Rebecca Kellogg ⋅ Studio City, CA CBS ⋅ 5 years experience

Hi Joshua,

I second what Betty said, and to piggy back off of her comment I might also suggest registering with temp agencies in the Entertainment industry. These agencies typically work with a handful of companies (i.e. studios, theme parks, creative agencies) who are in need of temporary support while their employee is out for various reasons including illness, medical leave, and vacation. These temporary assignments can be anywhere from 1 day to 8 or more months depending on the needs of the business. Doing this will give you exposure to multiple areas of the business so you can decide which segment most interests you while honing your skills. I hope this helps!

Best of luck,
Rebecca

Betty Diaz ⋅ New York, NY CBS ⋅ 20 years experience

I’m not in film. But one thing that works in any career of choice is: Connections/Networking! Meeting people and having Mentors who can guide you to the next step. There are always opportunities opened. Take advantage of internship programs while you are in school. Browse career sites of those companies you wish to work with and apply for internships or other positions. Develop skills and relationships and you will be well on your way. Hope this helps.

Ming Lai ⋅ Alhambra, CA Humanist Films, LLC ⋅ 20 years experience

Hi Joshua!

It’s great that you’re pursuing a degree in film production.

If you’re interested in “taking the corporate route” in your career, I assume that you want to work for the studios to produce films.

I advise interning for a film studio to learn more about the industry.

Internships will give you insight into whether you want to go into the more corporate side of film production (finance, marketing, publicity, distribution, etc.) or the more creative side of film production (writing, directing, cinematograpy, editing, etc.).

Many Hollywood studios offer internships.

Check out this internship site:
https://www.internships.com/film

I also advise becoming a production assistant (P.A.) for a film production company to learn more about the production process.

Oftentimes, production companies will hire their trusted P.A.’s and later promote them to higher level production positions—production coordinators, production managers, and more.

Check out these film industry job sites for P.A. jobs:
https://staffmeup.com/

https://www.mandy.com/

If you’re interested in the writing side of film production, many Hollywood studios offer writing fellowships:
https://www.tv-calling.com/tv-writing-fellowships-the-big-six/

While you’re more interested in taking the corporate route, I would also advise making your own films, using the resources of your school.

This will give you invaluable experience in leading a project and expressing your own unique voice.

Good luck with your bright career!

Best wishes,
Ming Lai

Joshua Smart-Lopez ⋅ Springfield Gardens, NY U.S. Navy, Petty Officer Third Class ⋅ 4 years served

Betty,
Thank you for the advice! I will try taking a look at the available internships that my school offers and also make a dream list of companies.

Rebecca,
Thank you as well! I didn't think temp agencies really offered positions in the entertainment industry but I will definitely do more research!

One last question:
Do either of you have any tips for balancing working full time and trying to change careers?