‘I want to work in film/tv but I can’t because I don’t have this camera or go this school or have this computer or software and I don’t live in the right place’
Now I’m not going to say that people who have these advantages don’t get into the industry easier but it is entirely possible to get in without any of them.
Here’s some resources free resources that I used when I also had none of those things!
1) Nofilmschool.com Ahhh the classic. The go too guys. Lighting, camera, editing, producing they have guides on it all and are always up to date.
2) FilmRiot More free lessons on everything from how to make a film with your iPhone to making fake blood!
3) Avid Media Composer/Protools First Avid is still the leading provider of post-production software in the industry. Learnt it. It will help you get into the industry. Avid offer free versions of the software to get your started as well as tutorials!
4) Blender (Animation software) or Renderman (Pixars own software!)
Free animation software and tutorials to go with it! You can make some amazing graphics with Blender if you put your mind to it. Renderman speaks for itself and is free for non-commercial use!
4) Youtube I always say it but I’ll say it again. Youtube. Is. Your. Best. Tool. Find interviews with your favourite directors and editors. Comment and ask questions, Upload your own videos and get feedback. Use it.
5) BFI
Free information. A film library that’s open to the public. Competitions to win free cool stuff and £5 tickets to your favourite classic films.
6) BAFTA Guru
Everything you need to know about the different roles in the film industry, how to get there and what you need to know. Interviews and seminars. Opportunities and online workshops. Go and be free with all of the information!
7) BECTU
BECTU is a union of creative technicians who help each other out with everything from all the legal stuff and to networking. Just remember you’re not alone and if someone says they’re paying you for something get it in writing. Even if you email them confirming something they’ve said in person or on the phone it can help your case in months to come. **There’s a joining fee to be a member but their website has a lot of free info.
8) Facebook - networking events
Facebook is full of networking groups for film and TV. My personal favourites are Looking for TV Work: Runners and Film Talent London. Ask questions, apply for jobs and get feedback on your CV. But stick to the rules, employers don’t like people who don’t fit the requirements trying to apply.
9) Linkedin
Make sure you’re linkedin account is amazing and if you don’t have one make one. This is your professional profile that people will look at even when you’re employed - you never know someone could see you’re employed and be prepared to offer you something even better!
10) TVwatercooler.com and https://youdbetterwork.com
This may be UK centric but they both have so much knowledge to help you starting out - read it all, use it and you will be the top pick for recruiters.
This industry is hard and you need to have a drive and passion for it to succeed. Just talk to people, watch the credits and find someone who does what you want to do and message them. Try some of the small names and 99% of the time they will email you back because they’re flattered that you even noticed they were part of the production! Go and make things! Make good choices and never work for free!











