By monitoring film and TV projects, you can get a better understanding of what kind of content is currently in demand. This can help you develop a strategy for getting your foot in the door. You can also use this information to tailor your demo reel or portfolio to fit the needs of a particular project.

In addition to monitoring film and TV projects, you should also be applying for them. Whether it’s a small indie film or a major studio production, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You never know what opportunities may come your way.

Finally, don’t be discouraged if you don’t find success right away. Breaking into the film industry is a process and it takes time. Keep honing your craft, learn from your mistakes, and don’t give up.

Growing up in Los Angeles, I had a friend, let’s call him John.John had a dream to become a successful filmmaker. He was determined to make it happen, so he studied every aspect of the film industry. He read books, watched movies, and attended classes to learn more about the art of filmmaking. After a few years of hard work, he finally landed a job as a production assistant. He was thrilled to be part of the industry, but he knew he had to work his way up the ladder.

John quickly learned the ropes and soon enough he was promoted to a production coordinator. He took the job very seriously and worked diligently to stay on top of the many tasks involved in making a movie. He was organized, efficient, and able to juggle multiple responsibilities without breaking a sweat. This earned him the respect of the other crew members, and eventually the director.

With the director’s support, John was soon promoted to production manager. He took the lead on the project and managed the day-to-day operations of the set. He made sure everything ran smoothly and was always available to answer questions and help out with any issues that might arise. His leadership skills and hard work paid off, and soon he was given the opportunity to direct his own film.

John’s film was a success, and he was finally able to break into the film industry with a big splash. He was able to parlay that success into more directing opportunities and has since become one of the most sought-after directors in the business. His story is an inspiration to many aspiring filmmakers, showing that hard work and dedication can pay off in the end.

Staying on top of film and TV projects and applying for them is a great way to break into the film industry. With hard work and dedication, you can make your mark and become a successful filmmaker.

The post Monday Motivation: Breaking Into the Film Industry appeared first on Production List | Film & Television Industry Alliance.

Headshot

This is an essential tool for any actor.  It should be an 8×10 professional color headshot as it’s your key to get an audition. Your headshot should reflect the roles you’re most castable as.

Resume

A resume gives you credibility and shows a casting director why they should hire you. If should be no longer than one page and attached to the back of your headshot. Include your contact information and set the focus of your resume to the part you’re auditioning for.

Demo Reel

A demo reel can highlight your acting skills, confidence in front of the camera, and personality. It should be one to two minutes long. Look at it like a commercial that reflects your skills. It can have several mini-clips of your past work or a good story that displays your abilities.

Marketing Plan

Having a plan will help you reach your goals. Define your goals, set deadlines, and everything you plan to do to promote yourself. From your website and newsletter to the campaigns and meetings you’ll attend. Use your marketing plan as the perfect path to make your dream come true.

Website

A website can act as your portfolio. You can display your photos, resume, showreels, news, reviews, and social media accounts.

Social Media Accounts

Most actors overlook the power of social media. Social media can be a great networking tool if used correctly. Follow industry leaders, casting directors, talent agents, and media outlets. Post interesting information about the industry, photos, and clips about your latest projects, and interact with your followers.

Post Card

A postcard is a good way to say hello, to promote a new show, or even to follow up after an audition. Be creative, include photos and production stills.

One-Sheet

You can use one-sheets to promote your self, and they are very easy to create. It’s your magazine cover or movie poster.

Media Coverage

This is an excellent tool that few know about. It’s how the industry does business and brings in the money. It builds a buzz, generates excitement, and creates curiosity. Media coverage will help you gain credibility and scale up your visibility as you will have more people talking about you. To get media coverage you will need a great story,  appropriate news outlets who are willing to publish your story, and a good pitch. Once a media outlet publishes your story, other news outlets will approach you.

Business Cards

It should have a headshot, social media links, website, professional representation, and talent agent. It’s a great networking tool that you should carry around when attending parties, events, and film festivals.

