2.1       Explain the working culture of the film industry

People such as actors, makeup artists and writers mostly work on a freelance basis, meaning that they only have work for as long as a project lasts and once it’s over they must set about finding new work.

Time management is absolutely key as whether you’re working on a small indie project, or something much larger, the budget is never limitless and so making sure you do your job in the appropriate amount of time and don’t run over is extremely important as to not delay and waste other people’s time. 

Being able to think outside the box is extremely important, especially when you’re starting out and have to work on very small budgets. Being able solve difficult problems and make the most out of limited resources can help reduce costs as much as is possible and good problem solving skills can make or break the production of much smaller films.

I’ve learned that to work in the film industry your skills are not the only thing important and that you also need to be good at working together with many people and help keep up a friendly and happy environment so to keep everyone working their best and hardest.

2.2       Describe a range of key job roles and responsibilities in the film industry

Research 5 different roles in the production department and summarise them.

A director’s job is to get the best performance out of the actors and make sure everything works and come together for the shoots. 

A writer’s job is to write the script and deliver a finished draft on time.

A producer’s job is to organize and manage all the departments, as well as other areas such as catering, travel and contracts.

An editor’s job is to create a clear and cohesive narrative out of the available shots and audio.

A cinematographer’s job is to create and shoot the shots for the film, helping to create strong imagery linking the themes and narrative together. 

Explain how the roles work together.

By working collaboratively, all these roles make sure each of their important section of the film their working on is the highest quality they can make it, with the director making sure that these department’s sections all come together to tell one cohesive narrative. The producer is overseeing all of the production for pre-production to post, making sure that all the non-creative practicalities are all set up and working so that all the other departments can do their jobs as best as is possible.

2.3       Outline the potential progression routes into the film industry and wider sector

What areas/ specialisms in creative media would you like to work in?

Writing and acting

Now though I would still like to act, I now want my career to be more focused on writing and directing instead, as this course has really shown what each role is truly like and I find directing to be really fulfilling as a role.

Would you like to further study film / creative media?

Yes. A film course would be beneficial as this is where I can really hone my directing skills and still write scripts in my spare time.

Which local media companies would you be interested in working with? Give reasons

Any, as right now I’d be thrilled to be working with sort of professional companies.

What are the options for making your own content?

As I take A level film studies, our department allows us to borrow their professional cameras for sets of time, so I am going to continue writing my own scripts, now with a focus on short films, and soon begin to start filming my own short films.

What would you make and how?

Short films using my own scripts and borrowed equipment.

What are the options for funding and distribution?

For now I will keep my short films as low budget as possible as I am still just starting to direct my own and then I will look into distribution once I have finished as these early ones are primarily for me to really enhance my skills and get in practice and an understanding of what being a director is practically like.