Creative industry can be a tough nut to crack. Every year, skilled graduates emerge from university, bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready to make their mark on Film, Television, and Media. Unfortunately, a considerable amount of these ambitious creatives encounter barriers to entry.
This steely determination, followed by frustration, isn’t reserved for new entrants to the job market or budding talent in their twenties either. Seasoned professionals looking for a career change are often confronted by precisely the same hurdle: Getting their foot in the door.
As challenging as it may seem, the good news is, once you lock in that first opportunity, things start to look up! Generally, the kind people on our tiny island in an even tinier industry tend to look out for one another.
The size of the Irish industry can be simultaneously heartening and disheartening. We’re here to assure you that the pros outweigh the cons tenfold! If it’s a career in screen you’re after, we’re here to support and empower you along the way. Together, the teams at The Production People and Casting Ireland have compiled some tips to help you unlock the door.
1. We Pave Pathways
More than two decades ago, Deirdre Ryan and Louise Nolan founded The Production People. Their goal? To connect creatives with exciting industry opportunities. As industry veterans themselves, the two understood first-hand just how tricky it can be to secure that first crucial job.
Soon, they established the largest crewing database on the island of Ireland, connecting members with national and international media bodies.
The Production People continues to forge long-lasting professional connections. All industry hopefuls need to do is submit an application and the team will be in touch to arrange a Meet & Greet session to discuss your career aspirations.
A partnership with The Production People has proven an invaluable first step for countless industry entrants, paving the path for them to become well-established professionals in a competitive but rewarding job market.
2. Show and Tell
The idea of crafting a robust CV or captivating showreel may seem intimidating, or even near impossible at the early stages or your creative career. But we guarantee, you already possess a host of relevant, valuable experience that will propel you forward. You simply need to define the kinds of roles you’d like to pursue and identify your transferable skills.
Top tip: Check out websites like IFTN or Careers in Screen to delve deeper into the particulars of industry jobs, their affiliated responsibilities, and any recurring keywords in job descriptions that may strengthen your applications going forward.
Starting with your CV, let’s say your goal is to work in Production. In that case, organisation and communication skills are paramount. How have you excelled at creating streamlined systems or bringing people together in the past? Start by reflecting on your academic projects, volunteering experience, casual work, or personal hobbies. Next, try and view your accomplishments and merits through the lens of creative industry. When, in those contexts, did you step up to the plate and employ relevant skills? Recount it on your CV!
When it comes to your showreel or portfolio, don’t be shy about featuring personal projects. You can replace these over time as your skills and credit list expand. Include snippets from student films, for example, or sandbox sessions on Blendr. Production companies won’t expect perfection, especially when you’re just starting out. Usually, they prioritise passion and commitment, so don’t be discouraged if your materials aren’t at the level you’d like just yet. You’ll get there. It just takes some time.
3. Find your People
We’re fortunate that, across the island of Ireland, there are so many avenues at our disposal when it comes to meeting fellow creatives. From Filmmaker Groups on social media to industry events such as the Women in Animation bi-annual networking parties, the annual Fís TV Summit hosted by Ardán, and regular panels curated by the likes of Film Network Ireland.
Many of these events are free and simply require early registration to avoid disappointment.
In these inspiring spaces, you’ll encounter likeminded individuals, expand your skillset, broaden your network, and learn more about the innerworkings of the industry.
There are also a host of mentorship programs hosted by Screen Ireland, National Talent Academies, and Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet, to name a few. Finding the right mentor can be hugely beneficial, so be sure and subscribe to each of these organisations’ newsletters to receive industry news, updates, and opportunities straight to your inbox.
4. Invest in Your Skills
Speaking of Screen Ireland, National Talent Academy, and Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet, these organisations host a wealth of workshops, training sessions, and masterclasses. The majority of which, to champion access, diversity, and equality, are entirely free of charge.
In fact, programs such as the Animation, VFX, & Games Traineeship offer a bursary to the successful applicants. Online platforms such as SkillShare, LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, Khan Academy, and even YouTube are home to thousands of paid and free courses centred around creative upskilling.
Not only will partaking in these courses allow you to hone your craft, they often prompt or indeed require you to submit materials that will look great on your CV or showreel. There are so many resources at your fingertips, you’re certain to find something that appeals to you!
5. First Steps on Set
If you’re hoping to wrangle your first on-set opportunity, The Production People and Casting Ireland hire for a wide range of diverse roles. Since its inception, The Production People have placed hundreds of runners and PAs across high-profile productions. Meanwhile Casting Ireland hires Extras, Actors, and Models for campaigns, advertisements, short and feature length films, television, and more.
By starting out as a runner or an extra, you are exposed to huge learning opportunities. You’d be shocked at how much you absorb by osmosis alone! Runners and extras quickly become acquainted with on set etiquette, terminology, and procedures, giving them a solid foundation of valuable insight, which they can carry forward into subsequent, more senior roles.
Film and television sets can be high-pressure environments that require a lot of hard work and dedication, but they’re also creative hubs filled with passionate, welcoming people. You never know who you might meet or what opportunities could present themselves.
It’s never too late to get started!
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Looking to hire crew for your next creative project? Or maybe you’re looking to get hired? Whatever your film, television, or event industry endeavours, email info@productionpeople.ie or call us on (01) 634 3100. We match the right talent to the right projects. Every time.