If you want to get noticed as an actor you need to market yourself. Put these marketing tools into action so the next time a casting director needs a role to be filled, you will be the first one they think of.

Don’t miss out on any of the tips that will help you excel your career.  Become a member, and you will also get full access to our entire database of more than 1,500 major film and tv projects currently in pre-production and active development.

The post Top Marketing Tools Every Actor Should Have appeared first on Production List | Film & Television Industry Alliance.

Tips for Submiting a Casting Call Efficiently

1. Before you submit your resume and headshot, read the breakdown thoroughly. Make sure you are the perfect fit. Most breakdowns will clearly describe the type of person they are looking for as well as the filming dates. Make sure you fit that description and that you are available for those shoot dates. Follow the instructions in the breakdown.
2. Unless stated otherwise, address the subject line with the name of the character or position your are applying for, along with your name (i.e. Submission for the role of Julius by Martin Creed).
3. When the casting call includes a contact name, make sure you address that person in your email and use the right gender and correct spelling.
4. In the body of the Email, state the role(s) you are applying for and give a brief description of why you consider yourself the perfect fit for that role or what makes you eager to join that production team. Include any details requested in the breakdown like your weight, height, and size of your shirt, pants, and/or shoes.
5. Make sure you include an eye-grabing digital headshot which should be 500kb or less and your resume in PDF. The files should simply be your name (martin_creed.jpg, martin_creed.pdf). You can also provide a link to additional photos, your website, and two to three links of clips of your work.
6. Keep your email simple. At the end of the email add a short and polite note indicating the materials you are submitting.
7. Use a professional email address handle. While this may sound silly many forget this simple rule. Imagine receiving an email from I’m_cullest_guy_around@gmail.com instead of martin_creed@gmail.com
8. When signing off, use your full name. It is best if you create an email signature which links to your website and has your contact details.

By following these rules when you submit to a casting call, you have a greater chance of getting noticed.  If you want to keep receiving tips like this, become a member and you will also get full access to our entire database of more than 1,500 major film and tv projects currently in pre-production and active development.

The post How to Submit a Casting Call and Stand Out From the Crowd appeared first on Production List | Film & Television Industry Alliance.

Not the best way to start off an article on the pros and cons of Film School, is it? Well, wait until you hear the rest of it. According to the-numbers.com, from 1995 to 2017 the average sales price of a movie ticket went from $4.35 to $8.90 (domestically.) This caused revenues to jump from $5.3 billion to almost $11 billion over the same period.

Sounds great! Let’s go into the movie industry! Who’s with me?

Ummm…hold on, Tex. Here is the rest of the story. In 1995, ticket sales were around 1.22 billion. In 2017, they were only… 1.23 billion. In 2002, ticket sales rose to 1.57 billion, but really it seems the same people that always go to the movies are still going to the movies, and that’s it. Viewership isn’t really growing, so is a career in the industry possible, and more importantly, sustainable?

The optimism is there. Every year thousands of hopeful, young men and women graduate from universities all around the country, with stars in their eyes and gripping their newly minted, Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degrees in their hands. Each one convinced that they are “THE” one that will make it in Hollywood.

And you know, they might be!

Vision

The first thing that eager young person will need is Vision. You won’t make it in this business without one. Vision is not just the movies you want to make or to be the best (insert producer, director, editor, etc. here) you can be. Your vision should be specific.

For example: Some of the greatest directors in history were known for their vision and way of seeing the world around them. Cecil B. DeMille pulled faith into his vision and is known for epic, Biblical movies starring some of the greatest actors of the day. Most of his movies are on a grand scale, and filmed in rich colors featuring elaborate sets.

Stanley Kubrick, on the other hand, still made grand movies, but exposed the dark undertones of the world in which we lived. Case in point, his 1968 critically acclaimed, award-winning movie 2001: A Space Odyssey explores the possibility of a computer taking over and keeping a human astronaut captive in his ship. It was during this time that computers were becoming more commonplace in society and future “smart homes” were envisioned in everyday life. Today, it seems has if life is imitating his art.

