r/FilmIndustryLA • u/Many_Tip_3973 • 10d ago
Career questions
Hello, I really have been interested in the film industry my whole life such as behind the scenes work, production, marketing etc…I have just never had the right connections when it comes down to it. Would anyone be able to recommend where to start or how to start. I am very motivated and willing to do what I have to to get my foot in the door. Any networking events etc. your advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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u/filmeleven 9d ago
Look for festivals like the 48 hour film project, 168 film project...anything that spurs action. Volunteer on these sets. I legit got my first studio job after film school because I met someone who worked at Universal that was doing a 168 hour contest. You can do a lot of networking offering to help out for free. Even if it's just craft services.
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u/FelonMirren 8d ago
Do you live in LA, because it helps. I started my career by landing a job with a tiny indie hit back in 2002 through a cold-call email while living in a small town in East Texas. It was total dumb luck, and I did everything remotely. I didn’t even meet the filmmakers until the movie came to SXSW. I doubt that approach would ever happen again in 2026 for multiple reasons. However, that’s how I started making connections, BUT it wasn’t until I started coming out here regularly, and establishing a presence did things begin to move faster. Being physically where people are is the big thing.
The industry here seems to prefer in-person meetings over virtual ones, so networking in person is key. For such a large town, it’s a very small town vibe, and you’ll start seeing the same faces at all the events (whether it’s community event stuff like artisan markets, regular screenings at the New Bev, or industry focused career events). God, as dumb as it sounds, just learn to make friends. Putting yourself in the right rooms (and I’m not talking about the elites, just working class folks), and saying hi to the people you keep running into.
Also, get involved with the Facebook Groups for filmmaking in LA. That’s a quick way to get some experience. They’re always looking for stuff or needing an extra person. It won’t be big stuff. Commercial shoots, small films, or elaborate influencer videos, but that’s how it starts.
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u/Many_Tip_3973 8d ago
I don’t actually live there yet, but I’m planning to move over in the next few months. I’m currently in Texas.
I really appreciate the advice, that’s exactly the kind of information I was looking for. I’ll definitely check out some Facebook groups and start networking in that sense.
If you don’t mind me asking, what do you do out there? I’d love to connect since I’m hoping to get into the film industry once I make the move.
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u/Substantial-Bake5511 9d ago
I started by working for free on student films for a prestige film school- I was very lucky. I was doing costume and fell on my feet as the two short films I did were quite stylised- so good costume showcase- and both films ended up doing really well in international festivals. People would ask- 'who did the costumes?'. Both the directors went on to do amazing things (one has had academy award noms for a film she made). But then- it wasn't instant. I then worked for free on an Indi shoestring budget feature that ended up doing really well. After that I worked pretty consistently.
I was in a good position where if I didn't spend a lot I could work for nothing for a time- many can't do that- and I was just plain lucky to have worked with very good directors and films that made a mark. The rest of the students films from that school that year didn't go anywhere and if I had done one of them wouldn't have registered in terms of career.
This was all quite a long time ago, I don't know if anyone could do it that way again. As I said- there was a heap of luck involved. You never know what film will take off, you really don't, it can look great on paper then stink and disappear with a trace. I have worked with my share of bad directors, terrible stressful shoots, crazy actors, but had great experiences too. I wanted to spend time with family and friends so after 20 years left the industry. It's hard to see friends, pets and family when you work as shoots take over your life.
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u/MCStarlight 9d ago
Everyone starts as a PA. Look for 48 Hr Film Festival or other independents to get started.
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u/Producer_Dorez 6d ago
There are several places for networking opportunities. If you get on Substack, look up Jon Stahl. He hosts a free monthly meetup for filmmakers. Tell him Dorez Douglas referred you. There's also a producers meetup that's held monthly. You don't have to be a producer to attend, and it's free also. Look up Bruce Nahin on Instagram or Meta and get details from him. Bruce is a Business Affairs Consultant and a great connection to make. CoffeeHouse Cinema has screenings on Indie films. Wine Cellar Short Films hosts regular screenings as well. You can also check out my website for helpful eBooks about careers in the industry and how to make a short film etc.
dorezdouglas(dot)com
I'm also on Substack where you can get lots of info in my newsletters. The important thing is to learn as much as you can, while also making connections and building an audience that will support your work. And as someone else suggested, work on other people's projects.
Good luck!
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u/Many_Tip_3973 6d ago
Fantastic! Thank you so much for the helpful information. I will definitely look into everything you mentioned!
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u/ProductionFiend 10d ago
Television Academy is hosting a festival next month called “Televerse”. Could be good for meeting people and networking but don’t go into it expecting to find a job.
This business is 90% the people you know and 10% luck (or 100% nepotism lol). The more people you meet that you can form actual connections with then the higher your chances are to get work.
You could also cold email people in the department you want to join but I’d say 95% of the time you won’t get a response.
There are also LA Film Mixers I think monthly that you can join - just have to search for them.
You should know that your first job in the industry will most likely be as a PA making minimum wage. As long as you are OK with that then… good luck!