The film industry is a highly competitive field, but it is possible to make a living if you have the right skills and mindset. Many aspiring actors and filmmakers wonder if they can realistically earn enough money to support themselves by working in movies or television. Like any career, it takes hard work, perseverance, and some luck. But plenty of people make a decent living both in front of and behind the camera.
What are the career options in the film industry?
There are many different jobs in the film and television industry. Here are some of the main career paths:
Actor
Actors bring characters and stories to life through their performances. Lead actors are the main stars and supporting actors have smaller roles. Actors audition for roles and work on a project-by-project basis. Successful actors can make a comfortable living, especially once they start booking higher-paying leading parts. But most need to supplement their income with other work.
Director
Directors are in charge of the overall creative vision for a film or TV show. They lead the cast and crew during production. Directors who work steadily can earn a middle-class wage and top directors command very high salaries. But like actors, their income fluctuates based on projects.
Producer
Producers oversee all logistical and financial aspects of a production. They raise funding, manage budgets, and coordinate people and resources. Television producers typically earn a consistent salary working for a studio, while film producers are paid from a project’s budget. Their pay can vary widely depending on the size of the production.
Screenwriter
Screenwriters create scripts for movies and television shows. They may spec scripts on their own or be hired for assignments. Compensation ranges widely based on level of success. Top screenwriters can be among the highest paid people in the industry. But many struggle to find enough paying work to earn a full-time income from writing alone.
Cinematographer
The director of photography or cinematographer heads the camera and lighting crews on set. They are responsible for achieving the desired visual look of a film or TV show. An experienced cinematographer can make a comfortable living with union rates and steady work on productions.
Editor
Editors work in post-production, selecting shots and assembling them into a final film. This is a technical craft that requires experience. Editors are generally paid hourly or receive a flat project fee. Salaries can range from around $50,000 for assistant editors up to $100,000 or more per year for seasoned professionals.
What skills do you need to succeed?
Working in the film industry requires more than just talent on camera or an eye for visual storytelling. Some key skills that lead to success include:
Persistence
The entertainment business is full of rejection. Actors hear “no” far more often than “yes” when auditioning. Crew members job hunt constantly between gigs. Writers have piles of unsold scripts. Maintaining optimism and perseverance is crucial.
People skills
Filmmaking is a collaborative art. You need to work well on a team, communicate effectively, and maintain professionalism even under high stress. Divas and prima donnas struggle to get rehired.
Business savvy
Understanding negotiating, budgets, unions, contracts, and marketing is essential. The industry combines art and commerce. Learn to represent yourself professionally and know the business side.
Willingness to start small
Very few people start at the top in the film industry. Actors spend years in background roles before breaking through. Gaining experience in student films, low budget indies, or reality TV can help you build skills and connections.
Flexibility
The film industry involves a lot of instability and uncertainty. Productions get delayed or cancelled. People get fired. Movies flop. You need adaptability, perseverance, and financial planning to ride out the ups and downs.
How much money do film industry jobs pay?
There is a huge range of salaries in the film industry depending on your role, experience level, and whether you’re working on a union production. Here are some salary ranges for common positions:
| Film Industry Job | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Actor starting out | $0 – $20,000 per year |
| Supporting actor | $20,000 – $50,000 per year |
| Lead actor in TV/film | $50,000 – $500,000+ per project |
| Screenwriter starting out | $0 – $60,000 per year |
| Established screenwriter | $60,000 – $250,000+ per script |
| Film director indie budget | $75,000 – $750,000 per film |
| Film director studio movie | $2 million – $10 million+ per film |
| TV director per episode | $25,000 – $75,000 |
| Producer indie budget | $50,000 – $125,000 per project |
| Producer studio movie | $250,000 – $2 million per film |
| Cinematographer indie film | $2,500 – $5,000 per week |
| Cinematographer studio film | $6,000 – $25,000+ per week |
| Film editor per project | $50,000 – $100,000 |
As you can see, pay varies enormously based on your experience level and the scale of the productions you work on. Very few people get rich in lower budget independent films. Big blockbuster movies, network TV shows, and global streaming programs offer the top incomes.
How can you get started in the film industry?
Some tips for launching and building your film career:
Take classes and workshops
Develop your skills through formal education, classes, online tutorials, books, and more. Learn the craft of your desired field. Film and acting schools provide intensive training. Or take community college courses and workshops to build skills affordably.
Work for free at first
Build your resume and connections through unpaid student films, indie productions, internships, and jobs like production assistant work. Getting coffee and making copies is a rite of passage. Be willing to learn and pay dues.
Create your own projects
Build a portfolio through short films, web series, sketches, radio dramas, or other projects you can produce on your own. With today’s technology, you can create work to showcase your abilities.
Network constantly
So much of succeeding in this business is who you know. Attend premieres, social events, workshops, etc. to connect with industry insiders. Nurture your contacts and build relationships over time.
Consider moving to a major production hub
While filming takes place all over, the main industry centers are Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Vancouver, London, and Mumbai. Relocating to one of these cities can provide more opportunities.
Have financial stability and backup plans
Have enough savings and alternate income sources to survive the lean times. Waiting tables, bartending, freelancing, and dog walking provide transitional work for many new film professionals.
What are the challenges of working in film?
A career in movies or television has big potential upsides – fame, exciting work, creative fulfillment. But there are also major challenges to know before jumping in.
Inconsistent work
Few film jobs are permanent. Movies shoot for a few months, shows get cancelled, and you’re constantly hunting for the next gig. Expect long periods of unemployment between jobs.
High cost of living in entertainment hubs
Major industry cities like Los Angeles and New York have very high housing prices. Earning enough to cover rent and bills takes careful budgeting for new film professionals.
No guarantees of “big breaks”
You could struggle for years as an aspiring actor or filmmaker with little progress before a breakthrough role or big break comes along. Not everyone achieves fame and fortune.
Rejection and criticism are constant
Developing a thick skin is mandatory. The most successful people hear “no” a hundred times for every “yes” in auditions or pitch meetings. Bad reviews can tank films you poured your heart into.
Stressful work conditions
Film and TV shoots often require long hours and tight deadlines. The environment can be intense, political, or even toxic in some cases. High pressure and burnout are common.
Unstable income and no benefits
Most film work is freelance, with boom and bust cycles. You must provide your own insurance and financial safety net between unpredictable jobs.
Conclusion
Building a career in the exciting world of movies and television brings huge challenges as well as opportunities. While a very small fraction become major stars and top directors, many entertainers work for years or decades to earn a living wage doing what they love. With hard work, persistence through ups and downs, financial planning, and cultivated connections, it is possible for determined people to find success in the film industry. Just going in with realistic expectations helps. Be prepared for the rollercoaster ride the entertainment business entails.