Filmmaker Job Description
Overview

A Filmmaker is someone who is responsible for making, leading and developing movie productions. Their role is to use their creativity, art and leadership to guide and direct major motion pictures or made-for-television films. Their responsibilities are to ensure the film is being shot in a way that provides entertainment for the audience, highlight the actor's and actresses’ strengths, see each film through completion, and manage the financial end of the production.
Steps to take to start your career as a Filmmaker and other jobs like it
- Start creating your own short films or videos using readily available equipment like your phone. Assemble a portfolio showcasing your best work such as a website or platform like YouTube and share on social media.
- Obtaining a bachelor's degree in film from a traditional university or by attending a dedicated film school is a great start. You’ll need course work in film production, cinematography, screenwriting, and editing.
- Learn independently through books, online courses, and tutorials on filmmaking techniques, storytelling, and technical skills. FGain practical experience by seeking internships or entry-level positions in the film industry. Working on film sets or in production companies provides valuable insights, contacts, and a chance to learn from experienced professionals.
- Join local filmmaking groups, connect with like-minded individuals, and collaborate on projects. Networking with other aspiring filmmakers and people in all aspects of the industry allows you to share knowledge, resources, and experiences as well as find future job opportunities.
Requirements to Make a Film
To be a filmmaker, first of all, you have to love to tell stories. It's all you're doing, whether it be you're telling a documentary or commercial work, whatever it is. Good content has a good narrative, but you have to have attention to detail, patience.
How to Become a Filmmaker
There are many ways to become a filmmaker. Most people choose a more traditional path, which is going to film school and getting a degree, which can be a great way to go. I actually did workforce experience, so essentially applying to internships, working in the field and gathering the skills that I would like to learn in hand from the people that I thought do it in a great way. So I was learning directly from the people that were actually out there creating stuff that I wanted to create.
Pros of Career
I love what I do. And for me to show up to work and to be involved in the environment and the team that I think is fantastic, it really does do lots for me in my happiness. I don't feel like I go to work when I go to work. I feel like I go to do what I love. So for me, that's the biggest pro of my job.
How to Get Started
If you can tell a story, you can do it with very basic tools and do it really effectively. Some of the most impactful content we see today are things done on GoPros and iPhones, and it's because it's real moments and it's real people. If you're curious about it, you can basically start with little to no overhead. Do some research and some reading and maybe some classes and do how a story should be structured. I think people just need to pick up whatever camera they have and use it and then start to play around and try to put stuff together because it's right at your fingertips.
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What skills do Filmmakers need?
These are the most commonly mentioned skills in job descriptions for Filmmaker jobs and are ordered by most to least common.
Employers are increasingly more focused on skill requirements. Make sure you are developing or have some of the most common skills for this role.
Select any that you have to tag them to your career experience. We’ve pre-selected any that are already linked to your profile based on your resume or skills you’ve identified in evaluating other roles.
Education you need to become a Filmmaker
These are the most common degrees or certificates earned by Jobtrees users prior to becoming a Filmmaker
There may be other required degrees or certifications needed for this job. The below info shows you the most commonly desired education level from employers when hiring for this job.
- Associate Degree
- Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts
- Associate Degree in Art
Annual Pay Estimate for Filmmaker and Other Important Info
See how many years Filmmaker's are in their job, how much they make, how long it took to get there and how available this job is in terms of open positions.
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Career Paths for Filmmaker
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