Following a career in a competitive industry like film can be hard. There’s only a handful of actors that make it to Hollywood, and even fewer scriptwriters that manage to make a name for themselves. But it’s not impossible! And if you don’t want to be on the big screen, there are many other career options you can pursue that are just as exciting. To help you choose a career that is right for you, we’ve created a list of the 20 most popular jobs in the film industry.
1. Actor / Actress
If you have a passion for performing, you can make a script come to life through your plausible interpretations. To get a head start in your career as an actor, you’ll need to first gain professional training and work on building your network of industry contracts. Average salary:Rs. 1,00,000/ Rs 25000000/-
(if you make it in Hollywood, though, you could make millions for a single movie – just check out our lists of the highest-paid actors and actresses to get an idea on what you could potentially earn!)
2. Location Manager
Location managers are responsible for finding the perfect location for specific scenes and getting approval from the property owners to film on the premises. They also arrange for all the necessities during filming, including snacks, power supplies, dressing areas and parking. To succeed in this role, you’ll need to have a likeable personality and excellent negotiation skills. Average salary: Rs. 25000/- to Rs.500000/-
3. Set Decorator
As a set decorator, you’ll be responsible for ensuring that sets appear exactly as they are described in a script. You will create in-depth designs that may only appear once throughout a movie and will need to source all decorations (including vehicles and animals). Although no formal training is necessary, previous experience in interior design may be beneficial. Average salary: Rs.100000/- to 500000/-
4 A key grip manages all the equipment that is used to support cameras, tripods and lighting. Although the lighting team will take care of setting up the lights, the gripping team will ensure the light is cut for cinematic quality. To succeed in this position, you’ll need to work well under pressure and have good physical stamina as you’ll be working with heavy equipment throughout the day.
5. Gaffer
The gaffer is the head of the lighting department and works closely with members of the gripping team. A gaffer is responsible for creating adequate lighting in the preproduction phase and working to quickly adjust the lighting on set throughout the different scenes. A keen interest in electrical equipment is essential for this role.
6. Film Editor
A film editor works with the director to cut down the movie after all the footage has been recorded. It’s one of the most essential parts of a movie, as the editor needs to find the best way to create a captivating story. To succeed, you’ll need to have great attention to detail, as you’ll be focused on the minute details of the overall project.
7. Director
If you have leadership qualities and want to be the next Steven Spielberg or Quentin Tarantino, then you should follow a career as a director. You’ll need to ensure that the story is being told correctly through the actors’ eyes and ensure that all creatives are correct, both post and preproduction.
8. Producer
A producer is to a film what a COO is to a company. They are the head of the business, ensuring that everything is in place and is running smoothly. A producer can be involved in budgeting, hiring a crew, fine-tuning scripts – whatever is necessary to produce an award-winning movie.
9. Screenwriter
If you have a wild imagination and a way with words, you can become a screenwriter and create the entire concept and dialect of a film. Although this is a lucrative career, you will need to work extremely hard to get producers to pick up your script.
10. Runner
A runner will work with various departments carrying out administrative tasks to ensure that the running of the film is smooth. The jobs can vary from arranging props to setting up locations and getting coffee. You’ll need to have good stamina and a bubbly personality to enjoy and succeed in this job.
1. Actor / Actress
If you have a passion for performing, you can make a script come to life through your plausible interpretations. To get a head start in your career as an actor, you’ll need to first gain professional training and work on building your network of industry contracts. Average salary:Rs. 1,00,000/ Rs 25000000/-
(if you make it in Hollywood, though, you could make millions for a single movie – just check out our lists of the highest-paid actors and actresses to get an idea on what you could potentially earn!)
2. Location Manager
Location managers are responsible for finding the perfect location for specific scenes and getting approval from the property owners to film on the premises. They also arrange for all the necessities during filming, including snacks, power supplies, dressing areas and parking. To succeed in this role, you’ll need to have a likeable personality and excellent negotiation skills. Average salary: Rs. 25000/- to Rs.500000/-
3. Set Decorator
As a set decorator, you’ll be responsible for ensuring that sets appear exactly as they are described in a script. You will create in-depth designs that may only appear once throughout a movie and will need to source all decorations (including vehicles and animals). Although no formal training is necessary, previous experience in interior design may be beneficial. Average salary: Rs.100000/- to 500000/-
4 A key grip manages all the equipment that is used to support cameras, tripods and lighting. Although the lighting team will take care of setting up the lights, the gripping team will ensure the light is cut for cinematic quality. To succeed in this position, you’ll need to work well under pressure and have good physical stamina as you’ll be working with heavy equipment throughout the day.
5. Gaffer
The gaffer is the head of the lighting department and works closely with members of the gripping team. A gaffer is responsible for creating adequate lighting in the preproduction phase and working to quickly adjust the lighting on set throughout the different scenes. A keen interest in electrical equipment is essential for this role.
6. Film Editor
A film editor works with the director to cut down the movie after all the footage has been recorded. It’s one of the most essential parts of a movie, as the editor needs to find the best way to create a captivating story. To succeed, you’ll need to have great attention to detail, as you’ll be focused on the minute details of the overall project.
7. Director
If you have leadership qualities and want to be the next Steven Spielberg or Quentin Tarantino, then you should follow a career as a director. You’ll need to ensure that the story is being told correctly through the actors’ eyes and ensure that all creatives are correct, both post and preproduction.
8. Producer
A producer is to a film what a COO is to a company. They are the head of the business, ensuring that everything is in place and is running smoothly. A producer can be involved in budgeting, hiring a crew, fine-tuning scripts – whatever is necessary to produce an award-winning movie.
9. Screenwriter
If you have a wild imagination and a way with words, you can become a screenwriter and create the entire concept and dialect of a film. Although this is a lucrative career, you will need to work extremely hard to get producers to pick up your script.
10. Runner
A runner will work with various departments carrying out administrative tasks to ensure that the running of the film is smooth. The jobs can vary from arranging props to setting up locations and getting coffee. You’ll need to have good stamina and a bubbly personality to enjoy and succeed in this job.
