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Last Updated on April 4, 2019 by Work In My Pajamas
If there were ever a perfect time to get into the film industry, the time is now.
Coming off a record-breaking year in the domestic box office, Hollywood continues to spread its reach in the fabric of American lives.
And although there was once a time when films were reserved for the movie theaters and network television, streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have made films accessible to a vast number of people with a simple tap of the screen or voice command.
Since there is so much money being made and content being produced in Hollywood, people such as yourself are wanting to get in on the action. There are just two problems. You don’t live in L.A., and you don’t have much experience working in the entertainment industry.
Well, don’t worry. Keep reading and we’ll give you nine tips on how to get into the film industry while working from home.
In This Post:
9. Learn the Trade
If you’re serious about getting into the film industry, then you’ve got to do your research. If you want to be a writer or director, find out what Hollywood is currently developing, and where your ideas fit in.
If you’re an aspiring actor or actress, discover what current actors do when they want to get into character.
You may not be trying to become a doctor or lawyer, but you’ve still got some studying to do.
8. Make Something
There are so many people in this country that claim they have an amazing idea for a book, TV show, or movie, and do absolutely nothing with that idea.
They let the idea sit in the corners of their mind, only to be disappointed later when they see a version of their idea developed by someone else. Don’t be one of those people.
If you think you’re sitting on the next Star Wars franchise or Harry Potter series, then start writing the script and raising money to create a trailer.
7. Invest in Yourself
You don’t have to spend the thousands of bucks on a film studies program, but you should spend a little money on your Hollywood journey. There are less expensive writing workshops and acting seminars that you could take that can provide you with knowledge you currently don’t have.
Also, there are several books that make wonderful investments as they teach you how to write scripts, or how to direct films.
Furthermore, think about purchasing some computer software and other tools that can help you. Software such as Final Draft is a great resource to have if you’re trying to write a movie script.
6. Enter Competitions
While breaking into Hollywood may seem like a daunting task, there are several ways to gain exposure to the industry, starting with competitions.
From Sundance to network competitions such as the ones sponsored by HBO, there are hundreds of companies and organizations that are willing to accept your script, short film, or full-length feature in their competition.
FilmFreeway is a popular website used to list competitions and their corresponding deadlines.
5. Network
There is some truth to the expression, “it’s not what you know it’s who you know.”
As you pursue your Hollywood dreams, it’s important you try to connect with like-minded individuals. Individuals who are also interested in developing a script, or acting, or directing.
The connects you build could lead to you being notified quickly about acting extra work, or exclusive workshops, or other opportunities that could benefit your career.
4. Find a Mentor(s)
As you’re networking, also seek out industry people who have been in the business for a while. People who’d be willing to talk to you about their experiences, provide insight into the film world, and maybe even give you feedback on your talent.
And while Bradley Cooper himself may not have the time to provide you with mentoring, there may be someone from the writing team or an assistant director from one of his movies that may be willing to provide you with some guidance.
This is where an IMDb Pro account proves extremely helpful.
3. Dedicate Time
It’s been said you make time for what’s important.
If you’re serious about breaking into the film industry, then you’ve got to set aside time in your schedule to grow your craft. That may require you do a little less binge watching of The Crown and Orange is the New Black, and do some writing or attend a free acting class.
Should you be a person that likes to see real-life examples of dedicating time, make sure you check out the journey of Chris DeBlasio. This great content on his site should inspire you to stop dreaming about the business, and start trying to get in it.
2. Don’t Be above Partnering
If you’re a writer or director, don’t look at the word “partnership” as if it’s a cuss word. Great things can happen when you acquire a partner.
Partners can help develop good ideas into fantastic ones and can help lighten the load on your breaking into Hollywood to-do list. Take for example Shonda Rhimes.
You can argue that there would be no Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, or even a Shondaland Production Company without Betsy Beers.
1. Pay Closer Attention to Criticism than Compliments
Breaking into the film industry is a hard thing to do, and if you want to be the next Viola Davis or James Cameron, you need to perfect your craft.
The best way of doing that is by sharing your work with critics and experienced professionals to get their feedback.
So for example, if you’re a writer, there are several credible companies such as The Black List that will read your script and provide feedback.
And while a company may compliment certain components of your script, pay closer attention to the criticism and what the script reader found problematic. Usually, the criticism will push you to grow more than praise.
Just keep in mind that while art is subjective, if a diverse group of readers is telling you the same critiques, you may want to listen.
Is There More to Know on How to Get into the Film Industry?
Of course, there is always more to learn on how to get into the film industry, but we’ve provided you with a solid foundation for your journey into Hollywood.
If you have any questions about your chasing your big break make sure you contact us.
