Attitude, Application and Arseholes

Starting Out & Moving Up In Film, TV and Digital Production

Whether you make content for the big screen, the small screen or the now super-small screen, if you’ve chosen a career in film, TV or digital production the likelihood is you don’t want to spend your entire career on the bottom rung. Whether that be as a runner or entry-level researcher, the fact is, anyone who’s worked in this industry long enough will be able to tell you that these are often the most under appreciated roles (yet given their importance it often begs the question, why?) and are therefore positions you will want to move up from at the earliest opportunity.

However, as most of these roles are freelance, you can’t simply approach your boss and ask for a promotion; if you’ve been hired to work on a project as a runner, that’s pretty much your lot until the said project comes to an end, then it’s on to the next one.

Unless someone directly above you drops out halfway through (and even then you’ll be lucky to be considered), it’s often the case that to move up in this industry you’re reliant on your peers from previous jobs putting you forward for a more senior position on their next production.

However, your peers are freelancers too, so they aren’t going to take a punt on you if they don’t think you’re worth it as your success or failure reflects on them.

So how do you get anywhere when you work for yourself but are essentially reliant on others? You apply the three A’s; Attitude, Application, and Arseholes.

Attitude

Attitude is everything in this industry and you’ll come across as many bad ones as you do good. However, if you want to get anywhere, then you need to display a “can do” attitude and be willing to go the extra mile straight from the off. It’s a known fact that runners are continuously asked to make tea, empty the bins and fetch lunches among a whole host of other menial tasks before they get anywhere near the jobs that will really help boost their skill set.

It’s just reality, and you know what, it sucks but unfortunately, it’s the nature of the beast. But instead of waiting around to be asked to do things, show willing. Offer your colleagues a cup of tea, make sure that your work area is always looking tidy and generally keep on top of the basics quickly and efficiently with a smile on your face. This way, you’ll free up time to support your peers with more taxing issues and you’ll also find that people are far more willing to ask for your help.

If you show you're a safe pair of hands that get things done, you’ll find that you’re never short of offers of more relevant work. Which brings me to my next point.

Application

If you want to work your way upwards and onwards in this industry, application is key.

This may sound like I’m just spewing out boring rhetoric but it’s common sense; if you’re not willing to apply yourself then you’re not going to get anywhere regardless of what you do.

We all know there are those whose talents for lighting, directing or acting come naturally, but even they have to apply themselves else their gifts go to waste. And for those of us who have to work three times as hard to pick up those same skills, it’s even more imperative that we do the same.

Application isn’t rocket science; it’s just showing commitment and a willingness to learn.

The easiest way to do that is by reaching out to those around you. For instance, if you’re a runner and you’re on top of your jobs, ask if you can help any of your colleagues out. You may be asked to write a one-page biog on someone, to help write some links for a VO or asked to sort out camera and sound equipment ready for a shoot.

This is your opportunity to learn and to improve, so ask questions and use common sense. Don’t know what difference the focal point on a camera lens makes? Just ask. Unsure of the best way to approach researching a particular person (that isn’t copying and pasting their biog on Wikipedia)? Just ask. Don’t know where to begin when writing links and want to know what kind of language to use? JUST ASK!

No one will ever give you grief for asking questions (as long as they are asked with an element of common sense) and if you feel that you’re missing the point or can’t get your head around what you’ve been told, don’t worry; Google always saves the day. In fact, you’ll find that most people, regardless of position, regularly refer back to the handbook that is the World Wide Web - I mean someone has to read these blogs.

Arseholes

This one is quick and easy.

Whether you’re constantly being chewed out by an exec producer with a hard on for power, taking shit from “talent” with the social skills of an amoeba or getting grief from a production assistant who thinks that just because their mum is a commissioner at a channel it gives them the god given right to give everyone below them hell, the industry is full of arseholes and if you let them get to you, you won’t last 5 minutes.

I’ve come across all of the above and it was exhausting. But what are your options? Walk away on a job you love because of some arseholes with an agenda? Fuck that!

The best thing to do is to keep your head down and maintain a good attitude and work ethic, that way the shit you’ll receive from above will be minimal and you’ll find opportunities to move up and onward a lot easier to come by.

I mean let’s be honest, it doesn’t matter what industry you work in, there will always be arseholes. But look through the other lens and you’ll find that for every arsehole there are ten like-minded individuals with great attitudes looking to apply themselves to the common goal of making great content.

So that’s it; remember the three AAA’s and you’re on your way. Good luck.