'dressing' it with props in time for the shoot

Clapper Loader - the clapper loader loads, unloads and labels the film. He/she also works the clapperboard for each shot and helps maintain camera equipment

Gaffer - this is the name for the chief electric ian on the set, responsible for lighting. The gaffer works under the Director of Photography.

Pros and Cons?

Pros

· Working in film can be great fun and very rewarding.

Cons

· The hours are long, the starting pay is very low and work is scarce.

Earning potential?

Salaries are notoriously low for starter positions. You may earn around £100 a week as a runner. However salaries increase with experience and reputation and are normally negotiated per job. A sound recordist and boom operator could earn £180 to £250 per day. This may seem great but film work is not continuous and you could be out of work for much of the year.