As you start out 2022 with big dreams in your eyes, a determination that ‘this year is going to be your year’ and move to London - put down your bindle and think for a moment - are you organised yet? Do you have the funds? Can you afford to live in London? Do you even know what a runner does?

This year can be your year to get your foot on the ladder of the film industry, but what do you need to know before you start … 

1. Get your CV up to date

We have been through CV’s and cover letters before, so we shan’t dwell here too long. Read the CV and Cover advice on the website. It’s a step by step guide to making sure you have created a film industry CV, not one for the local Co-op. 

CUSTOMISE! We can’t say this enough - because we still see so many CV’s that are generic or worse still applying for the wrong area of the industry. The owners of these CV’s will always be wondering why they can’t catch a break and it’s so simple; read the career guides and customise your CV to the job if you want to find success. 

2. Get a part-time job that you can pick up and drop

If you are determined to work in films - or TV - you need to be available and flexible to the needs of the production. Unless you’re insanely lucky and blessed with rich parents you will need a job to keep a roof over your head when you are not on set. Bar work, retail, barista, waiting tables, you name it. Find something to keep the wolf from the door. Any major city is going to be expensive, we all know this. With productions choosing to shot all over the country consider where is the most benifical move? It might be closer to you than you think.

Check out the production hubs in the UK here and register your CV as a junior member of crew - you never know what will come up. 

3. Get your finances in order - can you afford to do this?

There is no harm in making some money first before you pursue your dream. Something in the bank to fall back on - rather than a credit card - is a smart choice. If you are going to move, crunch the numbers, make sure it is feasible. It’s tough enough trying to break through without adding money worries into the mix. 

4. What to do when you get offered a job

Other than doing a little dance, make sure you get everything in writing! Have the production or the company email you all the details, especially when it comes to money, expenses, days, length of days, travel, etc. This applies to work experience placements and internships also. We only post jobs from companies who are upholding the highest standards but there are many others out there who will exploit PA’s and interns. Get everything in writing, make sure you are covered. Most importantly don’t be afraid to say no if you need to. This is an industry where you are going to need to put the work in but if you feel like the deal doesn't work for you, then look for the next chance. 

5. When are you classed as self-employed and when should you be PAYE.

On a feature, your salary can be based on a 5 or 6 day week, other productions will pay you a daily rate. BECTU (Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union) have their recommended department rate cards, which you should familiarise yourself with. Most major productions will fall in line with the BECTU recommended rate - however - on independents, you may find the rates can vary.

The majority of the film industry is self-employed. However, the role of the trainee/runner/assistant is not currently recognised by HMRC as a ‘grade’ for self-employment, which is when things can get tricky. If you’re working on features films for weeks or months, the production will pay you weekly using the PAYE pay structure, meaning they will deduct your tax and national insurance at source, providing you with a P45 and P60 at the end of the engagement. However, if you’re just starting out and looking for work, potentially on dailies, this presents complications. 

Fortunately, HMRC is aware of the infrequency of work in the film and television industry especially in the entry-level roles, so they use a seven-day rule. If an engagement is less than seven days, PAYE does not need to be applied, but the production company will still deduct your national insurance. This is to stop you from being overtaxed or emergency taxed, which could leave you with a very small pay packet indeed. Find out from the production coordinator how they intend to pay you. As you start out your work will probably be sporadic, which is why you need to be meticulous with your record-keeping, filing all documentation such as your P45 and P60’s, you may need them for reference at the end of the tax year. 

If you have been in the film industry for 12 months and worked for multiple companies on short term contracts, you can be eligible to apply to HMRC for the Lorimer or LP10 letter. The Lorimer Letter is a Letter of Authority that is valid for three years and can be applied to engagements of 10 days or less. To apply for this you have to demonstrate that you are in business on your own account so that individual short-term engagements which would otherwise be treated as employment are seen as part of an overall business setup. So, even though you are not one of the approved ‘grades’ listed by HMRC you will be invoicing the production for the full sum - but you will need to generate your own invoicing, file your own tax return as self-employed and be responsible for paying your Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance. 

If you are going to be a freelancer - and if you’re in production you probably will - understand the rules, what you need to save for and how it all works. Check out the Gov website here to register yourself and get your all-important Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR). 

6. How to set up an invoicing structure? 

This is really very simple, but if you decide to start getting creative with your numbering it can get very sticky later on. Your invoicing stricture should start from 01, for example, if you're John Smith you may decide to structure your invoicing as JS01. When it comes to the end of the tax year (April 5th) you’re going to want to keep things as simple as possible with a nice chronological order. 

Also, keep any receipts that relate to your work. PA kit, waterproofs, boots, travel, etc. These are all expenses accrued due to the nature of the work. You will need them to claim them back against the tax bill if you have one, and in your first year, you may very well be under the £11,000 threshold!

7. Network

Network like your life depends on it - because it sort of does. Be kind, calm and courteous to everyone you meet. Be helpful, inquisitive and hard working. These qualities get noticed fast by the right people. Keep call sheets, ask if your senior will act as a reference (which they can only do if they have noticed you so get noticed) and did we mention to work hard.

When you work in the film industry there really is no slacking off. Seriously, from the get-go you are on the go - all day, maybe a half-hour lunch break if you are lucky. That’s not just junior crew either, that’s the majority of the crew. If you want an easy life talking about filmmaking, become a critic or stay in film academia. If you want the feeling of genuine exhaustion after a day of work then you’ll fit right in. 

As with all things in life, have your building blocks in place before you set out on this adventure. If you are confused and need some help then just ask in our Facebook Group or if you are a pro member of MFJF then get in touch to book your 1-2-1 today!

Happy new year from Team MFJF :)