Charlie Chaplin found humor in the darkest situations (The Great Dictator ~ 1940,) and Steven Spielberg created iconic characters (Raiders of the Lost Ark ~ 1980.)

Make a plan and find your voice. Write out a vision statement about the kind of work you want to do. Plan out the steps and find others in the industry that can help you achieve it. Will every project you are involved in be part of your vision?

No.

But every project will help you define your vision a little more and give you the tools to realize it. Film school may actually help you on this pathway.

Film School

USAToday.com ranked the Top Ten Universities for Film Studies and, as it has in other polls, the University of Southern California ranked #1. In 2017, 386 students graduated with a BFA degree in Film Studies. Another 195 graduated in programs such as theatre design, screen writing, drama, and acting. These numbers do not count programs like digital arts, media arts and animation. And this is just the number of graduates from USC!

It’s probably no coincidence that 3 of the top 4 schools are located in California, and the one that isn’t is New York University. Articles in other publications rank up to 25 universities. These rankings don’t include private, for profit schools and schools located abroad.

“90% of the most successful professionals in film never went to school…”

There are many reasons to go to film school and just as many to try it on your own. In a lot of ways, it really depends on what you want to do. School is probably a great option the more technical your field is. However, you may find a university closer to you has the same classes you want to take without the “film school” designator. If you are an actor, you may not need to go to school at all. While a cast member on Saturday Night Live in the 1980s, comedian Eddie Murphy joked that he was a high school dropout, while his chauffeur graduated from Harvard.

The website FilmSchoolSecrets.com states “90% of the most successful professionals in film never went to school…” And in many cases, you can do it on your own and save some money. After all, University of Southern California charges about $45,000 a year for out-of-state tuition, books, and board.

But there are compelling reasons to go to film school, as well.

Networking Opportunities

One of the best reasons to attend film school is to network. While in school, not only will you be working with instructors that have a background in film, you could also be working with the next Quentin Tarantino, Francis Ford Coppola, Spike Lee or Ridley Scott. Your classmate today may be an Oscar winner tomorrow. Develop those relationships and cultivate contacts. Film schools have guest lectures from some of the greats in their fields. Research and ask them thoughtful, intelligent questions about their work. You may find you’ve piqued their interest and they may ask you to keep in touch. If you can find a mentor of professional status, your career has a better chance of taking off, and there isn’t a better place to find one than at film school.

Film school also lets you have access to professional organizations earlier in your career than if you choose to branch out on your own. Join as many as you have time for and keep up with their publications and seminars. These are great places to meet others in your field, exchange ideas, and find out about job openings.

Diversity and Voice

During this time in school, you are exposed to a diverse array of subject matter, such as different genres, film studies from other countries, film styles such as film noir, and different voices. Women are making a mark in producing and directing acclaimed films, when only a few years before it was an “all boy’s club.” Minorities are making their stories heard with films such as Selma, directed by Ava Duvernay or Fences, directed by Denzel Washington. Learning about these different voices can only enhance your understanding of your field and will broaden your vision as your gain experience.

Instruction and Evaluation of Work

At school, you also have a chance to fail and learn, with your work being evaluated by instructors and peers alike. This gives you a chance to improve your projects into usable work. You can evaluate your progress and refine your skills, along with your vision in an environment that not only forgives mistakes, but encourages them.

In addition, you can learn in a traditional classroom environment from people that have worked in the field. Using tried and true techniques in a controlled setting, where you can ask questions and make mistakes is invaluable when it comes to learning your craft. You don’t have to figure out what you don’t know on your own, which saves time and frustration.

Volunteer

Whether you choose to go to film school or not, there are a few things that will help you on your journey. The first is to volunteer your time and talents. Get involved with a community theater group or an independent film company. You can trade your talent and skill for actual experience.

Work with students at a local university. With technology becoming more mainstream and easier to use, alternative ways of doing projects and reports are becoming popular with students. Work with the college TV station, or offer to help a business student with a film report about advertising or finance. It will help them stand out and give you a chance to use your skill.

