Networking is a word that gets thrown around in nearly every profession out there, and the rules vary from career to career. With the film industry, networking involves going to as many film-related events as possible and meeting as many film professionals as you can. Scour social media – everything from LinkedIn to film festival websites. In other words, networking in the film industry involves constantly putting yourself out there.

The tasks and responsibilities of a production assistant can vary from set to set, but generally speaking, they need to be a jack of all trades. Their core function is to support the functioning of a production and to ensure things are running smoothly. Some of their tasks can include…

• • Running errands

This entails running errands for the production to pick up or drop off equipment or handling whatever tasks that need to be accomplished quickly. You’ll need a car in good working condition for this one.

• • • Assisting departments and crew

Crews often need help setting up or striking sets and equipment. Production Assistants serve as an extra set of hands to help the work get done.

• • • • Distributing call sheets

Call sheets offer information about the physical production (location, schedule, contact info, what’s being shot) and Production Assistants can be responsible for making sure they’re given to the appropriate departments.

• • • • • Managing crowds

If a movie is being shot in a public location, Production Assistants may be asked to assist with crowd control and guaranteeing people not associated with the production don’t become a hindrance to filming.

• • • • • • Miscellaneous tasks

Anything and everything can happen on a film set. The production needs to be ready to respond so Production Assistants can often find themselves running the gamut; from helping to keep an area quiet to assistant the craft service department.

For aspiring cinematographers or those who want to pursue a career in the camera department, camera assistant is a terrific way to get started in that field. Chiefly, camera assistants aid the Director of Photography (DP) and the rest of the camera team in their task of actually shooting the movie. A camera assistant’s responsibilities can include…

• • Camera setup and upkeep

This includes everything from assembling the camera equipment and lenses to ensuring all the shooting equipment is in proper working order.

• • • Marking shots

By using chalk or tape, a camera assistant can indicate a camera movement or actor’s position for each take.

• • • • Clapperboard Operation

The clapboard, or slate, synchronizes picture and sound during filming so as to ensure they’re aligned for the editing process.

• • • • • Lighting assistance

Camera assistants can also work with the lighting team and gaffer to position lights for shots.

A grip on a film set is an essential member of the lighting and camera departments. It’s a very “hands-on” job, with physical work related to moving, manipulating, and rigging the lighting needed for each scene. Some of their specific tasks may be…

• • Lighting assistance

Grips are a key component of setting up lights, diffusers and other elements used to achieve a specific aesthetic for a scene.

• • • Camera rigging

Cameras often need a good deal of equipment to capture shots as desired. Cranes, dollies, mounts, and tracks are all camera-related equipment that need to be properly handled.

• • • • Set construction and adjustment

Grips may also be asked to assist in modifying sets (moving walls, creating spaces) so as to allow easier access for cameras and lighting.

A Boom Operator is in charge of controlling the boom microphone on a film shoot. The boom itself is an adjustable pole with a microphone attached to its end. This allows the production to capture the actors’ dialogue while keeping crew members out of frame. The main responsibilities of a boom operator are…

• • Getting clear audio

It’s essential that all dialogue be recorded as clearly and cleanly as possible.

• • • Avoiding non-scene related noise

The boom operator needs to position the boom at precise angles specifically to guarantee the microphone is picking up the most relevant audio, and avoiding what’s not a part of the scene.

• • • • Collaborating with the sound mixer

The sound mixer manages the audio being recorded on a set, so they’re the ones providing the most instruction and delegation to the boom operator.

A Set Dresser works with the art department to design and enhance the appearance of the set itself. Their job is to make the set look as natural and organic as the scene requires. A set decorator’s primary tasks can include…

• • Working with the production designer

Production designers oversee the overall look for each set. The set dresser will collaborate closely with them to guarantee everything the camera can see is in alignment with the production designer’s intent.

• • • Research

Set dressers often need to dive deep into what’s required of the scene in order to realistically sell that the time/location/specifics are enough to create a believable atmosphere tailored to the script.

