[How to Get a Job]

By Jaqueline Afonso

“I need a job. I’ll do anything, I just need a job.”

This is the phrase uttered by countless desperate souls in need of employment. In an industry where everybody loves their job, wresting one away isn’t easy.

If you’re job hunting in the film and television industry, the best places to check out are local resource centres like the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto or websites such as Mandy.com and AACTION Auditions.

Roberto Ariganello, executive director of LIFT, says the centre offers a variety of tools and services to help filmmakers get a foot in the door.

LIFT has an open-door policy. With 600 members, it’s a great opportunity to meet fellow filmmakers.

“We encourage anyone and everyone to use our services,” Ariganello says. “We don’t pass judgment on what people want to do.”

LIFT offers a variety of courses from ‘how to make a music video’ to set design, script writing and sound recording.

You must pay $50 and do 20 hours of volunteer work to become a member. Once a member, film and laboratory use are available at a discounted rate. You also get LIFT’s magazine which is published six times a year.

“We rely on our membership to keep the organization going,” Ariganello says. “LIFT is a place where people can learn.”

It’s a rule: if you don’t have the experience, you won’t get the job. But with resource centres like LIFT, it’s easy to get the training and experience you need.

 

 

Visit these websites for more information on potential jobs, rental/for sale equipment & workshops:

LIFT – The Liaison of Independent
Filmmakers of Toronto
www.lift.on.ca

CFC – Canadian Film Centre www.cdnfilmcentre.com
A centre devoted to training emerging filmmakers in all parts of film, television and new media, from writing to directing and producing to editing. The CFC offers workshops in creative filmmaking.

Mandy.com
www.mandy.com
Lists employment opportunities for all stages of production. It also lists productions that are presently hiring. You can post your resume online for all to see. If you’re looking for equipment, check out the classified section where you can buy, sell or rent.

NFB – National Film Board of Canada
www.nfb.ca
An organization for documentary filmmakers. You can learn how to secure funding for your production. It lists the locations of production companies, distributors and broadcasters in Canada. Schools and resource centres that offer documentary courses, and professional associations that promote documentary films, are also listed on the website.

IA – Indie Access
www.indieaccess.com
This website links people in film with people looking for work in film. Indie Access helps producers and production companies find casts and crews anywhere in North America. You can post your resume online and receive weekly updates via e-mail about indie jobs in your area.

DV shop
www.dvshop.ca
A retail store that offers a range of equipment for filmmakers including digital video equipment, editing equipment and software, computers and CD/DVD burners. Check out the DV Café’s weblinks for information on filmmaking, editing, post production and screenwriting.

DVD Wolf
www.dvdwolf.com
The dvdwolf forum lists casting calls in various regions, including Toronto. Post-production and other crew jobs are also posted.

AACTION Auditions
www.aactionauditions.com
An easy site to navigate where anyone can post employment opportunities. It has an up-to-date list of productions, agents, photographers, courses, workshops and seminars.

 

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