Another way to stand out from the crowd and learn something in the process is to volunteer you time to an established filmmaker in your area. There are many people that make independent, low-budget films. Use their skill and know-how to learn more about your craft.

Keep Developing Your Talent

However you decide to go about establishing yourself as a professional, never stop developing your talent. Every profession has dry spells, so find creative ways of keeping your skills up and getting your name noticed. One way is to have your own YouTube channel. Write, produce and direct your own shows and short films and publish them on a streaming channel. YouTube is the most well known, but there are many others. You can even stream your videos on your own website with the right software.

A Premier Industry

The film industry is considered a “premier” industry. Everyone has stars in their eyes and wants to work in the movies. Unfortunately, the market only has space for so many, so only the best of the best get in. Or, more accurately, only the best of the best who know the right people, get in. This is why networking and building relationships is so important. People in the industry like to work with someone they know or know of.

That being said, opportunities exist for those who think outside of the box. If you can bring something new and fresh to the industry, you could be the next star. With or without film school.

The post To Film School or Not To Film School? That is the Question appeared first on Production List | Film & Television Industry Alliance.

But don’t fret! In this article we will help you prepare for your next photoshot, the one that will have all casting directors over you.

Importance of a headshot

A headshot is an 8×10 close-up picture of your face, with your name on the bottom right of the photograph. It’s your calling card, the link to Casting Directors and future acting jobs. It is the difference between getting the gig or not. Along with your headshot, you must include your resume. In your resume you will have important information like height, weight, hair and eye color, as well, as your training, skills, and experience.

There are two kinds of headshots that most actors should have:

1. Commercial: In commercial headshots the actor looks friendly and trustworthy. The performer is smilling and the light used for the photograph is usually bright.
2. Theatrical: these are geared towards being cast in plays, TV shows, and films. Here you want to show more emotion as you are selling your personality.

What do casting directors look for in headshots

When a casting director looks at headshots, they are trying to see the nature of the actor. Your headshot is a nonverbal communication of yourself. A good head shot shows the casting director your personality.

What makes good headshots

There are some basic elements that will make your headshot standout:

Framing, lighting, and background

A good headshot should be framed from the chest-up and should have good lighting in your face. You must look into the camera, and it should focus on your eyes. It is preferable for the background to be blurred as you want the main attention to be on your face.

Resemblance

The headshot is all about you so for it to be good, you first have to be comfortable with who you are. You have to be able to show your personality, type, brand, and age. It should capture your true essence, who you are now.

Make-up and clothing

Don’t over do it. If you want the photograph to capture the real you, you must use makeup  and clothing that reflects just that. Don’t try to hide your imperfections, instead try to use them in your favor. Show that your comfortable with yourself. Wear clothes that make you feel good and comfortable. Do the same with the makeup. Don’t hide your face under foundation and concealers.

How to prepare for a headshot

If you already have your appointment with your photographer then it is time to prepare so you can get the best results. Here are a few preparation tips:

Keep yourself hydrated and eat healthy foods.

If you want your skin to look radiant for your headshots, start drinking plenty of water and eating healthy foods one week before the headshot. You can also apply a facial cleaner followed by a soothing mask. It is also advisable to get a good night sleep to avoid those horrible black circles under your eyes!

Know what you want

Remember that your are trying to express your true self in the photograph. Think ahead what kinds of emotions you want to express and then practice, practice, practice. Practicing in front of a mirror is a good option.

It’s all about communication

Make sure to talk to your photographer before your session. Ask him questions and listen to his recommendations. During the session he will give you recommendations which can help release the stress.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Hopefully this guide will help you prepare for your headshots  and nail that gig you are looking for. If you want to keep receiving tips like this, become a member and you will also get full access to our entire database of more than 1,500 major film and tv projects currently in pre-production and active development.

