Working in Film
The relative success of the British film industry in the last few years means that, with the right mix of skills, you can actually consider a career in the industry. It will be tough. You'll need creativity, tenacity and perseverance.
The market is still dominated by American films, but the industry in Britain has recently seen an injection of new finance, e.g. from the National Lottery. A recent review of film policy sets out the following objective: to produce, distribute and exhibit more British films to bigger and more diverse audiences.
People love films. Watching films is the number one leisure activity for 18-30 year olds in the UK. And developments in technology such as low cost, digital filmmaking have created exciting opportunities for filmmakers.
Big money
Film is a risky business. Every year a blockbuster flops, losing millions, and a low budget film will unexpectedly rake in millions. There are no certainties.
A distribution deal is vital to the success of a film. Content is increasingly determined by the market research that will secure such a deal. Films are like any other goods or services, produced and marketed to an identified consumer. But many filmmakers believe that creativity, experimentation and social conscience are as important as commercial success.
Understanding the money side of film is a key to success in the industry. The Film Council was established to support filmmakers in all aspects of business development.
Learn by doing
There is no better way to learn the business than by making a film. And there is a surprising amount of money around to support filmmakers at the start of their careers. Some funding sources are:
A freelance workforce
Most people working in film are freelance and have to invest their own time and money to train and develop themselves. This has led to an unbalanced workforce in some areas, e.g. too many qualified and experienced directors for the number of jobs, while some experienced crafts people can virtually 'name their price'.
Other shortage areas include production accountants and qualified projectionists. Watch the credits at the end of a film to get an idea of all the jobs there are. Aiming for something less well known will increase your chances of finding work.
The market is still dominated by American films, but the industry in Britain has recently seen an injection of new finance, e.g. from the National Lottery. A recent review of film policy sets out the following objective: to produce, distribute and exhibit more British films to bigger and more diverse audiences.
People love films. Watching films is the number one leisure activity for 18-30 year olds in the UK. And developments in technology such as low cost, digital filmmaking have created exciting opportunities for filmmakers.
Big money
Film is a risky business. Every year a blockbuster flops, losing millions, and a low budget film will unexpectedly rake in millions. There are no certainties.
A distribution deal is vital to the success of a film. Content is increasingly determined by the market research that will secure such a deal. Films are like any other goods or services, produced and marketed to an identified consumer. But many filmmakers believe that creativity, experimentation and social conscience are as important as commercial success.
Understanding the money side of film is a key to success in the industry. The Film Council was established to support filmmakers in all aspects of business development.
Learn by doing
There is no better way to learn the business than by making a film. And there is a surprising amount of money around to support filmmakers at the start of their careers. Some funding sources are:
- local and regional arts boards
- the BFI
- the broadcasters
- the Film Council
- local authority arts departments
A freelance workforce
Most people working in film are freelance and have to invest their own time and money to train and develop themselves. This has led to an unbalanced workforce in some areas, e.g. too many qualified and experienced directors for the number of jobs, while some experienced crafts people can virtually 'name their price'.
Other shortage areas include production accountants and qualified projectionists. Watch the credits at the end of a film to get an idea of all the jobs there are. Aiming for something less well known will increase your chances of finding work.
