FOLLOW THE SCREEN
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CREATIVE PORTAL CAREERS
The Screen industry has so much variety within the jobs you can have and the great thing is no matter what part of the industry you move into you are always learning and gaining new skills that can be used in every aspect of life. This page showcases some of those brilliant careers.
Jobs in the screen industry:
Director
Directors are the creative leads of films, responsible for visualising the script, overseeing the production from pre-production to final edit, and managing the cast and crew.
Producer
Producers oversee the production from conception to completion, managing budgets, schedules, and coordination between departments and ensuring everything runs smoothly for the director and the rest of the crew.
Screenwriter
Screenwriters create the scripts for films and television shows, developing characters, dialogue, and plot.
Cinematographer
Also known as the Director of Photography (DoP), cinematographers are responsible for the visual look of a film, working closely with the director to achieve the desired aesthetic. Visuals are such an important part of films and DOP's can really shape a film especially collaborating with the director.
Editor
Editors work with raw footage, selecting and combining shots to create a coherent final product. Editing is such an important tool within a filmmakers reservoir as some of the best films out there have some fantastic editors and editing behind them.
Sound Designer
Sound designers record the dialogue and sound on set while also creating the auditory elements of a film, including sound effects and background noise. Sound designers along with editors are really important to a film as if a film has terrible sound the whole film is ruined.
Production Designer
Production designers are responsible for the visual concept of a film, including sets, locations, and props. They help support the directors unique visual style while also having their own.
Visual Effects Artist
Visual effects (VFX) artists create computer-generated imagery (CGI) and other visual effects in post-production. These really enhance the films imagery and help the audience be transported into the film.
Animator
Animators create moving images using hand-drawn, computer-generated, or stop-motion techniques. They work with the VFX artists to help create some incredible visuals for the films.
Production Assistant
Production assistants (PAs) provide support on film sets, performing various administrative and practical tasks. They are an integral part of the production process as they help everyone stay calm, collected and on their a game during shooting so the film can be the best it can be.
Actor
Actors are the connection between the movie and the audience. Actors use everything at their disposal to enhance the characters they play within Film and TV shows. A great actor can make the audience feel like the character is either their best friend or worst enemy.
Additional advice for a career in the Screen
Education and training
If you want to take the educational route to enter the industry you could start with studying Drama or Media Studies to get a basic understanding and which area you wanted to focus on in further education. If you wanted to go down the performing route of the industry you could study courses such as a diploma in Acting, Performing Arts or Musical Theatre. If you wanted to be more behind the camera you could study in Creative Media production diploma or a film studies A-Level. Pursuits into higher education have a number of courses that you can study such as BA in Acting and Film and Moving image production which both offer a number of ways within the industry to focus on and what you may want to specialise in. Some great institutions to study at are the London Film School, Anglia Ruskin University and UAL College of Communications. You could also Participate in workshops and short courses offered by organisations like the British Film Institute (BFI) or Screenskills.
Networking and Professional DevelopmentThere are various way that you can network before, during or after your studies. You could attend film festivals such as the BFI London Film Festival or Edinburgh International Film Festival They are great for networking and learning from the various people attending. You could also participate in industry events, panels, and seminars to meet professionals and learn about the latest trends. Furthermore, you could join professional associations like the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) or Screenskills
Funding and Support
If you wanted to work on projects independently you could look for grants and funding opportunities from companies like the BFI, Creative UK and ScreenSkills. You could also get some funding from platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo which can help raise funds for independent projects.
Career Advice and Support
If you wanted to get that extra information or support you could seek out mentorship programs offered by industry organisations or through personal contacts if you have any. You could also utilise the career services at the places you are studying or organisations like Royal Television Societies- Creative Skillset and Screenskills. Keep an updated CV and portfolio of your work. Tailor your CV to the job you’re applying for and showcase your most relevant projects within the portfolio.
Practical TipsIt is always good to keep up with industry news and trends through publications like
Variety, or The Hollywood Reporter as they are constantly updating their articles. The film industry is competitive, and rejections are common. Stay persistent and keep honing your skills as there will be something for you out there. Always be open to starting in entry-level positions or roles outside your primary interest to get a foot in the door as there are plenty of jobs that offer a route into something that you are really interested in.