The post How to Get Eye-Grabbing Headshots That Will Get You Hired appeared first on Production List | Film & Television Industry Alliance.

In this post, we’ve assembled the best acting career tips from the most successful entertainers in Hollywood. From Roberto De Niro to Tom Cruise, these actors share their advice.

Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro is a giant of the industry. You’ve seen him in successful movies like Taxi Driver, and the God Father. With over 114 films, De Niro knows his way around the industry. At a talk he gave at the Doha Film Institute he gave the following acting advice to aspiring actors:

“I always say –  you’ve got to really love what you do. Don’t expect to be famous – do it because you really love doing it and have fun doing it. “

Kate Winslet

We all fell in love with Kate Winslet after her iconic role of Rose in the Titanic. Like many actors, Winslet has struggled to get roles, but she didn’t give up. She keept auditioning and has worked to improve her skills. Winslet recommends actors to build their confidence, to keep trying no matter what, and to prepare constantly.

“Acting and the privilege of being able to do it for a living is so important to me. I don’t turn up and just hope for the best. I really fret about it. I do my homework; I prepare myself for the experience of playing a particular character.”

Bradly Cooper

We’ve seen this 42-year-old actor in Roles like The Hangover and Silver Linings. He’s had 62 nominations and 28 wins.

One of the advice he shares with aspiring actors and which he learned from his acting coach Elizabeth Kemp is that the key to approaching a character is relaxation.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt from Sicario and The Girl on the Train thinks that as an actor you have to be tough to be able to handle all the rejections and keep moving on.

“You’ve got to get the thickest skin possible. Like a rhino hide. It’s a very personal job. Put a helmet on.”

George Clooney

Academy award winner advises how to face rejection and how confidence is one of the most important products that actors must try to sell.

“The product you’re selling is you. You’re gonna have to get a tough thick skin because you will get knocked down, and go – I still think I’m on the right track and I still think I’m going in the right way. You’ll succeed as long as you have confidence because confidence is one of the things you’re selling too”

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep is one of the greatest film actors. You’ve seen how she can inhabit the characters she plays. She’s won 3 Oscars, two Emmys, and eight Golden Globes – which makes her more than qualified to share some words of wisdom.

“Acting is not about being someone different. It’s finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there.”

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp, one of Hollywood’s biggest and highest paid actors, shares acting advice on how he wholeheartedly commits to a role even when he knows it will open him up to criticism.

“But these are the characters that I see; it’s how I see them. And if you feel it’s the right thing to do for the character and you stick to your guns, no matter what, at least you tried something. Even if it’s an absolute failure. So I feel really good about my characters in the sense that I at least tried something. If it works, great. If it doesn’t work, I tried.”

Lupita Nyong’o

Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o thinks that being scared of a role is not a good enough reason to stay away from it.

“Every single role brings with it an ignorance and insecurity, and so you have to approach it with the same curiosity and humility.”

Jimmy Fallon

Jimmy Fallon is an American actor, comedian, and television host of the late-night show “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”  He believes that one shall do what one loves to do no matter if others don’t agree with it.

“There is always going to be someone out there… who doesn’t believe in you or who thinks your head is too big or you’re not smart enough. But those are the people you need to ignore, and those are the times you need to just keep doing what you love doing.”

Natalie Portman

Oscar winner Natalie Portman shares a valuable tip on how to improve your acting.

“Ninety percent of how you learn is watching great people. When you are surrounded by good actors, it lifts your performance.”

Robbin Williams

Even though Robbin Williams is gone, his legacy and knowledge live on.

“Acknowledge your uniqueness. Be yourself – be fiercely you.”

Emilia Clarke

Emilia Clarke, better known for her role in Game of Thrones, advises actors studying theatre.

“You can’t come out of drama school and think, it’s all going to be amazing. You have to expect to work in a bar for at least five years and be a waitress for maybe two!”

Tom Cruise

From Top Gun to Mission Impossible and the Mummy, Tom Cruise is one of Hollywood’s favorite. At a speech at the Joanne Baron/D.W. Brown Studio in Santa Monica he talked about what actors should do once they’ve got a roll.

