You will find a mixed bag of confessionals when researching the paths people have taken to break into the industry. Some will have graduated and walked straight into a PA role. Others will have decided uni wasn’t for them and started their careers after leaving college. You will also hear stories about volunteering on short films to build up low-level experience before even setting foot on a professional film set.

This last story is probably going to be the most commonplace amongst new entrants. Applying for roles on a major motion picture with a handful of student films under your belt isn’t always going to get you a job. You can try and inflate your CV as much as you like, but coordinators, ADs and sound mixers can see through the pretence so sharply it would make your eyes water. When it comes to applying for work, honesty is always the best policy, passion is highly recommended, and persistence is essential. 

Building up a CV with relevant experience, right from the outset, is going to stand you in good stead when applying for paid roles. If you are studying, look for volunteer positions on short films made by industry practitioners to build up your knowledge. Working on shorts with already established members of the production, not only provides you with some contacts, but you learn first-hand how to handle a walkie or how to plant a mic. 

Let’s not lie, the film industry is a tough nut to crack, and if that notion puts you off then perhaps this isn't the career path for you. When you are starting out there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Research your chosen area of industry. Not only does the internet compile a host of resources, get to the library as there are multiple books written by members of the film industry on their craft, from PAs to production designers. Take the opportunity to get acquainted with your department and how they interact with other departments. 

• Build your network. Undoubtedly, your network is the foundation of your career. At least 80% of your work is likely to come from your contacts, and your reputation as a safe pair of hands will proceed you. 

• References. When you start working on features, you will realise that the industry is tiny, and references vital to a continual flow of work. Coordinators will be assessing the productions you have worked on and will usually know some member of the crew to call and find out if you are the sort of person they want to work with. Make no mistake, if you put down a referee on your CV, you had better be sure to ask them if its okay. 

• Remain professional in every production you work on, be it volunteering or your first feature. Your attitude is what is going to sell your direct superior. When they come around to hiring again, you want to be on that list. So always be polite, action what is asked of you directly without grumbling and never try and climb over your colleagues to get into the AD or coordinators' good books. They know all, they see all, and they don't like a weak member of the team. 

If you want to work in production, a career of freelancing awaits you; and as you progress in your career the pay can be quite lucrative. To start with, however, work is going to be intermittent, every opportunity needs to be grasped, and complacency isn't an option. So what happens when I have a CV filled with collaborations?

Lower budget features are a great place to start building up your professional experience. You may find there will be gaps between employment; this is where flexible jobs come in handy to supplement your income. It might feel it's a backwards step, but it won't always be this way if you're a proactive, diligent PA or trainee. 

When you are looking for work it’s easy to become despondent when you’re phone isn’t ringing despite sending off 20 cvs. Go back to your CV, think about what you can do to make it better. Here are some questions to ask yourself.

• Do you know the role you are applying for? Do you know the difference between a production office runner and a floor runner for instance? Not all runners are alike so make sure your CV is customised for that job.
• Do you have enough relevant experience? 
• Are you applying for roles in one location but live in another? If the production has requested junior members of departments in Manchester and you live in Greenwich, have you made it clear you have somewhere to stay?
• Is the layout of your CV industry standard. One page, skills-based, clear and concise? 
• Have you put on your CV you are available?
• Do you have a car if the ad has requested a runner with their own vehicle?

As always we are here to help, so if you have any questions post them in our Facebook group and a member of the team will get back to you. 

Good luck out there!