Joining Filmbase is a good first step, but it isn't the whole job search. This page covers what actually gets you hired, how the industry is structured, and what's realistic to expect when you're starting out, whether you're going into Art Department, Set Decoration or Props.

Your Filmbase profile should mark you out as someone a supervisor, decorator or HoD would actually want to hire. Fill in the detail, don't leave it generic, it's what tells them you have the skills for the job. 

Your CV matters just as much as your profile when you're starting out. Keep it to a single page, clear layout, no spelling errors, contact details at the top.

IMDb should list every professional credit you have. Our FAQs have advice on getting your credits listed as it can be tricky. 

Portfolios matter most for roles with a visual or making component. Technical drafting or drawing for Art Department and prop modelling for Props. Set Decorators will also like to see photos of sets that you have dressed but be careful not to look like you're taking credit for other people's work. Dressing props roles lean more on the CV than a portfolio. Whatever your department, be careful about sharing any work from an unreleased production online.

Focus on specific supervisors, decorators, Props Masters or HoDs whose work genuinely interests you, and send a personalised email, not a mass one. 

Don't bulk email everyone on the directory. It's a small industry, and crew talk to each other, so blanket emailing gets noticed for the wrong reasons rather than the right ones.

A production's budget affects department size, the roles available, and the rate. Smaller productions often give you broader, hands-on experience even if the credit itself is less prestigious. We very much recommend getting experience on a wide range of budgets.

This depends on your department, so knowing who to approach saves you wasting an email on the wrong person.

Without professional experience, aim for entry-level roles rather than overestimating what you're ready for. Student film credits don't carry the same weight as professional ones, so be realistic about the level you're applying at.

Art Department: Runner, Assistant or Trainee roles. Don't claim Researcher status without real experience behind it.

Props: Junior or Dressing Props positions on medium-to-large productions. Be wary of getting stuck in a cycle of low-budget, underpaid work, it doesn't automatically lead to bigger productions.

If you're switching in from a different industry with transferable skills, it's usually worth taking a step down for your first job in film rather than expecting your outside seniority to carry over.

Not necessarily, it depends what you're doing. Dressing props doesn't require formal education. Practical, communicative, creative and logistical skills matter more than a qualification. Prop modelling is different: specialist training or a relevant degree is genuinely useful there, mainly because it gives you access to equipment and materials you won't have on your own.

Work experience has to be paid, at least minimum wage, unless it's a placement tied to a course. Pure job shadowing, where you're only observing, can still be unpaid.

The industry is seasonal. Summer sees more production, since the weather suits location filming, and things typically quieten down from September onward. Expect to have down time from the industry each year. 

Have a financial cushion. Aim for a backup source of income, or enough saved to cover your expenses for at least 3-6 months, gaps between jobs are normal, not a sign you're doing something wrong.

Job alerts move fast. Crew are often hired within days of a role being posted, many Props positions are daily hires, so have your CV and materials ready to send the moment something comes up.

New to Industry members can upgrade to Accredited status once they've built up enough professional credits. What counts varies slightly by department. (Pricing isn't listed here since it's subject to change, check your account or get in touch for current rates.)

For training, courses and mentoring as you build your career, see our Support & Advice page. For questions this page doesn't answer, get in touch with the Filmbase Helpdesk.

Other useful links: FAQ  ·  Suppliers & Training Directory  ·  Department Guidance Documents