How to Work on a Film Set in New York City

If you’re new to filmmaking and in New York City, there are some benefits and some potential drawbacks to the fact that you’re an aspiring filmmaker in the City that Never Sleeps. The good news is, there is a ton of opportunity and you’ll find many different options to get your foot in the door. The bad news is, there’s a ton of competition and you will find that you absolutely must put your best foot forward in order to get there. If you want to know how to work on a film set in New York City, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s what you’ve got to do.

1. Get your Resume in Order

Don’t have a resume? You need to write one! Better yet, hire a professional to help you write a resume that will stand out against the tons of competition.

If you really want to know how to work on a film set in New York City, you’re going to have to show on your resume that you have what it takes. If you’re new, show volunteer work or any school that you’ve done in the past to get filmmaking credentials.

2. Volunteer to Gain Experience

If you’re having trouble including experience in filmmaking on your resume, include volunteer work on your resume to showcase your experience. If you don’t have much experience, volunteer your time.

You’ll find plenty of opportunities to volunteer in NYC. Just make sure that you don’t get taken advantage of. If you volunteer you should be doing things that are allowing you to gain industry skills and you shouldn’t volunteer more than a couple of weeks – if you do well, ask for a paid position!

3. Network with Others

If you’re not already networking with other filmmakers in NYC, you really need to get on the bandwagon. Networking with filmmakers in the area should be something you focus on daily.

If you want to know how to work on a film set in New York City, you’ve got to know how to network. Get yourself in front of others that are in the field to increase your chances of being recognized and given a chance. 

4. Learn as Much as You Can

Whenever you can, learn. If you can’t get on a set, and you can’t volunteer, you should be doing things on your own to improve your skills. Take courses online. Use your own equipment and create.

Do whatever you can, whenever you can to always be improving your skills and focusing on what it takes to get a paid position. It’s going to take consistency and time, but you’ll get there.

5. Update Social Profiles

Learning how to work on a film set in New York City is as much about who you know as it is about what you know. Networking is important, but updating your social profiles is also important.

These are what many directors, producers, and hiring managers will see first when they consider you. Make sure you’re posting your best work, updating your experience as you participate in volunteer work or other activities on the set, and share things relative to the industry – and do it often.

Follow all these tips and you’ll be on your way to figuring out how to work on a film set in New York City in no time!