My First Job in Film Launches in U.S.
Founded in the U.K. in 2011, the career-building community offers aspiring film and television professionals guidance and employment and internship opportunities.
My First Job in Film, a U.K.-based career-planning community focused on aspiring film and television professionals, has launched in North America.
Founded in 2011, the program helps students and others gain a foothold in the entertainment industry through an array of career-planning tools and access to short- and long-term employment opportunities and internships across a range of production and postproduction roles.
“Many talented people find it hard to get started in the entertainment industry due to nepotism, discrimination and other factors beyond their control,” says Sam Kirkwood, company founder. “We try to create a level playing field so that landing that first job is less about who you know and more about skills and talents.”
My First Job in Film offers tools for career planning, including résumé creation, as well as mentoring and advice from industry veterans. It operates a private Facebook group in which members can pose questions to experienced professionals.
A basic membership is free and includes a monthly newsletter, job alerts, access to career resources and membership in the Facebook group. “Pro” memberships start at $9.99 per month and may also include full access to the job board (paid internships, production-crew jobs and permanent entry-level roles).
The community lists current employment and internship opportunities in Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, Vancouver and other production markets in the U.S. and Canada. Employers include film and television studios, production companies and post facilities, and opportunities range from production assistant and “runner” positions to entry-level posts in editing, camera, hair and makeup and art direction.
“We encompass every department and sector of the entertainment industry,” Kirkwood says.
Additionally, the program allies with universities, film schools and training programs to ensure a deep pool of skilled talent.
“Though we cannot guarantee that everyone in our community will find career-track employment, we have many amazing success stories,” says Kirkwood. “We make finding the right path easier by helping people improve their industry knowledge and develop a sound career-building strategy. We support our members through each step in the process.”
In the U.K., My First Job in Film members have found employment on such productions as The Crown, Billions, Mission: Impossible 7, Jurassic World: Dominion and No Time to Die. Kirkwood says the company has also helped to standardize and improve employment conditions in the region. “Our first campaign shined a light on unpaid internships,” he says. “We helped to establish a framework where unpaid positions could not exceed four weeks and had to offer a genuine learning experience. Today we promote PA roles on the latest features and internships across the industry, from development to distribution.
The organization is actively seeking individuals and organizations interested in supporting aspiring professionals, adds Kirkwood. “If you run an internship program or hire junior crew, then we would love to hear from you.”
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