Careers in Movies

By Willy Franzen

Looking for an entry level job or internship in movies? This is an overview of how to approach the search and a list of companies that might have relevant entry level and internship opportunities.

Photo Credit: Flickr user Jonathan Kos-Read

Lights… camera… jobs! Lots of people go into making a movie, and you don’t have to be a professional actor to get one of them. You won’t direct a movie right away, but a few areas to consider include:

Screenwriting: Write the scripts that eventually get turned into movies
Set design: Curate and create settings for film shoots
Wardrobe, hair, and makeup: Create the costumes, makeup, and hairstyles for the actors
Lighting: Make sure the lighting reflects the mood of the scene
Special effects: Create the special effects that wow the audience
Production: Assist a producer with the production end of things

No matter which path you pursue, you’ll probably start out as an assistant or something entry-level, reporting to someone with more experience.

While you don’t necessarily need a bachelor’s degree for some of these positions, the degree and any experience gained will set you apart, especially since competition for jobs in the movie business is fierce.

Companies with Entry Level Jobs and Internships in Movies

American Film Institute - AFI is an L.A. non-profit that aims "to preserve the history of the motion picture, to honor the artists and their work and to educate the next generation of storytellers.”

See the complete American Film Institute profile

Trailer Park - Trailer Park is a Hollywood, CA based full-service entertainment marketing agency that serves “a broad spectrum of clients."

See the complete Trailer Park profile

National CineMedia - National CineMedia is the Centennial, CO based company behind much of the pre-feature entertainment and advertising that you see in movie theaters.

See the complete National CineMedia profile

The Tech Museum of Innovation - The Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose, CA is a "hands-on technology and science museum for people of all ages and backgrounds."

See the complete The Tech Museum of Innovation profile

IMAX - IMAX is the name of a high definition move format as well as a Mississauga, Ontario based company that owns the technology.

See the complete IMAX profile

The Marketing Arm - The Marketing Arm is a Dallas, TX based marketing agency that focuses on building brand experiences through promotions, and they're hiring.

See the complete The Marketing Arm profile

Redbox - If you love those little red kiosks that rent DVDs for cheap, then you'll love a job at Redbox.

See the complete Redbox profile

San Francisco Film Society - If you want to be a part of the San Francisco Film Society, check out their Jobs page to learn more about how you can help them grow San Fran's film culture.

See the complete San Francisco Film Society profile

United Talent Agency - If you've always wanted to be a talent agent, then you need to check out United Talent Agency and their entry level Agent Training Program.

See the complete United Talent Agency profile

Tribeca Film Institute - The Tribeca Film Institute offers a variety of programs for both filmmakers and youth, and they're hiring right now.

See the complete Tribeca Film Institute profile

Lucasfilm - Lucasfilm is a dream employer for many, and if you’re not insanely fanatical, you’re probably not going to be a great fit (unless you’re just really good).

See the complete Lucasfilm profile

Sony Pictures - Sony Pictures' entry level job openings include Financial Analyst, Global Ad Sales & Digital Media Coordinator, Marketing Assistant, and Fitness Assistant,.

See the complete Sony Pictures profile

Blue Sky Studios - Entry level jobs at Blue SKy Studios include Production Assitant, Admin (Production), Temp Animator, Modeler, Character Designer and quite a few more.

See the complete Blue Sky Studios profile

Pixar - Positions that new grads at Pixar are currently working in include Technical Director Resident, Animator, Software Engineer, Lighting Director, and Layout.

See the complete Pixar profile

PostWorks - PostWorks is a NYC based full service post production company and they are fully equipped to take a project all the way through to final delivery.

See the complete PostWorks profile

Netflix - Netflix, based in Los Gatos, CA, is the company behind popularizing on-demand media streaming and snail mail DVD rentals and they're hiring!

See the complete Netflix profile

Check out the latest job and internship postings in movies.

Careers in Movies

Companies with Entry Level Jobs and Internships in Movies

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