By Ruby Pastrana
Finding paying jobs in film writing can be challenging but with these resources, you can make a step towards finding your next opportunity.
Freelance Platforms
The first place most people check for jobs these days are freelance platforms such as LinkedIn or Indeed. These websites often post broad writing jobs, some that cross over into the film industry. These jobs can range from film reviews, screenwriting, to content creation.
- Glassdoor
- Indeed
Industry Websites
Film-related websites and publications hire freelance writers for film reviews, articles, opinions, and analysis. These websites often have career or contribution sections for open positions and or guidelines for freelance submissions. Websites like these includes:
- IndieWire
o An online publication website covering film, TV, and digital news, reviews, and interviews.
- Variety
o An entertainment publication with broad coverage of movies, television, theater, music, and technology.
- The Hollywood Reporter
o An online and print magazine that covers entertainment news, movies and television reviews, movie trailers, television clips, and analysis.
- Screen Rant
o An online media publishing company that offers news in television, films, video games, and film theories.
- Film School Rejects
o An online publication website that covers film reviews, interviews, and film industry news.
Networking
Networking is crucial to the film industry as you build relationships with established individuals in the film industry that can open up opportunities for you. Some of the best ways to begin networking include attending film festivals, industry events and screenings. Professionals in the industry often attend these events, including editors, writers, and filmmakers. You can also take it a step further and submit your work to festivals and contests to begin gaining recognition for your work.
You can also begin your networking online through communities and forums that are dedicated to film writing. These communities can often help you further your knowledge in film writing and can be a source of information in the industry. Some good websites for networking in film include:
- Letterboxd
- Stage 32
o An online social network and educational site for professionals that work in film, television, and theater.
- The Black list
o A platform for writers to showcase their features, pilots, and plays for industry professionals.
Social media
Social Media, when used the right way can help you get your work out there. You can follow industry professionals such as writers, editors, and publishers. These pages often promote job opportunities on their social media to get the word out there.
- YouTube
Take advantage of what you can do with these apps and advertise your work, as well as follow pages that spread information on writing jobs, contest, and other opportunities. Another idea is to follow and reach out to people who could be a helpful resource in your film career.
School
As a student, you have access to valuable resources through our university that can help you find film writing jobs and start your career in the film industry.
- Career Services
o WCU’s Center for Career and Professional Development helps you find resources and plan your future career path. With their help, you can gain different skills that will be helpful in your film career as well as go over resumes, interviewing processes and can even be a helpful step in the job search.
- Industry connections
o WCU has a wide array of alumni’s and professors in different fields and specialties. These individuals can offer advice, mentorship and can even be a gate way to opportunities you may not have learned about. Building a relationship with alumni’s and professors can be a very valuable resource in your college career.
- Production opportunities
o Besides the Film Studies Program, WCU also has a Film and Television Production Program that allows students to put on their own productions. Collaboration with this program and programs like it can help you expand your knowledge of the film industry and find new creative opportunities within film. Working in projects that these programs have can provide valuable experience and can be in portfolios of your work.
- University events
o Different programs often have guest speakers, film screenings, and workshops. Attending these events can help you stay informed on the industry as well as make connections with students and faculty.
Extra Tips:
When looking for jobs in film, use keywords such as:
- Film
- Collaboration
- Writer
- Script
- Editing
When deciding what steps to take next in your career is important to be prepared, be genuine, and stay persistent in getting your work out there.
Citations:
Cullari, Chris. “Your Guide to Networking in the Film Industry: Wrapbook.” Wrapbook, February 17, 2023. https://www.wrapbook.com/blog/networking-in-the-film-industry.
Ferguson, Natasha. “10 Essential Tips for Landing a Job in Screenwriting.” Celtx Blog, February 29, 2024. https://blog.celtx.com/get-a-job-in-screenwriting/.
Staff, ScreenCraft. “Over 20 Accounts All Screenwriters Should Follow on Instagram.” ScreenCraft, July 3, 2017. https://screencraft.org/blog/top-20-accounts-screenwriters-follow-instagram/.
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