Sometimes it seems as if everyone wants to be a part of the motion picture industry. Luckily for them, the demand for movies remains high. Cable television along with made-for-TV or direct-to-video productions have greatly increased the number of new films produced each year. Although large studios continue to make the bulk of U.S. films, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of smaller, independent film companies. All of this means a continuing demand for trained and talented people.
Jobs in this industry occur in three phases: pre-production, production, and post-production. Producers and directors generally work in all three phases. Producers are responsible for all financial issues concerned with the making of a film. Initially, they are involved in the search for ideas, books, or scripts that can be turned into a lucrative film. Once they have the concept, they begin to line up principal actors and locations, and to obtain financing. The producer is responsible for completing a detailed budget for the film, and making sure that production costs stay within that budget. Directors are responsible for taking a script and making it into a film. Thus, they are responsible for both the technical and artistic aspects of a production. They are the ones who hold auditions and rehearsals, approve locations, scenery, and music, and direct the cast and crew during the actual shooting of the film.
Both producers and directors need to be good at team building, and must have effective leadership skills. Each is generally aided by associates and assistants, but they are the individuals ultimately responsible for the large number of workers that are required to turn a script into a film.
Producers and directors come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some start out as actors, writers, or business managers, while others may have experience as production assistants or assistant directors. Personal qualities are of utmost importance. Successful producers and directors must be able to work well under stress, should have both talent and experience, must be able to work with diverse groups of people, and possess a good understanding of the business world.
For those who know early that they would ultimately like to produce or direct, formal training is available at some colleges and universities. Applicants to film programs are judged on their portfolio or talent, as well as on the usual academic criteria of grades, test scores, activities, essays, and recommendations. Applicants may submit short student films or scripts as part of the application process.
An alternate route into these positions comes through professional training for individuals who already possess a bachelor’s degree or at least two years of industry experience. The Directors Guild of America working in conjunction with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers offers the highly competitive Assistant Directors Training Program. Those who are selected for this program may receive extended training in either New York City or Los Angeles.
Private institutes also offer training in directing and production as well as in other industry-related occupations. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree first, however, helps to keep your career options open as you seek work in this highly competitive field.
Although the motion picture industry often looks glamorous from the outside, the reality of the industry is long hours when employed, coupled with intermittent periods of unemployment. Many jobs in the industry are temporary or part time, and opportunities for promotion are very limited. Even with the expected demand for new movies, competition for positions as writers, actors, producers, and directors is expected to remain high.
