Breaking In and Finding Work in the Industry

Whether you’re a seasoned professional, looking for your first gig, or gearing up for your own production, breaking in to the film industry is all about persistence and arming yourself with the right tools.

NOVAC offers educational programming like seminars, panels, pop-ups and other training that can help to get your career or film underway.  NOVAC can also provide you with access to the rental equipment you need to get started.  Through our Job Referral Program, we can even connect you to work and opportunities in the industry, but to make it in film and video you must continue to seek opportunities on your own – and let’s face it, looking for work can be exhausting.  So we’ve compiled two lists, which you’ll find below, to give you a head start.

Under JOB and CREW LISTINGS you’ll find some of our favorite websites for finding work as well as crew listings where you can post your resume or find the crew for your next project.  Under RESOURCES you’ll see a few websites with information about productions shooting in Louisiana, local resources and networking opportunities to increase your chances for success.

Before you start the search, a few pieces of advice:

BUILD YOUR PORTFOLIO
As the job market turns a corner and companies start to hire again will you be ready?  Make sure your resume and demo reel are up-to-date and inspired.

ENHANCE YOUR SKILLS
At NOVAC, you can find affordable workshops and educational programming taught by industry leaders to supplement your existing skill set, or to ensure that you have the skills needed to compete in your desired area of concentration.

NETWORK
Get out there and circulate with other filmmakers and organizations with film and video needs.  Who knows who you’ll meet, maybe a future collaborator or your next paycheck.  Start by attending NOVAC’s monthly networking event, 3rd Thursdays at 12 Bar.  All are welcome and current NOVAC members receive drink specials.  Networking is vital to your success!

PARTICIPATE IN YOUR FIELD
One of the cheapest and easiest ways to network is to participate in your field via social networking. Use Twitter and Facebook, or start a professional blog. You can also network by attending local film screenings or NOVAC sponsored events, so check our event calendar regularly!