Jobs in the film industry
While there are plenty of things that need doing on set, breaking into the UK film industry will be your first challenge - explore the full range of film roles and discover what goes into making a feature film
Career opportunities in film
How to get a job in the film industry
This is a notoriously competitive industry to get into. Many film jobs aren't advertised traditionally, qualifications aren't as important as experience, and film graduate schemes aren't readily available either.
Instead, you'll likely need to proactively contact film production companies and studios through speculative applications to enquire about vacancies. However, there are a few dedicated resources for finding work.
By becoming a member of the Production Guild of Great Britain (PGGB), you can apply for opportunities in production, post-production and VFX (visual effects).
The industry skills body ScreenSkills has a jobs page for those looking to work in film, animation and VFX.
You can also search for film production crew postings via the Mandy network.
Film work experience
Structured entry-level programmes such as film internships are scarce. This means that those with no relevant experience will find it hard to compete with those who have worked on set before.
You'll need to grasp the opportunity if you manage to secure a week or two of film work experience as a runner. Do this by impressing the film crew with your skills and attitude, and show a willingness to turn your hand to anything asked of you to land a contract for the next shoot.
Develop filmmaking skills
If you didn't go to film school or study the subject at college or university, you can develop your filmmaking skills by working on student or local productions.
There are plenty of resources online to learn about screenwriting, or you could join like-minded individuals in making a short film through relevant social media groups.
You can get more information about film industry training for 16 to 25-year-olds at the British Film Institute (BFI).
If you do want to study film, the following institutions offer everything from short courses to degrees:
Most schools are based in London, but MetFilm and NFTS have campuses in other UK locations such as Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, Glasgow and Manchester.
Search all film production courses.
Realities of working in film
Even though careers in film can be incredibly rewarding, they typically come with a low level of job security, as you'll usually be hired on a film-by-film basis.
Wages, working hours, and locations vary depending on the size of the production and the level of funding behind it. However, it's common for it to extend beyond a typical eight-hour workday. Indeed, you could spend 10 to 12 hours on set, including a lunch break, with night shoots also possible.
Also, most film set jobs are filled by freelance workers on short-term contracts, so it's up to you to show dedication to the craft and make a name for yourself.
Most film production companies are based in London (over 4,500 according to Film London) and the South East, although regional hubs exist in Bristol, Glasgow and Manchester. So you may need to relocate to where films are made.
Roles in the film industry
Read about some of the most common filmmaking occupations and explore those best suited to your talents and aspirations.
Film director
The most popular of all film industry jobs and crucial to the completion of any film, directors are responsible for overseeing all aspects of the creative process and bringing them together.
This involves managing budgets, holding meetings with all departments at the planning, execution and post-production stages of filming, and concisely and effectively communicating your vision for the film.
You'll need:
- strong communication skills
- a fair but firm approach to giving orders
- excellent time management
- the ability to problem solve under pressure.
While a qualification in film production will provide you with a deeper understanding of what's involved in making a film, practical experience will help you build a network of contacts in the industry and develop your filmmaking skills.
Learn more about becoming a film director.
Director of photography
Otherwise known as a cinematographer, the director of photography (DoP) works with the film director to realise scenes in line with their visions. They manage the camera and lighting crews on a film set, make artistic and technical decisions and review footage in the post-production stage.
You'll need:
- an in-depth knowledge of camera and lighting equipment
- experience with what will and won't work for certain shoots
- an excellent eye for detail
- the ability to make reasoned decisions quickly
- to be prepared to give and take direction.
You'll oversee film crews, but if the director has specific intentions, you may have little control over how a scene is shot.
To progress to this advanced position, you'll likely start in a junior role - for example, as a runner or camera assistant, where you'll gain the experience needed to direct others.
Film producer
Tasked with overseeing a film's creative process from conception to completion, you'll work closely with the director to make artistic and technical decisions about shooting, budgets, and post-production.
You'll need:
- a strong head for figures
- excellent leadership skills
- the ability to make reasoned decisions under pressure.
It's ultimately your job to ensure the smooth running of production and do whatever's needed to achieve this.
Progressing to this senior role will require genuine passion and creativity, as well as a wealth of experience and industry contacts.
You may have to start in a junior role, such as a runner or programme researcher, to get your foot in the door.
Take a look at what else is involved with being a film producer.
Film editor
Editing footage in post-production to compile a result suitable for release, this key role involves working closely with the director to ensure the final version is in line with the director's intentions for the film.
