People who make hiring decisions at production companies or production
shoots like to meet newcomers on paper whether they have met you in
person or not, and one of the primary ways of introducing yourself to
them is through your resume. A resume says a great deal about you. Not
only does it tell something of your background and knowledge of the
business, but it also reveals your communication skills. The effectiveness
of your resume can, in fact, determine your future career in the film
industry.
Keep in mind, but
don't let it hinder you mentally, that there are a lot of people out
there who have the same skills and the same desire to land a job in
the film industry that you do. Your immediate goal is to get an interview,
and your resume is one of the tools you use to do that. You'll be able
to put together an effective resume if you follow these simple rules.
- Make it
look professional. You are entering a professional industry, and
a clean, crisp laser-printed copy is one of the most important factors
in getting your resume read. The paper should be one color - white
is always a sure thing, but buff or off-white gives better results
- and between 20 and 24 pounds in weight. Linen is the best quality,
but it costs more than you might want to spend. You should also proofread
it as well. Typographical errors can turn people off, and that's not
the final, lasting impression you want your resume to make.
- Make it readable.
It's important that the information on your resume be presented as
clearly and succinctly as possible. It should not be more than one
page in length. If after writing it you have any doubts about its
clarity - or even if you don't - it would be a good idea to have a
friend look it over. Most resumes are done in one of two types sizes
- 10 or 12 point. 10 point means you can add more while 12 point is
advisable, if everything stills fits on one page, because the larger
the point size the easier to read. It is advisable to use a larger
type size for your name and address.
- Tell the
truth.
Temptation comes, especially when you're just starting out, to stretch
the truth a little in order to make yourself look more appealing to
whomever will be reading your resume. Inasmuch as you think it will
help you get a job, I have one word of advice: Don't! Many film production
professionals stress the importance of being honest. If you worked
on a film, make sure it's there on your resume. But if you didn't,
don't even think about putting it down. It's easy for people to check
on you, and you're bound to get caught. Remember that people like
to work with people they can trust.
Here is a sample
resume of someone who is just starting out in the business:
Jessie Doe
5552 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 55555
Jessie@internet.com
213-555-2222 Fax 213-552-5555
Objective
Internship or entry-level
position in film production
Education
University of California,
Berkeley
B.A., Filmmaking, June 2001
Work Experience
- Girl Friday at
KWWW-TV, Bencia, California
Part-time, 6/98-9/00. Ran errands and helped with pre-production.
- Soccer Coach for
all girls team, Bencia, California
Part-time, 6/96-9/97. Coached team of 10 to 12 year-olds
Skills
- Knowledge of Film
and broadcast equipment
- Conversational
Spanish
- Computer, word
processing, and typing
Activities
- Varsity Soccer
Team
- Spanish Club
- Film Studies
Interests
Filmmaking, soccer,
bicycling, and music
**********