Landing a job in the entertainment industry is a task that will take a lot of perseverance and also one that you will need to have very excellent people skills for. This can seem very daunting; and one reason for this is the size of the personal network it may take to succeed. This is one arena of marketing yourself where you may apply for every official “job” listing online, through company portals, and all the official channels, and someone you know will ultimately be your best asset. Years ago going West out to Los Angeles carried a lot of risk, and now it may carry even more. There are still some basic principles that apply to landing a job in the entertainment industry, and will always be excellent first steps into landing the job you want. We’ll take a look at some of the best things you can do to get a job in the entertainment business, and also the very important skill of riding the ups and downs that come with the turf.
The value of internships
Popular enough to be the subject of a movie on the big screen last year, internships are still thought of as one of the most important stepping stones into the entertainment industry. With a media company, film entity, or other entertainment complex, the first question you will be asked is going to be “Why should I hire you?” or “What in your track record stands out that meets my needs?” With the experience of an internship under your belt, you have the best possible chance of at least showing that you have had your foot in the ever changing door. With student loans, rising costs, and housing we know that it is hard to do an unpaid internship but if yours happens to be with a big name company, it will give you a more than solid base for the future. Working for free may seem like a rough reality in the beginning, but if you are young and do not have much experience beyond high school, can really train you for the future and give you contacts you can utilize. Even though urban legend has it that interns are always treated bad, you can absolutely be surprised by the mellower vibe of many startups.
The Production Assistant: Gateway to Infinity
Ok, it may not be truly infinity, but could be an incredibly valuable asset to your portfolio. Yes, it may mean fetching coffee and tedious callbacks, but the PA role is essential in many aspiring entertainment industry folks’ rungs of the ladder. If you can find your way into this role, do not be taken aback by the mundane duties you are carrying out, or the egos of the people that may be your superiors. Simply getting on the set with people is one of the most important ways to secure some sort of future in the industry. Having a smile but still working quickly, and not letting anyone’s demands get to you too entirely much will help you along the way. As low down the totem pole as it may seem, the production assistant role has bred many careers in entertainment, partly because it shows your willingness to get your feet wet, and gets you around some of the key players that will help you down the road.
How to handle your first few years
Especially if you want to become a director or own your own production company someday, the first few years could feel turbulent. Even if you feel like you are spinning your wheels and not getting anywhere, constantly reach out and make new contacts. Be positive always and if you feel you don’t have much experience under your belt, highlight the good contacts that you have made and be inquisitive about what everyone you meet is doing. When you are looking for a job in the entertainment industry, you may feel an entire set of challenges bombard you and make you feel as if you may not make the cut. Be it makeup, writing, producing, editing, or advertising, there are absolutely empty spots waiting for you. Using your skills in cross promotional ideas for restaurants, other brands, and unique writers can give you an edge in the entertainment industry game as well, by showing you can get people to see the value in any cutting edge product or artist. When you finally do land your dream job in the entertainment industry, the steps you took on the way up will be worth it, and from behind the lens or mixing console, you will reflect on your journey up and ambition.