How to Get a Job in Television
Many people want to learn how to get a job in television. After all, the TV lifestyle seems glamorous and the pay could be huge. These vital tips might just land you that job.
Hone your craft in school
The jobs in television usually require a certain set of skills. You need to increase your skills, and one way is through formal training. This is true whether you work in front of the camera or behind it. The more skilled you appear to be, the more attractive you become to companies.
So, if you want to become an actor, consider taking acting or drama classes. Get involved in related extra-curricular activities, such as theater or even debate. If you want to write scripts, take a course in writing and classes in history. If you want to direct, get into film school and start making short films.
Get experience
All the book knowledge in the world won’t help, if you can’t apply it. This is where work experience and past jobs can help. Employers are more likely to hire you to write, if you’ve written for TV before. Actors can strengthen their auditions with portfolios and showreels of their past successful work.
So you need to get that experience. Start small if you have to, as long as you get started. A small part could be the foot in the door that leads to better jobs. So seek work experience and keep on accumulating it.
Humility can help
Before you embark on a TV job hunt, you need to open your eyes. You need to realize that you’ll probably start at the bottom. You need to acknowledge that you have a lot to learn. You need to recognize that stardom doesn’t come easily.
That doesn’t mean that you have nothing to contribute, because you do. It does mean however, that you can’t let TV get to your head. People tend to respond well to someone with a healthy sense of self. And people get turned off by someone who thinks a job is too menial.
You need passion
It’s almost a cliche but the truth is that passion helps you stand out. This is so important in an industry where competition is fierce. Everyday, people are applying for a limited number of highly sought after jobs. You don’t have much time to impress a director or manager, so enthusiasm helps.
Passion can also lead to knowledge. If you love TV, you’ll read about it, learn tricks, and study the business. Passion can lead to greater devotion to your craft and higher skills. And this increased knowledge and capability will hopefully shine through in your next audition.
Landing a job in TV can be difficult. But it can be done. Keep these tips handy, and continue to increase your knowledge and skills. Eventually, progress will be made.