How to get a job getting Coffee in film industry: A Comprehensive Guide
The film industry is very competitive, but there do exist some avenues into the industry via entry-level positions. Some such entry-level jobs are those jobs as in the form of the production assistant or even PA/runner work. Fetching coffee forms just part of one such job where, along with fetching coffee, one can be assigned small tasks at the workplace. Of course, it is not the most glamorous role, but such roles can also lead to long-term jobs in the industry.
This article will give you practical advice on how to get started, what to expect, and how to make the most of the experience. This is the first of several articles intended to provide information and insight into various jobs within the film industry: jobs many tend to overlook but often are absolutely crucial in making things happen. For this article, we will be discussing three roles: production assistant, set runner or office assistant, and runner.
1. Understanding the role of a runner or PA
Jobs like getting coffee are all part of bigger roles in the film industry, such as being a production assistant, set runner, and office assistant. Such jobs include a wide range of tasks, which are described in more detail below.
- Picking up meals, coffee, and supplies for the actors and crew
- Handling paperwork or messages
- Driving the crew members to various locations
- Coordination of time schedules and communication within departments
Even though the role appears pretty superficial, it is an important step to ensure that production runs smoothly, and this is often a stepping stone to more hands-on experience, networking, and seeing firsthand how sets operate.
2. Why Begin with the Entry-Level Jobs?
Every one of the big filmmakers, producers, and actors once started somewhere-and it is normally the entry-level jobs that act as a springboard. As a PA or runner, you receive all the following key benefits: You will see every stage of production-go from preproduction to postproduction. You get to rub shoulders with all different professionals-including directors, cinematographers, and producers.
Skill building
It teaches one to organize, multitask, and communicate—skills which are required to move forward.
Reputation building
No matter the size of your role, when done right and with the right attitude, it speaks for itself.
In the film world, attitude, hard work, and dependability speak for themselves; with a well-executed coffee run being the very first thing that tends to make the cut to get noticed.
3. How To Find These Jobs Breaking into the industry?
This often begins with a strategic search. These are the primary ways to get a job fetching coffee or assisting on set:
1. Use Job Boards and Film Communities
You can begin by scanning sites such as: Staff Me Up Production Hub Entertainment Careers.
All kinds of work in the film and television deal with these websites, ranging from low budget indie projects to bigger studio films. Check the sections marked as “PA, “runner,” “set assistant” or “production assistant.”
2. Apply for Internships at Production Companies
Many film and television production companies offer internships that would result in entry-level, albeit lowly, positions. Most pay, some are free, but both combine with priceless experiences and networking. Look for production, development, or casting offices, where the job often comes down to fetching coffee and the like.
3. Attend Networking Events and Film Festivals
Film festivals, premieres, and trade shows are all great opportunities to network with fellow industry professionals. If you’re passionate and professional, job openings often walk in your door on word of mouth.
Most small, independent productions will post crew calls on Facebook or Instagram. Look for local film groups to help you keep tabs on jobs that are available. Twitter is probably the best platform for real-time casting and crew announcements.
4. How to Apply and Stand Out
Of course, being a runner or PA and all those entry-level kinds of jobs is very competitive; therefore, it would be quite desirable to make the application stand out in some way. Here are a few ways you might do that:
1. Draft a Simple but Well Polished Resume
Highlight any experience you have working in fast-paced environments or customer service-since these transfer over very well. If you have worked on student films or volunteered on sets, highlight those.
2. Write a Brief Cover Letter
Your cover letter should be enthusiastic and willing to do just about anything-you might have a big job or little one. You should mention any particular interests you have in film production or reason you are excited about the project or company.
3. Prepare References
You’ll probably be lucky to find you can use references from other jobs, even if not specifically on film. Supervisors that can speak as to the reliability and work ethic of the employee will provide significant support.
- Life at Work
- Challenges Expectations
- Coping Mechanisms
5. Expectations at Work
The work can be grueling, and the hours could really be long and irregular.
Here are some things you should prepare for:
Long Hours
The films could shoot over 12-14 hours. PAs can expect to arrive at the set very early, and often leave quite late in the evening.
Physical Demands
Always be prepared to spend a whole day on your feet running around town for errands, carrying supplies, or driving across town to other locations.
Unforeseen Tasks
You might need to fix an emergency situation such as going to fetch some equipment or solving logistical problems.
Tight Deadlines
It becomes very prestigious to complete jobs with less time and without losing the quality it.
Even if it’s a small thing
Getting a coffee, it is also symbolic of the larger role that plays by the PAs to keep the production on schedule and well-organized.
6. Last but not least: Making the Most of the Opportunity
A work as easy as fetching coffees is very important to respond to professionally because it may be the chance to prove oneself.
7. How to make the most of time in an entry-level job: A. Get Along with the Crew
Introduce yourself amicably to the people on location. Most professionals appreciate enthusiasm and humility. Don’t waste your time by asking questions at inappropriate times and, instead, just observe how things are done.
- Take Initiative: Do the right thing when you see it. Don’t wait for someone to tell you to do something.
- Clean up your workstation or organize supplies and tools. Proactivity will speak well for you.
- Stay calm positive attitude even when the going gets stressful
Location filming gets pretty intense. Keeping one’s cool under fire and not having anxiety attacks about how fast everything has to get done will earn you respect. Become a patient, flexible, and open person in order to work on anything
8. Long Term Perspective
Although this is a minor role, the people you are dealing with and the experiences you have all pay off in the long run. Many veterans in the business started out as a runner or PA before working their way up to more meaningful roles.
Many, if not most, runners or PAs eventually find themselves working in other departments, but after gaining some basic experience. The following are a few examples:
AD
oversees scheduling shoot and keeps the smooth machine going
Camera Assistant
The first step to becoming a cinematographer is often associated with working as a camera assistant.
Production Coordinator
Assists in coordinating logistics and communication between all departments.
Screenwriting or Directing
If you’d ever like to work behind the camera one day, be sure to carve out time during the shoot of a film to learn about these careers.
9. Conclusion
Although getting coffee might not be the most glamorous task, it certainly is a real entry point for anyone looking for entry into film work. In being at the entry level, roles as a PA or runner give you front-row seats to the filmmaking process, opportunities for networking and a chance to build your reputation as a hardworking professional.
That’s a very good thing about this seemingly minor role because it could end up being the first step to an amazing career in the film industry, if one is optimistic enough. So dig out that notebook, dust off your résumé, and start scouring those want ads because, hey, filling even those little kids’ coffee orders could be the first step on the ladder to stardom!
