Getting a Job in the British Film Industry

Film attracts many applicants, and entry-level work is competitive. There is no single route in. The right approach depends on the work you want to do, whether that is acting, screenwriting, editing, costume, casting or one of the many technical and production roles behind the camera. Most people build a career gradually, combining training, paid work and professional contacts over several years.

Understanding the Range of Jobs

A feature film needs far more people than most viewers realise. Alongside the actors and director, productions rely on departments such as camera, lighting, sound, art, costume, hair and make-up, locations, editing, visual effects and production accounts. Some roles are creative, some technical and some organisational. Examples include:

• Production roles, such as runner, production assistant and production coordinator
• Camera and lighting roles, such as camera trainee and electrician
• Post-production roles, such as assistant editor and colourist
• Design roles, such as art department assistant and costume trainee
• Writing and development roles, such as script reader and development assistant

ScreenSkills, the industry's skills body, publishes job profiles explaining what each role involves and how people usually get started. Experience from outside film can also count. Administrative, accounting, electrical, construction, sewing, driving and hospitality work all build skills that productions need.

Acting and writing follow different paths from crew work. Performers usually need professional headshots and recorded audition material, and many eventually seek an agent. Check that any agent is reputable before signing. Writers need finished scripts to show and should look for established competitions, schemes and submission routes. Be wary of services that charge fees without a clear track record.

Courses and Qualifications

Universities and colleges across the UK offer degrees, diplomas and shorter courses in film production, screenwriting, acting, editing and related subjects. For many roles, practical skills and evidence of relevant work matter more than a film degree, although requirements vary by department. A good course can give you access to equipment, industry contacts and the chance to make short films for your portfolio. Courses can be expensive, so look into bursaries, travel support and accessibility arrangements before committing.

When comparing courses, check:

• How much hands-on production work is included
• Whether tutors have recent industry experience
• Graduate destinations and the facilities available
• Links with studios, production companies or festivals
• Any industry recognition, and whether it is still current

BFI Film Academy offers courses and opportunities for young people, with eligibility varying by programme. Its short and specialist courses generally cater for ages 16 to 19. The National Film and Television School offers specialist courses at several levels.

Screen apprenticeships exist but are relatively limited, because they depend on employers offering vacancies. In England, you can search the Find an apprenticeship service on GOV.UK. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own apprenticeship, careers and student finance services. For careers advice, the National Careers Service covers England, while My World of Work, Careers Wales and the nidirect careers service cover the other nations.

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Starting Out as a Runner

Runner work is a recognised entry route into some production and post-production roles. It is not a required first step. Camera, costume, sound, craft and post-production departments may have their own trainee or assistant routes.

Duties depend on where you work. On set, runners may carry equipment, pass messages between departments and help with call sheets. Office runners often handle paperwork and phone calls. In post-production facilities, runners may make deliveries, prepare rooms and look after clients. Reliable runners get to know people across many departments, which can lead to recommendations.

The hours can be long and the work physically tiring, and much of it is short-term or freelance. Before accepting a job, ask for written terms covering pay, overtime, holiday where applicable, and who covers travel or accommodation. Being described as freelance does not by itself settle your employment status. Productions should also follow safe working practices. If driving is part of the job, check the licence and insurance requirements, including business use cover if you would be using your own vehicle.

Vacancies appear on production company careers pages and reputable screen industry recruitment services, some of which charge a subscription. ScreenSkills is mainly a training and careers resource. Its Trainee Finder programme supports eligible new entrants seeking paid placements in selected departments. Recruitment windows and placement availability vary, and joining does not guarantee work. Never pay for a job or a "guaranteed" placement, and check recruiters and production details before sharing personal information.

Building Experience and Contacts

Many jobs are filled through people who have worked together before. Professional contacts can help you hear about work, alongside relevant skills and experience. Practical steps include:

• Making your own short films or joining student and local productions
• Attending screenings and industry events where affordable, including free and online events
• Following your national or regional screen agency and subscribing to its opportunity alerts
• Joining local filmmaking networks
• Keeping a CV that lists your credits and relevant skills

Equity is the union for actors and other performers. Bectu represents many crew members and publishes guidance on rates and working conditions. Both can advise on contracts and rights at work.

Be cautious about unpaid work. If your arrangement gives you worker status, you will normally be entitled to the applicable minimum wage, even if the production describes the role as unpaid or expenses-only. Specific exemptions can apply, including to some placements required by a course. Check current rates on GOV.UK. For advice, contact Acas in Great Britain or the Labour Relations Agency in Northern Ireland.

Early work may be irregular, and many people support themselves with other jobs while gaining experience. A useful next step is to choose a department, read its entry requirements, identify suitable training or paid opportunities, and prepare the CV, portfolio or writing sample that role expects.