• • • • Budgeting

Set dressers have been asked to maintain a budget for their work. Enhancing a set properly costs money, but a balance needs to be maintained so as not to drain the production’s budget.

The editorial assistant works with the post-production department, specifically the editing team. The role revolves around supporting the editorial department from a number of angles. Here are a few of them…

• • Organizing footage

Editorial assistants are often tasked with labeling, cataloging and building a system to keep track of everything that’s been shot.

• • • Media transfer

Since the majority of films are now edited digitally, anything shot on film needs to be transferred into the digital system before it can be edited. Editorial assistants are typically the ones who feed the footage into the media system.

• • • • Administrative work

As mentioned, editorial assistants can support the editing department from several angles. One such angle could be office work, such as managing calendars, handling calls, and scheduling appointments.

A producer’s assistant supports the producer through a range of needs, from administrative to creative. They’re often the producer’s right hand and are given a unique, overseeing look into the process of film production. Some of their duties may include…

• • Calendar handling and management

Producer’s assistants typically manage the producer’s calendar, arranging meetings, and keeping everything in tune with the production schedule.

• • • Travel arrangements

Producers tend to travel a lot for shoots or meetings and their assistants will typically handle the flight, hotel and transportation logistics for them.

• • • • Script coverage

It’s typical for a producer’s assistants to be asked to read, summarize, and review a screenplay that had been submitted to them.

A costume assistant works in the costume department and aids in clothing the talent. The assistant’s role will cover a variety of wardrobe-related responsibilities, such as…

• • Organization

Costume assistants need to keep a detailed inventory of the wardrobe, accessories, and relevant items. Oftentimes on shoots, certain clothing must be readily accessible and the assistant needs to be on top of what items are where.

• • • Shopping

Believe it or not, but costume assistants get paid to shop for clothes. Keeping within budgetary boundaries, they’ll typically work closely with the costume designer to find specific outfits and clothing that are just right for the production.

• • • • Laundry and maintenance

The truth is, clothes get dirty and they can also tear. It’s one of the costume assistant’s charges to ensure all clothes are cleaned and properly mended for production.

A marketing coordinator helps in the planning, management, and execution of a film’s marketing campaign. Typically, they’ll help in raising as much awareness of a film as possible. The specific responsibilities of a marketing coordinator can be…

• • Content creation

Marketing coordinator may assist in the creation and development of marketing content, including graphics, copy, and other marketing materials.

• • • Social media management

The current cultural climate lives on social media. There is absolutely no better way to bring awareness to anything (in this case, movies) than through online outlets. Marketing coordinators may be asked to create postings, oversee engagement and respond to comments.

• • • • Website management

Marketing coordinators might also help in updating and maintaining the film’s website. This involves verifying the information on the site is accurate, current, and in sync with the film’s overall marketing strategy.

It may seem odd to view this position as an entry-level role, but in technical terms, it requires no prior knowledge or skill of anything on a film set. What it does require is the ability to write a script that investors will put money into in the hopes that other people will pay money to watch it. A screenwriter can be responsible for…

• • Story development

Screenwriters are responsible for building the overall structure and world of a movie. This involves everything from plot to characters to genre to overall story.

• • • Revisions

Typically scripts are rewritten over and over again in the service of a number of things (that can be creative or budgetary). Screenwriters need to be able to adjust their work accordingly while still keeping true to the initial thematic intent of their work.

• • • • Generating new ideas

Screenwriters are expected to constantly be ready and able to come up with new ideas and creative solutions to issues that arise. The ability to think quickly on their feet is a great asset for a screenwriter.

While breaking into the film industry may not be the easiest thing in the world, it’s not impossible. It’s comprised of many niches, each with their own hierarchies and machinations. Focus on your passion and what really interests you about the industry and move towards that. Success in the film industry relies on dedication and commitment. Using any of these foundational entry-level roles would be a rewarding and enriching path in.