“When you do finally get the chance of being in a movie, don’t spend the time in the trailer. You need to experience everything in the movie, talk to everyone on the crew, the grips, everyone. Learn everything you can. You will never get that time back…”

Well there you have it, the top tips from some of the most successful actors in Hollywood. As you can see it’s not all glitz and glamour. You have to be prepared, face rejection and work hard.

The post 13 Inspiring Acting Career Tips From the Most Successful Entertainers appeared first on Production List | Film & Television Industry Alliance.

Don’t forget that while making movies seems like a lot of fun, it is also a very, very big business. Productions Assistants and Coordinators are the guardians of the production gates and they don’t have a lot of time. Remember to be as friendly and professional to them, as you would to the Production Manager or Producer. Don’t waste their time!

Join FTIA and receive a weekly production list with projects currently in preparation, pre-production, and active development.

Before Contacting Anybody

Before you pick up that iPhone, remember to do your research. Projects swirl around Hollywood like tornados in Texas. And since your goal is to get your resume into the hands of person in charge of hiring, research is critical. Find out what you can about the company you’re targeting. The best way to do this is, of course, online.

Look up the production company and find out at least four things:

1. Who the principles of the company or project are. (i.e Hiring Manager!)
2. How long they’ve been in business.
3. What projects they are working on.
4. What positions are open for hiring in your area of expertise.

These four things will help you narrow down any opportunities, but the information may be limited. For example, the project may be in development, but not ready for hiring. If this is the case, the production office won’t be open. Keep your ear to the ground and listen for news on when the project will start.

The second thing to do is to assess yourself. Define your strengths and weaknesses. Most interviewers will ask this question. Be honest when answering and have ways to overcome any weaknesses. Don’t just say you don’t have any or try to turn weaknesses into strengths. All interviewers see through that easily.

Decide what you can bring to their table and how you can best fill the position you are applying for. Of course, this will differ depending on whether you want to be in front of the camera or behind it. If you can do an honest assessment, you will be in a better position to know, not only which jobs you can do, but which jobs really interest you. If you love your job, you never work a day in your life!

Do You Know Someone?

Another thing to do before calling is look at your network. Networking is extremely important in this industry. Never leave someone out. The doorman at your building may have a cousin in the business. Your best friend’s roommate’s sister’s Aunt may have a son that is a major director. Network and keep your contacts handy. Hiring and production managers prefer to hire someone they know or know of. So don’t burn any bridges.

If you don’t know anyone, don’t give up. Start building your network and apply anyway. You may have to start at the bottom and work your way up. But think of the network you could build by working at a production company simply answering phones!

Now You’re Ready

Remember that scene in Sleepless In Seattle, where Tom Hanks is trying to pick up the phone to ask his designer out, his very first date since his wife died, while the score is playing “Back In The Saddle Again?”. Sometimes cold calling a production can feel like that. Your hand moves toward the phone and back again. You take a few deep breathes, stare at the phone and take a few more. Well, you see where this is going! You gotta get your hand on the phone and punch those numbers in!

When the phone is answered, it will go a long way to establishing a relationship with the voice on the other line, if you remember a few things:

1. Be professional – This is your all important First Impression. If you can, find out who the assistant is and use their name. Practice your “lines” before calling. You won’t forget anything critical and you sound like you know what you are doing, even if it doesn’t feel that way!
2. Know which positions are open – You can come across as vague if you don’t know why you’re calling and you won’t be connected to the department you want. Remember, the assistants are busy and you aren’t the only one calling. Don’t get hung up on!
3. Remember to ask the right questions:
   • Who is the hiring manager for project X?
   • Where should I send my resume so he or she will receive it?
   • What are the best times to follow up with a phone call?
   • Are there any other positions open that haven’t been announced yet?
4. Let them know you heard about the project from a friend in the industry.

