I’m sure we have all dreamed about being on the silver screen at one point or another. To step into the glitz and glamor of the entertainment industry and become a star! Sadly, making it big as an actor isn’t easy. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still play a hand in producing the TV shows and movies we all love. Canada is home to a number of incredible production studios. And many of its cities are often used as filming backdrops too.
But what is it like working for a studio? There is no question that it is a drastically different kind of career when compared to more traditional jobs. But there are a lot of aspects of studio life that are often overlooked. We have put together this guide to provide an insight of what it’s like working for a studio. Hopefully it will help you see if it is the right kind of work for you!
Late Nights And Early Mornings
Filming is not a 9 to 5 kind of situation. The vast majority of scenes shot outside will have to be done at a specific time of day. And often over several days to ensure the studio gets all the shots they need. This means your hours won’t always be consistent. And it is very likely you could be in for some extremely early starts or late finishes.
Ample Opportunities
It is often said that it takes a village to raise a child. And this saying can be applied to a production studio. The amount of people it takes to create a TV show or a movie is staggering. Which means that production studios have a wide array of job opportunities available.
Whether you’re looking to help build the sets or design the costumes. Maybe you want to be a script supervisor or a sound technician. Or maybe you are perfectly content to fetch the coffees and manage the administrative side of things. There is a job for every skill set in the entertainment industry. So even if you’re not creatively inclined you can still find a role that best suits you.
Time Is Money
A very popular phrase used on production sets is ‘Time Is Money.’ This is true for most businesses but is especially true for production studios. The budget for modern movies and TV shows often nears the millions. So falling behind schedule is a very costly issue. Studios will do everything they can to avoid this where possible.
To that end production studios take time keeping extremely seriously. So you need to ensure you are always on time and always focused. Because, unlike a lot of other jobs, you won’t be able to take your work home with you to finish later.
Physical Risks
Working on set or on location is a magical experience. But it is also one that is filled with risks. Working with a lot of technology presents a number of risks. Falling lights, trip hazards, burns, electrocutions, stunt accidents.
The chances are slim but not impossible. The number of personal injury settlements in Calgary and other cities due to on-set accidents is small, but not low enough to not be a consideration. So if you’re looking for a risk free work environment, a studio won’t be the one for you. But if you can handle a little risk then you’ll feel right at home.
A Sense Of Community
Working in entertainment is extremely rewarding. Both financially and socially. Production studios, while meticulous and busy, are also extremely social and lively. The sense of community you will find present in this industry is astounding. The long grueling hours and busy schedules forces you to become bonded with your coworkers quite quickly.
Working for a studio is also the perfect place for networking. Production studios will work with a large number of celebrities, businesses, and private contractors. As you progress through your career you will have the chance to build powerful business connections that will help you advance your career. Make sure to seize every opportunity provided to you.
The Magic Of Movies
Working for a production studio is a lot of hard work. But there is nothing more amazing than seeing the magic of movies being made first hand. There is nothing quite like it. Seeing the amazing sets and stunning costumes close up. Watching as the final product takes shape. Seeing all the bloopers happen in real time and being privy to all the filming secrets and tricks.