Getting into the Film Industry

How to be a part of the film industry? It has been a question that people have been wondering for decades. The film industry is a place where people come together to make films for the entertainment of the world but not many people ever get to take part in it. It is a place where films can sky rocket in the box office or they can flop yet so many people want to take the chance and get in but never know how to. It is shown statistically that 75% of actors earn less than £5,000 from being on stage or in front of a camera and only 1 in 50 actors make more than £20,000 a year. yet so many people want to follow this big dream of theirs no matter how hard. I chose this issue because getting there are so many aspiring actors wanting to make a big name for themselves but people always get held up at where to start so this issue will give some useful tips on how to get yourself noticed and to get you in your dream job.

There has been an old saying which is 'It's not what you know, it's who you know'. Now this is a popular phrase said by lots of people which has been used to tell aspiring people who want to get into the industry that if you do not know anyone personally who is in the film industry that there is no other way in. Personally, I think this statement can be damaging to a person who wants to get that kind of job but then again if that does stop someone then maybe they aren't looking far enough nor do they want it badly to fight for a position. In an article by a man called Fredric Neuman M.D. wrote about how it is better to climb the ranks into a good position than to get placed in one because you may not be good at that job and therefore humiliate yourself in a position you can't handle. I asked 6 students 'Do you think the 'it's not what you know, it's who you' is the best way to get into the film industry?' the reply was 4 of them believe it is a very handy way to get into the industry but I followed up that question with 'Would you rather work your way through the industry to better yourself than jumping straight in? (E.g. straight into acting, technician, set builder etc.?)' and all replies were that they'd prefer to start small and build up their position in the industry and one of them wrote in the extra comment 'I still believe it to be important to develop skills through time'. However, it is amazingly helpful if you do know someone that can get you the job as this can get you the place you want, on the over hand, this is an option which is so rare to come by and it's not like everyone who wants a job will rely on someone you know so it is good to know other ways to get into the job.

Another way you can get into the industry (or will certainly help the process) is finding an agent. Having an agent will be beneficial in helping you find contracts with the film industry and auditions too but they do not work for free so make sure you have enough money to pay for them. When asking the same people from earlier, I asked them 'Have you tried finding an acting agent?' 2/6 have already tried to find an agent and then I asked them 'Would you consider having an acting agent help you find work?' 5/6 people said they would have an agent help them so I'd say it's a possibility that wanting an agent is a common choice. Firstly, you need to find an agent so if you're not a well-known actor nor do you have much experience, try looking for smaller, less known agencies. Once you have found the agency you feel will be the best for you, look them up online and see who have already been listed by them, look those actors up on social media and should be easy to find them. Once you see an actor who you feel you can relate, make conversation with them and approach them in a friendly manner. Ask them about the agency and about how they got into it, usually they should give you advice if you approach them nicely and letting the person know you're interested improves your networking skills. Pick the acting agent you would prefer to sign with and like talking to the actors, only go for one and just be friendly. You should have a well-constructed E-mail which includes various information your agent will need. Following this gets you that extra help you'll need to find a name for yourself which can lead to you being noticed and taken in by the film industry but there are always more independent ways of making yourself shine out from the others. Lots of people may want to find agencies too but having this extra help can set you up with contracts to big companies and can get you auditions in a less advertised roll, they help publicise yourself to get you more known that you want to be an actor.

Making and publishing your work can show a wide range of skills you can offer to the film industry. This can show skills in directing, lighting, sound, acting, etc. or any area you want to apply for if you were to get a job working in a bigger business. This can happen because when directors see that you can create your own content, it shows you already can act, sing, dance, edit etc. You can also show off the technical side of working in the industry if you wanted to direct the film or show off your skills at editing, using light, sound, or any other spectrum you can apply for in the industry as it can catch the industry's eye. The downfall to this is you will need to have experience and practice already because it shows you have the ability to put your talent into film already so if you wanted to gain experience, this may not be the best way into the industry. Unlike the agent path, you could have no previous experience and they will take you in and try find you places where you could learn to act on the job, almost like an apprenticeship which you must pay for as you learn on the job. Publishing your work is just as important because you need your work accessible for everyone to see. Try get your film seen in your local cinema or around your town to start off with and then try getting it on to websites like YouTube or even make your own website which shows the work you make and has a base which agency and the industry can track your work.

And if you want to fully go down the acting route, turn up to lots of auditions will definitely increase your chances of being spotted significantly. There's always people out in the world wanting to produce a film so try to book an audition with them and act your heart out. Getting a part in the film will get your name out there if it manages to make it onto TV. Even if you don't make the part, that's fine you might not be the person they are looking for but they may remember you for if the y make more content and you fit the role in that too and showing up to more and more auditions where you can either make the part or other directors can talk to each other and suggest you to other people as well. Having an agent can be useful with setting you up with auditions but it is possible still look for them yourself.

To summarise, getting into the industry of film can be hard however, there are lots of tips and tricks to get you noticed above the crowd so that you can access your dream job. Yes these are ways people already use but if you manage to use if you do know the right people, they can help get you in a position there, having an agent will help you get found by directors, making and publishing your work into easily accessible places for lots of people to see will get you spotted and showing up to lots of auditions will get you a role and if you didn't do it on your first go, they may want you for another film or get recommended for another audition. Yes, these are ways people already use to try and promote themselves but they only try a couple of these ideas; if you were to use them all, there will be a greater chance of making it as an actor, technician, director etc. Through my research on going online to see ways of making it into the industry, there are multiple articles on tips and tricks on making it to the film industry so this must be an issue lots of people are wondering about. Reading through the research I have gathered, it has also enlightened me about the different possibilities on how to get into the industry and if you have the patience and time, it is possible to make it there.