PROJECTOR-FILMS

CREWING AND JOBS

HOW AND WHERE TO FIND WORK

Work in any media is competitive. The number of graduates from media courses (of which I am one) increases each year as does the number of veterans from institutions, like the BBC, lost through 'down sizing'. While it is true that the number of channels will explode over the next few years most of the output will be very low cost - either repeats or single person crews. One office and unit could be making output for several channels.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

However with luck and the right training a position could be yours. Below are some links. These tend to be vacancies at the larger production facilities or broadcasters. Only apply for a job that really suits you. You can be sure that REALLY GOOD candidates will apply for most jobs.

The BBC is the most famous employer in the country. While they do advertise positions in the media this page is best place for the smaller, foot-in-the-door, jobs. The parent page also contains information on any training schemes and other opportunities that may be currently active.
Similar is The Guardians site which has the advantage of being in a more database-type format. Searchs can be by salary, location, keywords etc. Remember to select Creative, Media and Marketing in the 'career type' field.
While slightly US basedIam magazine's job section does tend to feature jobs not on other lists. However you do need to subscribe if you want to apply.
Mandy's Blue Pages carries positions advertised from around the world, but unlike other web sites it is split into a page per country
Also worth a quick look despite not many UK jobs is the dreadfully titled ShowBizJobs which allows you to search for jobs by country.

CREWING ON LOW BUDGET OR AMATEUR FILMS

This can range from being a very exciting and artistically rewarding experience to an arguementative nightmare. There is, as far as I can work out no way to predict which shoot will become which - most though contain elements of both. Over time however I think that most people agree that working this way is a worthwhile experience and a good way of meeting others with your interest. On top of that you get experience, be it with a bumpy learning curve. The only general piece of advice I can give is to never treat it as sub-standard shoot or a part-time shoot. Others will expect your best.

Low budget films often advertise of Mandy's Blue Pages as well as it being a source for more permanent jobs.
101 Hollywood has a notice board style page allowing you to both place a message and read others. Because of this it can tend to be a bit random and unorganized. It also tends to be a bit US-centric.
UK Production Resource Centre is a new facility which is very easy to use and is split in Theatre, TV and Film pages with a section for 'looking for work' and 'work offered'. It is still quite small but will only get bigger and better is we use it.
The Film Centre also contains good links to other sites which may be of help.
Subscribe to: Shooting People. A mailing list, delivered daily, that always contains someone looking for crew on a no-budget production.

If you are looking for crew for a project then try the links below also.

FREELANCE WORK

Freelance work is very hard to find without "all together now" CONTACTS. Most producers and directors will choose to work with people they know because a trust has been built up and everyone knows what to expect from each other. Who wants to take a chance on an important project (N.B. all projects are important)? However there are some sites that cater for freelancers sought and looking. Some however do cost money to use - just like the crewing books.

Mandys directory has a professional section known as the Yellow section which lists crew and facilities around the world. This link will take you direct to the UK sub-directory. It does cost to add your name however. Try the Green Pages for a temporary trial.
FILMnetUK allows you to search by many different fields for crew and is now also free to leave your details also - it used to cost £15 and this could be re-introduced.
UKScreen allow you put a brief CV on their website database as well as photos and links to your own pages etc. You can then search through the database if you are looking to cast and crew a project yourself.
Using a similar method the networking page on Netribution is a way of getting in contact with people advertising for fellow film makers to work on a project.
The Producers Source is similar again, allowing you to keep an on-line CV in a database.

OTHER POSSIBILITIES

Check out your local area. Possibilities that you may not think of at first include educational facilities, arts centres and smaller, corporate producers.
Educational facilities such as colleges or universities usually require technical helpers or equipment demonstraters so those with this sort of background or ambition will be suited. Those looking for a more 'production assistant' role may find better opportunities at arts centres who normally require bookers, event organisers, outreach officers etc.
Also register with The Media Trust - an organisation that holds a database of industry professionals that are prepared to volunteer for film and video productions for charities.