Preparing for Pilot Season in Film Industry Fashion

Pilot season represents a unique and exciting time for film industry professionals, but it’s also a very busy time. The typical pilot season in film industry standards is certainly active. There’s always the potential for dozens of different networks to produce new shows and, for the filmmaker, this means an increase in production of all types, particularly trailers, commercials, and upcoming broadcasting.

Preparing for pilot season in film is something that most professionals will begin thinking about well ahead of the actual season which runs between January and April each year.

Changes in broadcasting, and a shift toward streaming services, means that pilot season can run at various times depending on the network or broadcast channels that you’re working with. 

When is Pilot Season in the Film Industry?

Pilot season runs from January to April for the typical industry. But filmmakers must also be aware of pilot seasons for streaming networks, too. In fact, streaming services might have pilots that will shoot throughout the year.

Making for a busy time year-around. Those that are new to the film industry will quickly learn that pilot season is a time that will give way to a lot of new film ideas and the potential for some exciting work.

Traditionally, pilot season represents a time to create new show samples. And to introduce those samples to distributors in the coming months.

What Happens During Pilot Season?

During pilot season, television broadcast companies traditionally would take a hiatus from work. And rest while the new pilots for various shows were being produced in the studio.

Generally from May to June, and from November to December. The broadcast companies would be low-key. With minimal working hours and a lot of downtime. 

But during pilot season in the film industry, things can certainly get hectic. Actors are busy, with a full schedule for months on end. Film crews are booked daily and stay busy for the entire season.

Finding a studio is nearly impossible. It’s all part of the busy season for filmmakers and film professionals. 

Preparing for Pilot Season in Film Industry 

As a film crew worker, you should prepare yourself for pilot season. This means not only being ready to take on the various working opportunities that may be afforded to you but also setting up your portfolio and other marketing efforts.

So that you can reach the productions that are looking for support during this busy time of year in the industry. If you’re not registered with your local film unions and the area film groups that are around, you should be.

You can also take steps to register with locally managed film commissions ahead of pilot season. It’s virtually guaranteed that when pilot season rolls around.

There will be film studios, producers, and many others in the industry that will be searching for support and professional services. Preparing yourself, and getting your name out there ahead of time is key to securing work during the busy pilot season in the film industry.