How to Land Video Production Jobs in Washington DC

Starting a career in film production is something that many aspire to do, but it takes a lot of hard work to get your foot in the door. The video production industry, as fun as it is, is highly competitive. Many aspiring filmmakers find it very difficult to land their first job in film production, especially in a city like Washington DC. To help you land video production jobs in Washington DC we’ve put together a list of some tips, tricks, and responsibilities that will help you get your foot in the door — and sometimes, that’s all you need!

1. Make a List of Production Companies in Washington DC

Your first big task to landing video production jobs in Washington DC is to make a list of all the different production companies in the city that you’d like to work for.

Your list should be rather long, at least 50, so that you have a strong starting point to work from. If there aren’t enough local production companies to consider, branch out to nearby cities and surrounding areas with your list. 

2. Review the Work of Each Production Company

Your next big step is to carefully review the portfolio, demo reels, and websites of each production company on your list.

If you want to land video production jobs in Washington DC at any of the top production companies, you’ve got to know what kind of work they do and what you’ll be expected to do if you’re hired.

Having a strong understanding of the skills and techniques of each company will help you out in the long run!

Order the companies from best to worst based on their website, portfolio and past work. This way you can start applying from top to bottom!

3. Work on Your Demo, Resume & Portfolio

Now, before you start sending out your resume, you need to work on it! Work on your resume, demo reel, and your portfolio. You want to build something that helps you to stand out as closely resembling the technique and skill level of the top production companies on your list as possible. 

If you don’t have a professional resume, consider hiring someone to help you out. You can find professional resume writers on Fiverr and similar freelance sites. 

If your demo reel is outdated or fails to show your best work, update it!

If your portfolio doesn’t include your most recent and best work, update it! 

All of these steps are important before you move on to trying to actually land video production jobs in Washington DC.

4. Start Applying 

Once you’ve got all the top resources and they’re sorted out by level of quality and skill it’s time for you to start sending out your emails and applying for positions.

First, check for open positions within any of the top production companies on your list of Washington DC production crews. If there are position openings, send your resume and portfolio over with your application.

If there are not open positions, find contact information for the human resources or the producers at each of the top film companies on your list and send them an email that introduces yourself, mentions your skills, and includes a link to your demo reel and portfolio or personal website. 

You should email or apply at 50+ production companies on your list.

5. Follow Up & Network

Finally, you’re going to follow-up with each of the production companies that you applied at. If you thought that landing video production jobs in Washington DC was going to be easy, you’re all wrong! It’s going to take time, effort and persistence — but it will pay off!

Following up will show that you are dedicated and that you truly want the working experience. After you follow up, you should also network with any film producers or hiring managers that respond to you.

Connect on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or any other platform that is included in their signature file within their email. This way you can continue to build your relationship and will hear about any upcoming opportunities that may arise over time and which may be of interest to you.

6. Offer Your Services

If you find that you’ve done all of this and you’re still struggling to land video production jobs in Washington DC, you might have to offer your services at a discount.

Don’t be afraid to provide services for a lower cost in exchange for an opportunity to work the film set. This may be how you get your foot in the door, and it doesn’t have to be permanent!

The DC film industry is highly competitive, and sometimes you’ve got to take a step back in order to step up!