The glitter and thrill of the film business are undoubtedly already familiar to you if you’re considering a career in it. There is no doubt that working in film production can be an exciting experience, from the red-carpet premieres to the countless hours on set. Nevertheless, before you begin thinking about your next Academy Award acceptance speech, it’s crucial to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of this sector. There are several things to think about before you get started, ranging from long hours and less pay to creative freedom and recognition. We’ll discuss the highs and lows of working in film production in this blog article. So, grab some popcorn, and let’s begin!
The Pros of Working in Film Production
First and foremost, film production is a highly creative field. If you’re someone who loves to express your artistic side, this might just be the perfect career for you. From directing to cinematography, editing to sound design, there are so many areas to explore and unleash your creativity. For an example, if you have carpentry skills or a talent for interior décor, the art department maybe the best fit for you. Be a part of creating elaborate sets, furniture and sculptures from scratch. Or transform a space with props, lighting, and furniture to fit a certain mood and ambience.
Another great thing about film production is the variety it offers. Each project is unique, with its own set of challenges and opportunities. Also it gives you the opportunity to work with different crews, equipment and cultures from around the world. This gives you an invaluable experience that could make you grow in your profession and as a person. One day you might be working on a dating reality show and the next you could be shooting an intense action-packed crime drama. It keeps things interesting, to say the least.
And let’s not forget about the flexibility that film production offers. You can work freelance, contract or even remotely, which is great if you’re someone who loves to travel or work from home in your pyjamas. Working in film production is far from you average 9 to 5 job as you have periods of intense work and periods of rest. This gives you a kind of natural cycle often seen in farming (as opposed to corporate work) that will keep you fresh and rejuvenated.
Recognition in film production can be a major motivator for those in the industry. The possibility of receiving awards and public recognition can be a huge boost to one’s career and self-esteem. Let’s take a closer look at how recognition works in film production.
First and foremost, there are the major awards shows such as the Oscars, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes, which recognize excellence in filmmaking across a range of categories including directing, writing, acting, and technical categories like cinematography and sound design. Winning or even being nominated for an award can catapult a filmmaker’s career to the next level, with increased opportunities and exposure in the industry.
However, nothing compares to the experience of collaborating with a group of highly qualified experts to bring a film to life. Just remember to pack some food for the workers. They will adore you for it, we assure you. A mini-family is formed throughout a production, and these relationships will continue for a very long time.
The Cons of Working in Film Production
But before you start packing your bags and ordering the latest editing software, let’s enlighten ourselves with the cons of being a film production minion. Working in film production might seem like a glamorous career choice, but the reality is that it’s not all red carpets and champagne. In fact, it’s more like soggy sandwiches and sleepless nights.
- First up, instability. Unfortunately, the film industry can be highly unpredictable, with periods of unemployment between projects. This is mostly the case in a country like Sri Lanka where political and social unrest have dominated the last few decades. This has crippled the local film industry and any potential foreign production house that will consider Sri Lanka as a film location. But hey, at least you’ll have plenty of time to catch up on your Netflix binge-watching.
- And when you do finally land a project, be prepared for long hours. Film production is notorious for its grueling schedules, with periods of intense work leading up to tight deadlines. You might find yourself after a week of getting only a couple hours of sleep, disoriented and resembling a zombie more than a person. You also might have to wake up random people that be asleep in the most obscure places.
- Let’s not forget about the competition. The film industry is a cutthroat world, with many talented individuals vying for limited opportunities. It’s like the Hunger Games, but with cameras instead of bows and arrows. Be prepared to be backstabbed, run over, scammed, and duped! High vigilance is always required.
- And unfortunately, entry-level positions in film production often come with low pay (or no pay). Don’t be surprised if you find yourself working for free or for peanuts to gain experience and build your portfolio. Just make sure you’re not paying for your own lunch as well.
Conclusion
So there you go, everyone. the benefits and drawbacks of a career in film production. It’s not for the weak of heart, but if you enjoy working in a creative team and thrive under pressure, it could be the right profession for you. Just don’t forget to pack those munchies.
Check out our blog post on Movies shot in tropical island Sri Lanka
Read about the film industry of Sri Lanka