ScreenSkills are an industry-led body who support the growth and development of the film, TV and gaming sectors. In a recent webinar, they shared some top tips on how students and recent graduates can prepare for work in the screen industries as activity starts to resume. These were the key messages:

• Make sure you really understand the different roles that exist and the key entry points – the panel encouraged graduates to be realistic about where you would be likely to start. These industry career maps and job profiles are a great starting point for this. You need to be able to explain in an interview what the role you’re going for actually does.
• At the moment in film and TV, there are shortages (where more trainees are needed) in locations, accounts and production office.

• Take advantage of all the free training and content that is around at the moment, including:
  • Screenskills – many of these are fee and they add new ones all the time
  • British Film Designers Guild have some great content of YouTube discussing how different productions were made – great for understanding the different roles that exist in an Art Department and how they relate.
  • BAFTA Guru – some great Q&As and behind the scenes insights, and BAFTA Albert has some great resources and free training on sustainability in the screen industries – sure to be a huge trend going forward.
  • BECTU’s Creative toolkit and Careersmart websites have lots of useful resources, the latter particularly around workplace rights, wellbeing and working conditions.
  • LinkedIn Learning – UoR students get free access, and there is a huge range of content.

• Build your network (Facebook, LinkedIn, twitter, Instagram etc.) – connect with your peers now and don’t’ be afraid to send cold emails (e.g. emails to people you don’t know) and reach tout to people whose work you admire – “No-one minds a cold email if it’s heartfelt” (quote from a film producer on the panel). You don’t need to pay for access to directories to find people, use IMBD and the Creative England Crew database for free. If you need a refreshers on LinkedIn, check on the Careers blog or book an appointment with one of the Careers team. If you’re looking for some common ground, try using the alumni search tool on LinkedIn, or look for people who are taking part in some of the training and content mentioned above.

 

The Careers team are here throughout the year (and if you’ve just completed your final year you can continue to access support for the next 18 months) so don’t hesitate to book an appointment if you’d like to discuss anything mentioned above.