The Resume

Once you have charmed the voice that answered the phone, it’s time to send your resume to the hiring manager. And it is important to include 3 things with it.

1. A professional cover letter.
2. Headshot and/or examples of your work.
3. Links to any film work you’ve done, preferable through your professional website.

The key to this phase is to be professional! Clean lines, links that work, professionally taken headshot, all this is an indication of the kind of work you produce. Sloppy resume and cover letter will equal sloppy work in the mind of the hiring manager, something you definitely DO NOT want! 

The Interview

It worked! Your professionalism and resume got you an interview. Now what?

Well, this is your chance to shine, so be prepared. How? You ask a good question, but interviewing for a shot at the movies isn’t that much different from interviewing for any other position. The atmosphere may be more casual, but you’re there to make the same kind of impression. Here are some steps:

1. Call the assistant. Make the assistant your friend, then gently pump for information. Ask if the dress code is professional attire or more business casual. Get ideas on how to dress for the interview and any professional traits that the hiring manager values.
2. Make sure you have references, so the manager can see that your experience matches what is on your resume. Do not exaggerate that experience! In this business, more than any other, people talk and reputation is everything.
3. Ask questions! Ask questions about the project, how the position fits in with the project (if you are behind the scenes,) how the manager reacts to deadlines, etc. Anything that is relevant to the job. Make sure the questions you ask also show that you have an understanding of the skills needed, as well as the duties performed.

Now that you’ve interviewed, you may get the project or you may not. Still follow up with thank you notes for everyone you talked to. This means keeping accurate records of who you talked to, when and what about, along with their contact information. Not only does this help with networking in the future, it starts building your reputation in the field. So if you didn’t get this position, someone you sent a thank you note to may recommend you for another one.

Be positive and be prepared. Keep trying. Send resumes out to all the projects that interest you. There is a lovely boost of self-confidence that comes when you are able to professionally turn down one job because you were hired for another one. Who knows? Maybe the company you turned down will beg you to work for them on the next project!

The post Best Practices for Contacting a Film or TV Production Office appeared first on Production List | Film & Television Industry Alliance.

The workshop staff is looking for writers who need that final bit of preparation and exposure to key industry players. They especially encourage female writers and those of diverse backgrounds to apply.

About NBC Universal Late Night Writers Workshop

The NBCUniversal Late Night Writers Workshop is a multi-day program focused on exposing talented sketch and comedy writers to NBCUniversal’s late night & alternative line-up and readying them for a staff writer position. We are looking for writers who are “almost there,” but need that final bit of preparation and exposure to key industry players. We particularly encourage female writers and those of diverse backgrounds to apply. The selected writers will create new sketch material and gain insight into the dynamics of a late night writers’ room. Participants are given the chance to interact with key writers and producers from across NBCUniversal’s late night and alternative shows, as well as receive feedback on their material.

Application Requirements

1. Applicants must submit ALL of the following pieces in one properly formatted packet, in a single PDF file:

1. 1-2 pages of topical monologue jokes. If you think it helps us, please indicate which host’s voice you have in mind (can be but does not have to be NBC host). Topical news jokes and pop culture jokes should make up the bulk of your material.
2. 1-2 pages of original ideas for refillable late night “desk bits”. These can be ideas for elements like Jimmy Fallon’s “Thank You Notes”, pre-taped correspondent bits like “Jaywalking” or multimedia bits. For this portion, please provide descriptions of the bits and not scripts.
3. 2 SNL-style sketches (no more than 5 pages EACH).  One sketch should introduce an original character and one should be topical (something newsworthy or pop culture-based).

2. Applicants must complete the Late Night Writers Workshop online application, which includes your bio, resume and essay questions.

3. Applicants must fill out a release form for their submitted packet (link will be provided when application is open). Upload form in online application.

4. Applicants may provide one letter of recommendation from a colleague or mentor who is familiar with their comedy writing.  Please do not submit a letter from an original character or from your Mom. The letter must be no longer than two pages.

