Getting into the movie business doesn’t happen overnight. Like any other career, in or outside of Hollywood, this business takes hard work, dedication, and networking skills. Below are some of the basic things anyone who wants to break into the movie business should know. (Image Credit: Joshua Willson/Pixabay)
You Don’t Need a Degree to Succeed
Firstly, it should be noted that you don’t need to go to film school or even have any other type of degree to find success in the movie business. However, that doesn’t mean that you don’t need any kind of education at all. Going to film school is a great way to get your bearings around a camera and to learn how to write and edit scripts and videos. Of course, if you have the motivation to self-teach yourself those same skills or take workshops instead of formal classes, then that can work too.
Not Everything is Glamourous
Movies about Hollywood make the lives of writers, directors, and actors look like they’re glamourous all of the time, but that simply isn’t the case. Anyone who expects their life to be like the movies just because they make movies is in for a world of disappointment. Working in the movie business takes a lot of hard work.
If you’re just starting out in the movie business, then you are likely to work much like an entrepreneur. Much of your time is likely to be filled with writing and editing, which is more likely to be down in a crowded coffee shop, on your couch, or in a coworking space. No matter where you end up working, you need to be self-motivated if you expect to get anywhere in the movie business. Big directors don’t care about people who are lazy and unskilled, it’s the people who put in hard work and let their creativity shine that catch their attention.
It’s All About Who You Know
In Hollywood, your connections are everything. Knowing the right people can be the difference between you working on a big-budget film and struggling to sell your script to an Indie company. Because of this, it’s in your best interest to meet, and get on the good side, of as many of the Hollywood elite and other people in the movie business as possible.
There are a few places where you can meet these types of people and you don’t always need to go to busy parties to meet them. Going to meet and greets and talking to agents are some of the best ways to make connections. If you’re already working in a cowork space, like the cowork space in Beverly Hills, then you may even find that you share office space with someone else who works in the movie business. Try to befriend them and see where it can take you!
Your Reputation Matters
Your personality and attitude are the second-most important things after who you know. To put it bluntly, this is because no one wants to work with a jerk. Even if you are in a sour mood, try not to let it show. Your reputation will always precede you, so it’s best that you try to make your reputation as positive as possible. Try not to offend the wrong people and do your best to be friendly. Of course, let your talents shine as well. Showcasing your work on social media or YouTube is a great way to start.
You Need to be Willing to Take Risks
No one can survive in the movie business without taking a risk or two. If you are uncomfortable with taking risks, then working in the movie business isn’t likely to be for you. This doesn’t mean that you need to do stunts, but it does mean that you need to be willing to put yourself out there. Even if no one else will vouch for you, you need to be able to vouch for yourself.
Also, don’t be afraid to take risks when it comes to what you create. It’s a bit cliché, but don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. Hollywood has had enough remakes and retellings of the same old story. Come up with something new! Let your individuality show! By doing this, you just might make it in the movie business.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it—the five things everyone should know about the movie business. If you are creative, passionate, charismatic, and hard-working, then you just might have what it takes to become successful. Whether you want to be a script writer, an actor, a director, or all there, it all starts with taking a risk!
