A Movie-related Business Career?

A

AlanC

(Sorry if this is the wrong section, I didn't know where to post this or where people would see it.)

My story is similar to most here. Love films, dreamed of making films or getting a job at a film studio, etc. But I never had the courage or money to attend film school or really make a gamble toward my dream. Call me scared or too afraid to pursue my dream, I don't care, but currently I'm attended a university to get a business/marketing degree, which is something I feel I'm good at. Is anybody here in the same boat I'm in? Maybe you got a business degree and work or want to work exclusively on the business side? I'd love to get a job as a publicist and market independent films. Duties like try to stir interest in a distributor, create a films presence on social media, press kits, make the films website, etc.

Thanks.
 
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The movie industry uses professionals in all walks of life - accountants, insurance agents, lawyers, and so on. These professionals, from what I see, develop specialized knowledge particular to movies, and, depending on economic conditions, can make a good living.
 
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With your business/marketing degree there are many places that you could fit in. Money managers, accountants, "bookkeepers" and the like are always needed. But, as Aspiring Mogul pointed out, there are an amazing number of auxiliary crafts and professions needed to support the making of a film. Sure, they're not as glamorous as being an actor or director, but they can lead to a very satisfying life. So if you don't want to get into business/marketing you may want to consider the following...

Are you personable and like to drive? Maybe being a driver would suit you. Good with your hands? Maybe set construction/maintenance, electric and the like will fill the bill. Like art? Maybe being a storyboard artist, set painter, illustrator, CGI, sculptor, props maker or something similar attracts you. Like gardening? You could be a greenskeeper. Perhaps you're athletic; try being a stunt man. Into fashion? Costumes/wardrobe or hair/makeup could be a possibility. Like to cook? Maybe you could be a caterer. Good with computers? Data management and/or systems maintenance might be for you. Like guns and/or have a military background? Weapons/armorer might be a blast! (Sorry... I couldn't resist.) Absolutely love music of all kinds and have some legal background? You could be a music supervisor. Love making noise? Foley artist and sound effects could be the thing.

And if you don't want to do any of those things they all need business types; after all, they are businesses and need people with business savvy to keep them running. And even on-set they need people to track the expenses and maintain the books. So you even if you don't want to do any of those crafts if you have an affinity for one of them that would be a place to investigate.
 
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Way back when I was an intern on Baywatch this was actually one of the first things I learned - half the people employed by the show were working in the office, not on the set. At the time it was surprising to me because I'd just never thought about that side of the business, but once I saw it in person it totally made sense. Just like any other business you've got multiple levels of management and organization - the titles may be different, but the roles are often similar. You might want to look in to trying to get a summer internship at a studio or production company while you're in school.
 
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