Indian entertainment industry is billion dollar industry which provides jobs to a huge number of people. Yet, it is one of the industries which is very difficult to set foot in. The most difficult part is in getting the first job without any previous connections with the industry. So what does it take to enter this industry? With the right amount of information and work, it isn’t as difficult to get in as it seems
Before you consider the entertainment industry for job, you should know that it would not be a regular nine to five jobs like in other industries. You will have odd hours, might involve lots of travel and hard work. But if you have a passion for storytelling, human emotions and moving images then this would be a best fit.
Careers At-a-glance in the industry
- Actors
- Producer
- Film director
- Production Designer
- Makeup artist
- Casting director
- Screenwriter
- Cinematographer
Skills Required
Because there are so many different kinds of careers in film, there isn’t any one particular skill set that covers each and every job description. You will be surprised and may be happy to know that most people in the industry don’t have specific education but rather learn the skills of the trade on the job. So assess your skills and see which career in the industry suits you best. Cinematographers, videographers, and other camera operators need to be detail oriented. They require good visual acumen and hand-eye coordination, as well as the communication and interpersonal skills necessary to work with directors, producers, actors, and the other members of a film production crew. Producers and directors need to develop solid leadership and organizational skills, to go along with a creative vision and technical knowledge of filmmaking. Screenwriters benefit from having well developed social perceptiveness, to go along with the creativity and literary abilities required to be a writer. And, actors can benefit from a variety of abilities, including reading and public speaking skills, physical and mental stamina, and the same kind of attunement with social interactions that is a help to screenwriters.
Steps for career in Entertainment industry
Gain experience when young
Whether it is making films with your friends or family, shooting your family or school events or making short films with your smart phone- any experience that you can gain as experience counts in this industry. So try to use each and every opportunity or make opportunities to gain experience.
Pursue a degree
There are various courses related to film careers offered by Film and Television institute of India (FTII) Pune, Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) Kolkata, Whistling woods International, Mumbai etc Though degrees are not an absolute requirement for the industry which relies more on creativity and experience, the degree can still fill the gaps where creativity and vision fall short. . Film school can help you understand technical skills and give you access to expensive cameras, digital editing software and other tools you will use in a professional role. Rather than simply attending classes and completing assignments, consistently look for extracurricular opportunities to learn and increase your network during your studies
Do Internships
Film schools might provide you opportunities for an internship to learn hands on. Even if don’t attend a film school, try to fine opportunities where you can volunteer with existing projects.Work for free if required. Use it as an opportunity to grow in your field and meet professionals in the industry
Make a strong portfolio
Even with all the connections in the world, and the most expensive camera money can buy, you probably won’t go too far in the film industry without a great body of work. Your portfolio is arguably the most important asset you have, and in order to gain the attention of the people you want to meet and work with, your portfolio must be relevant and meaningful. Rather than focusing on titles at this stage, you should seek out opportunities to build your portfolio and develop in-demand skills.
Network
Like many creative fields, entertainment industry jobs depend on experience and whom you know. Unlike other industries, where jobs are posted on job boards, here most jobs are filled through word of mouth or existing relationships with professionals. So try to meet as many industry professionals as possible , be It through volunteer positions or attending events related to the industry.
Jothsna is the co-founder of Academy One, a career guidance and study abroad counseling venture. Prior to founding Academy One in 2005, Jothsna worked as an IT and business consultant with companies like Motorola and Trajen Inc. in the USA. She holds an engineering degree in computer science from Andhra University and a MS from the University of Texas. She also received her MBA from the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University, USA.