How to Get into the Video and Film Industry

• (Photo : How to Get into the Video and Film Industry)

Video can be a hard field to enter. Film in general is highly competitive, and you'll need more than just ambition and technical skills to get into it. As with cinematography, you will need to be able to combine creativity with technical knowledge so you can create moving pictures and tell a story.

Get Training and Experience 

Assuming you already know how to operate a video camera, the next step is to get a degree in a related field. Most filmmaking companies and agencies will want to know that you are educated. Luckily, you have several options to choose from. Each one will give you technical skills and valuable experience. Potential degree options might include:

• Screenwriting

• Cinematography

• Video editing

• Communications 

• Broadcasting 

• Film theory 

Many aspiring videographers choose to take out private student loans to pay for school. That's because the funds from federal loans aren't always enough to cover tuition and other school expenses.

Look for Internships

An internship is a great way to make connections so you can work your way up in the film industry. Get in touch with film studios, television companies, and others that might offer internships. Don't worry about finding a job yet, however. Your main goal is to learn how film sets and crews operate and gain experience for your resume. You might be surprised at the lessons you can learn from an internship that you can't learn in your classes. As an intern, look for someone who can be a mentor to you. That might be a professional cinematographer or another videographer. Not only does this give you valuable knowledge, but it also inspires you. If you find a mentor early on, you may want to consider finding a second one. Try to help your mentor with their projects, since hands-on experience is the best. Observe how they plan shots, the way they work, and their problem-solving methods. A friendship with your mentor may open up an opportunity as a second shooter.

Market Your Skills

Once you have the skills and experience you need, it's time to start developing your personal brand. Make an online portfolio or website to display your style and your best work. That way, you can stand out from the crowd and establish yourself with directors. Set up profiles on professional social media platforms so you can better promote your work. It's a good idea to leave contact details on your pages so interested companies can get in touch with you.

Start Applying for Jobs 

You can start looking for jobs when you have an established creative style and identity and have enough technical and theoretical knowledge. Start with an online search on job boards. Your school may have connections you can leverage as well. Let your friends and colleagues know that you're looking for a job. Sometimes, clients may contact you with a project. That's especially true if you have professional social media accounts set up. Don't turn away projects that don't pay as much as you'd like since they can be a valuable source of experience.