IN THE NICK OF TIME

How last-minute jobs can make your career, and where to find them

By Jourden Aldredge

WHEN YOU’RE FIRST STARTING OUT IN CREW AND PRODUCTION,IT

may seem like the jobs available to you are few and far between, uninteresting, or both. Those entry-level roles can be tedious and thankless, and may not align with the career vision you have. But there is no better way to learn, gain experience, and network than by taking those jobs and doing them well.

This is why you should say yes to everything (within reason), especially last-minute gigs. Not only can they lead to finding amazing connections and networking opportunities, but you’ll gain valuable experience. The more time you spend working, the more opportunities you have to get hands-on experience.

Another thing that will keep your career moving is having consistent credits, which last-minute jobs can help with. Doing work just for the credit isn’t wise, but showing that you work consistently indicates that you’re experienced, good at your job, and in demand. Before you know it, those gigs you took on short notice will lead to you having your pick of multiple offers.

Finally, when you’re asked to do something at the last minute, you’re in a much stronger position to negotiate. Don’t exaggerate or lie about what it will take moneywise for you to accept the job, but remember that they need you, too. And if it’s a last-minute request, they’re probably willing to offer more if you ask for a number within reason.

Convinced of the power of last-minute jobs? Good. Here’s how to find them.

Your network

A lot of these gigs will come from your professional connections. But if you’re new to the business and don’t have a robust network, you’ll have to get proactive. Seek out opportunities, and let it be known that you’re looking for work.

Social media

Landing a last-minute job can be as simple as plugging in your location and relevant keywords on Facebook, such as “Austin film crew jobs” or “last-minute production jobs in New York.” You should also follow local creators, who often post when they’re crewing up. A few good Facebook groups to follow include Freelance Film Crew – Los Angeles, I Need a Production Assistant!, People in TV: Runners, and the Film Industry Network. Check these groups every day, and set up alerts so you get a notification when a new post goes up. Reply to anything that sounds interesting or worthwhile, and get yourself those last-minute jobs.

Job sites and databases

Filter listings by a production’s phase—“active” or “filming.” Chances are that once something is in preproduction or principal photography, the jobs that filmmakers will need filled are of the last-minute variety. Make sure you’re constantly checking.

Local film offices

If there’s a movie shooting in your area, it’s probably registered with the local film office. It will let you know which productions are headed your way that may need crew members, and many have databases where you can upload your details. In New York, check out Reel Jobs Listings and Filming Now in NYC; in California, FilmLA, the California Film Commission, and Film SF; in Georgia, the Georgia Film and TV Production Help Wanted Hotline; in Illinois, the Chicago Film Office; and in Texas, the Dallas Film Commission, Austin Film Commission, and Houston Film Commission.

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