Get Involved

• 1). Network like a pro. While working behind the scenes takes you out of the limelight, you still need to learn to network like a pro. Hollywood is still a who-you-know business, and one of the best ways to get known is to make the scene. Get involved with filmmaking communities in your area. Tell people what you're interested in doing and get to know people who already do it.
  
  
• 2). Get out of the box. Utilize sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and other social networking sites to find or build communities of people with like interests. Post your resume on the Web. Post clips of your work and have other people who you've worked with post recommendations to your various social media sites, as well as create video recommendations to include on your sites.
  
  
• 3). Join your local union. Most film crew jobs are unionized. Membership has its privileges, so a good place to start is at your local union office. Not only do you have access to training courses and apprenticeship programs, but they also post job openings and provide placement assistance.
  If you are in an area that doesn't have a union or access to a local film commission, check to see if there are any independent groups available for people who are interested in doing what you want to do. If you don't find a group, then consider creating one. Chances are that there are other people in your area who are interested in the same things.
  
  

Get Experience

• 1). Use your previous experience. If you have already completed an electrician's apprentice program, then you will have a leg up on the competition. Having complete knowledge of wiring and voltages will help you start in a better paying position. Great skills going in may facilitate an easier transition from a commercial or residential electrician into a film electrician.
  
  
• 2). Get some training. Many technical unions offer access to specialized training for different crew positions. This training is available either through the local union or through your state or city film commission. Check the Internet to find the film commission or local union in your area. If there is no union available, check to see if any courses are offered online or through a local college or trade school.
  Additionally, it will be beneficial to take a Production Assistant course. There are rules and etiquette that is specific to film sets. A Production Assistant will help to familiarize you with set etiquette and help you to understand the chain of command on set.
  
  
• 3). Get into an apprenticeship program. An apprentice program allows the beginning electrician to get classroom training while working on an actual set. The programs normally last between four and five years and include some 8,000 to 10,000 hours of on-the-job training.
  Currently a Motion Picture Studio Apprentice program is being underwritten by the Contract Services Administration Trust Fund (CSATF). This program is located in Burbank, California. Check with your local union or independent organization to find out if there are comparable programs in your area. Also see the resources section below.