5. Applicants must be able to provide their own housing and transportation to New York City for the duration of the program. (NOTE: You do not need to be based in New York City to be considered.)

Timeline:

Submission Period: January 2-15, 2017

Finalist Interviews: February

Workshop in NYC: March 24-28, 2017

All dates are subject to change. The window for submissions will be open January 2, 2017 at 12:00 AM through January 15, 2017 at 11:59 PM PT. You may submit your packet via this link: http://ow.ly/CSsF3078LgD

The post NBC Universal Late Night Writers Workshop is Accepting Applications appeared first on Production List | Film & Television Industry Alliance.

Filming in New York City

The place to start is to get your resume to the person responsible for hiring. He or she is usually the head of the production office and may have a title such as Production Manager or Line Producer. Don’t depend on someone you know getting it to the right person. Take the initiative and get it there yourself.

While every production is different, and there isn’t a “one size fits all” way of achieving your goal, we have provided some different steps to help you out.

Stay Up To Date

Keep up to date on what projects are in development. This means being part of the community and building relationships with others in the industry. Most of the time, a project starts out as a rumor. If you are plugged in, you can find out when official production dates are released.

Our members have access to a weekly production list which includes a comprehensive breakdown of projects in preparation, pre-production, and active development.

Building relationships is a key component of getting a job in this industry. The old saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know,” is true. Many people get a part just because someone in the show says, “I know this person and they would be a good fit for playing …” Networking is the lifeblood of any industry; so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

Contact the Production Office or Company

If the production office for a project is listed, call them directly and ask if they are accepting resumes and headshots. If the answer is “not yet,” ask when will they start or when would be a good time to contact them again. Then follow up. At all times, be polite and professional.

You will have to research when the project has hired its production company. If it is early on in the development process, chances are they haven’t yet. Keep at it. Use our weekly production list to get in touch with project managers to find out more information. Use the relationships you built in the networking phase to find out when the company will open and be proactive. And don’t be afraid to let the company know you found out about the project from a friend.

Use Email

The Film and Television Industry Alliance provides email addresses for most Productions Companies. A simple email of inquiry, along with your resume, may be all it takes. However, you should always follow up in person or with a call. Professional perseverance can be a good recommendation. The key here is to be professional.

Send Your Resume By Mail

Sometimes getting your resume into the right hands takes time and investment. By mailing your resume and headshot to the production company, you can make sure your first impression stands out. While mailing your resume can be an additional expense, if you take the time and effort to present a polished, professional image in your cover letter, the production manager will have a better chance of remembering you when you follow up with a phone call.

There are some Do’s and Don’ts to this:

1. Don’t have a resume that is more than a page long. Project managers don’t have a lot of time.
2. Don’t be sloppy in your cover letter. Spelling mistakes and stains on the cover letter will leave the hiring manager thinking your performance will be sloppy too. This is your first impression, so make it count.
3. Don’t just assume they will be so impressed with your resume that they will call you. Always, always follow up with a phone call about a week after you mail out your resume. Not only will you find out if the manager received it, you will show them you are serious about the project.
4. Do send out resumes for all the productions that you are interested in. And keep following up with calls. Just don’t “stalk” them. Even if they filled the position you wanted, there may be another that comes open for one reason or another.
5. Do keep notes on all the projects you sent out letters to. Track:
   • When each project is due to start.
   • Who you sent your resume to.
   • When you made your first follow up call and each call after that.
   • Who you spoke with each time.
   • What was said during each conversation.
6. Do send thank you notes to all the people you spoke with. Today’s production assistant may be tomorrow’s production manager.

Keep At It

You probably won’t get hired the first time you send out a resume or meet with a project manager. Most don’t. Everyone has to “pay their dues” and it can be a long, discouraging process. Be persistent and professional, keep building those relationships and realize that consistently working the leads you have will eventually get you to that first role. And that’s your chance to shine!

The post How To Get a Job in Film or TV Industry appeared first on Production List | Film & Television Industry Alliance.