How To Land Your First Film Gig with No Experience?

“The most important tool you have on a resume is language” – Jay Samit

Landing your first professional film gig can be both exciting and nerve-racking. Because first impressions are everything. I experienced both of these emotions heavily when I decided to put Brenna’s advice into action. I needed to get hands-on film experience. And to do that, I needed to be on film sets ASAP!

But how? Think Gia. Think!

Moments later, I made up my mind to start at the absolute lowest position on a film set.

A production assistant (PA).

This way I would have a bird’s eye view of how everyone above a PA operated. Now, the goal was to become incredibly versatile. And with a little perseverance and the courage to not accept “no” for an answer, I had faith that I would find some sort of film gig as a PA soon enough.

I’m ready to get to my hands dirty. Bring it on!

But how was I going to present myself the right way? The only film experience I had at the time was a six-week Producer’s course I took at DCTV back in 2016 and I also knew how to create really good resumes.

Then, things clicked even faster. I’d been an office assistant for many years. So, I figured I could create a resume tailoring all the responsibilities I’d learned as an office assistant towards that of a production assistant.

And that’s exactly what I did.

Three days later, with a newly created film resume, I google searched open PA positions in the DMV area. I came across a job posting for Delirio Films who was shooting a documentary in DC and needed a PA for 3 days. (I can do that.)

I applied for the position through a site called “Staff Me Up”. But, to apply for any position on Staff Me Up, you needed a minimum of 3 film credits. (No!!).

Then, I remembered that I also co-produced a short documentary film that was also broadcasted on DC TV back in 2016. But, since it was 5 years ago, I had a gut feeling that my chances of getting the gig would be slim to none.

After another week of applying on Staff Me Up to no avail, I got the urge to call WIFV for help. The Executive Director (Melissa Houghton) picked up, and I explained to her my dilemma. She told me that “not many PA positions [were] available because of the pandemic but should be available soon”. (But how long is “soon”?)

At the end of the conversation, she directed me to the “Mid-Atlantic Directory” which then led me to a Virginia casting director named Karla. I contacted her and she assured me that if anything became available, she would let me know.

The very NEXT day, I got two emails – one from Melissa and another from Karla, both telling me about a small Virginia indie production company who needed a production assistant. (Yes!) I immediately sent my film resume to the point of contact (i.e., the film director) and got a response back agreeing to an interview. (OMG!)

The next morning, I was shocked when I got another email from the director saying,

“Unfortunately, DC doesn’t work for us and being that this project doesn’t pay much I’ve decided that you’re not a good fit. Best of luck”.

Huh? What? No. No! Wait!

I took a few moments to calm down and respectfully responded back to the director letting him know that I wasn’t looking for a full-time gig and money isn’t an issue. I’m only looking for experience and a project that takes place only on the weekends.

Then, the director responded back a few minutes later saying, “With that attitude, I’d be crazy not to at least give you a chance. Let’s meet on Saturday”. And an interview was booked!

YES!!!

Fast forward to May 8th. I drove up to Richmond, VA. I’m met by a cute, chubby Dachs hung dog and a confident, energetic, 76-year-old director of six feature films. I went into his production office and was amazed by the dozens of camera equipment and story boards that filled the room.

It was surreal.

In the end, I was hired. He also told me,

“What sealed the deal for me about hiring you was the fact that you didn’t oversellyourself”.

Whew! Mission accomplished!

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Disclaimer: 

The author is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions of failure to act related to the content in this article. If you need specific legal advice, consult with an attorney who specializes in your subject matter and jurisdiction.