Becoming a film executive is one of the most difficult endeavors one can embark upon, but if you succeed, you will have the power to shape one of the biggest industries in the United States. Production companies and studios are run by these powerful individuals. The responsibilities of film executives can be daunting, and also include making sure movies are made at a low cost, acting as the representative for their company, and being held accountable for successes and failures of the company. Radical changes in Hollywood over the past few years have made it even more challenging to become a film executive. It is widely known that most of today's top movie executives started out in entry-level positions and gradually made their way to the top. If you are passionate about filmmaking and willing to work hard, you can still use some basic steps to work towards a film executive position.
Film school is definitely a good avenue to learn more about the basics, and it can also provide you with access to internships, which will help you build contacts in the industry. College is a good route, but you can also get a job as a production assistant. On-set experience is invaluable and can definitely put you on the road to a career in the film industry. While production assistant jobs can involve completing a lot of menial tasks, you will be able to see first-hand how things work, and how problems are handled, things you can never learn in a classroom.
As an aspiring film executive, one must know all about the film industry and how movies are created from top to bottom. Working within the development offices of a major production company will allow you to potentially become a script reader and gain immeasurable experience. As a script reader, you will work under the supervision of a producer and pore over tons of script, using a discerning eye to recommend pieces that are superbly written and display out-of-the-box ideas. This experience is unmatched because it allows you to work in conjunction with producers and learn more about what it takes to develop a well-written script, and how that script is transformed into a great movie.
While you are gaining experience, it is important to tell people that your ultimate goal is to become an executive in the industry. Initially it may be uncomfortable to let people know that, but if you're a hard worker you may be surprised to find that there are plenty of people who will recommend you for other positions that may open the door to an executive position. Once you've worked your way up the development chain, you can prove to your superiors that you are more than skilled at choosing quality projects and getting things done.
Studio heads must have faith in your ability to bring in quality projects that will be successful in making money for the company. If you are talented enough to discover the next blockbuster or breakout indie film, you will be rewarded with more work and eventually begin overseeing your own projects.
While hard work is key in this industry, it is also necessary to show that you are an innovator, can predict box office numbers, and that you can handle the various aspects of filmmaking, including legal issues and marketing. With preparation and diligence, it is possible to circumvent all of the radical changes that have taken place in Hollywood and realize your dream of being a film executive.
Film school is definitely a good avenue to learn more about the basics, and it can also provide you with access to internships, which will help you build contacts in the industry. College is a good route, but you can also get a job as a production assistant. On-set experience is invaluable and can definitely put you on the road to a career in the film industry. While production assistant jobs can involve completing a lot of menial tasks, you will be able to see first-hand how things work, and how problems are handled, things you can never learn in a classroom.
As an aspiring film executive, one must know all about the film industry and how movies are created from top to bottom. Working within the development offices of a major production company will allow you to potentially become a script reader and gain immeasurable experience. As a script reader, you will work under the supervision of a producer and pore over tons of script, using a discerning eye to recommend pieces that are superbly written and display out-of-the-box ideas. This experience is unmatched because it allows you to work in conjunction with producers and learn more about what it takes to develop a well-written script, and how that script is transformed into a great movie.
While you are gaining experience, it is important to tell people that your ultimate goal is to become an executive in the industry. Initially it may be uncomfortable to let people know that, but if you're a hard worker you may be surprised to find that there are plenty of people who will recommend you for other positions that may open the door to an executive position. Once you've worked your way up the development chain, you can prove to your superiors that you are more than skilled at choosing quality projects and getting things done.
Studio heads must have faith in your ability to bring in quality projects that will be successful in making money for the company. If you are talented enough to discover the next blockbuster or breakout indie film, you will be rewarded with more work and eventually begin overseeing your own projects.
While hard work is key in this industry, it is also necessary to show that you are an innovator, can predict box office numbers, and that you can handle the various aspects of filmmaking, including legal issues and marketing. With preparation and diligence, it is possible to circumvent all of the radical changes that have taken place in Hollywood and realize your dream of being a film executive.
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