It's no simple task, as crucial, 'invisible' aspects of the film, such as comedic timing, pacing, and suspense, often elevate a production from good to outstanding quality and are the result of sharp, seamless editing. This may involve changing up the order of scenes or removing them completely.
Successful editors will:
- pay close attention to detail
- bring creative flair and a passion for film to the role
- have the patience and self-motivation to experiment with editing.
To become a film editor, you'll need to build a wealth of experience working in TV and on smaller productions before progressing to editing feature-length films.
You might enter the industry as a runner, trainee or second assistant, moving up the ranks to first assistant before becoming an editor in your own right.
Learn more about the role of a film editor.
Lighting technician
Good lighting is crucial to creating the right atmosphere in any film.
A lighting technician brings this to the production process through:
- technical knowledge
- a good level of physical fitness for lifting heavy lighting equipment
- creative flair.
Many lighting technicians in the film industry are already qualified electricians, while some may also have a specialist qualification in a relevant subject, such as lighting technology or design.
Whichever route you choose, pre-entry experience is essential. This can be achieved by:
- finding a job as a technician
- helping on student film projects while studying
- securing work experience with a professional.
Find out about a lighting technician's salary, working hours and more.
Runner
While the runner is the most junior position in any film production department, it's often the entry point into the industry.
It's a runner's job to carry out administrative tasks and aid the smooth running of film production.
This may include:
- setting up locations for a shoot
- assisting with paperwork and schedules
- hiring props and transporting equipment
- preparing film sets and keeping them tidy.
The director, actors, and film crew members may also need you to perform other urgent tasks before and during the shoot. So you could be acting as the liaison between the different departments.
As this is a varied and demanding role, you must be resilient and enthusiastic and work diligently.
Many runners are hired because they are in the right place at the right time or through their contacts rather than their qualifications. They can remain in the position for a year or longer before progressing to researcher roles.
See what else you need to know about being a runner in the UK film industry.
Location manager
A location manager is responsible for researching, identifying, and organising site access for film shoots. It's a demanding role in which you'll need to manage both cast and crew to ensure your time spent on location is completed within the schedule and budget constraints.
Location managers are:
- organised
- good problem solvers
- excellent negotiators
- highly adaptable
- those who work well under high levels of pressure.
While you won't need a degree in a particular subject, those related to media or production will give you an advantage.
Discover what you'll need to do to become a location manager.
Sound technician
A sound technician operates the equipment needed to record, mix, and enhance a film's audio. In this role, you could either work on set, liaising with producers to meet their sound requirements and monitor the recording process, or in post-production, where you'll integrate audio with visual content and create and alter sound effects.
Many film productions require a team of sound technicians to run smoothly, so you must be:
- an excellent communicator
- a good team player
- patient with meticulous attention to detail and timing.
You don't need a degree to become a sound technician in film. However, as you'll need an in-depth understanding of the technicalities, equipment and practices the role encompasses, studying for a relevant HND or other qualification would be to your advantage.
Discover the full range of responsibilities a sound technician has.
Programme researcher
As a programme researcher on a film, you'll support the producers, director, and writers by conducting factual and picture research to ensure the accuracy of what's shown in the film.
As well as using the internet, film archives and museum collections to carry out your research, you'll be responsible for gaining copyright clearance for the use of music and literary material in the production.
You'll need:
- the ability to clearly explain what you're searching for
- to present your findings in a concise way
- critical thinking to deliver solutions to problems
- excellent organisation skills and an ability to keep detailed records.
This area of work is open to all graduates, although having a degree in a relevant subject, such as media studies or history, will be an advantage. Depending on the genre of the film, you may be required to have specialist knowledge.
Learn more about becoming a programme researcher.
Hair and make-up artists
They provide a crucial visual aspect to any film and ensure the actors in a film appear authentic to the time period, geographical location, and age of the character they're playing.
This role requires a:
- keen eye for detail
- flair for creativity in make-up application
- knowledge of colour theory, FX prosthetics and hairpieces
- deep understanding of the industry and its history.
You must be technically qualified to at least Level 2 standard in media make-up and Level 2 or 3 in hairdressing. You'll also benefit from gaining work experience wherever you can, even if this is in a salon or theatre rather than a film set.
Find out what else is required to be a hair stylist or make-up artist.
Other film industry jobs
- Actor
- Animator
- Concept artist
- Music producer
- Production designer
- Sound designer
- Sound engineer
- Special effects technician
- VFX artist
- Writer
Find out more
- Consider film and media apprenticeships.
- Explore graduate media jobs.
- Discover the skills you'll need to succeed in performing arts.