Film Resume Examples & Writing Guides
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Film making work comprises a wide range of jobs, from story creation to screenwriting, shooting, sound recording, editing and screening, all of which involves the input of various experts such as producers, directors, production coordinators and camera operators. Whatever job goal you want to pursue in this field, we’ve got you covered with our expert tips and resume examples.
Table of Contents
Top film resume examples
More film resume examples
- Animator
- Casting Assistant
- Film Crew
- Producer
- Program Manager
- Stage Manager
- Video Editor
- Videographer
More film cover letter examples
More film CV examples
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How to build your resume for an film career
If you’re looking for an eye-catching, professional resume, use these tips and examples to shape your own resume, based on these popular career tracks in film.
Career track: Producer
Producers play a pivotal role in the filmmaking process, overseeing everything from story development to marketing and distribution. According to an Investopedia report, global annual box office for films is over $42 billion, which means that there are plenty of opportunities to catch on in this field.
Production Coordinator $47,000 Median salary
Resume Format
Functional Resume
As this is more of a junior-level job, use a functional format, which stresses your skills rather than your experience. Make sure you include intangible abilities that show you’re ready to learn fast, and hit the ground running.
Summary statement tip
Emphasize strengths that relate to the job description, such as the ability to manage budgets and maintain on-time production. Highlight any training or certifications you have.
Skills to feature
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to multitask
- Computer literacy skills
- Patience and tenacity
- Proactive and flexible approach to problem-solving
Get to the next level: Grab the opportunity to rise in your career by focusing on these areas in your resume:
- Examples where you’ve successfully worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Employing creative thinking to minimize costs.
- Finding ways to maintain a project’s artistic vision while following financial constraints
Get to the next level
Grab the opportunity to rise in your career by focusing on these areas in your resume:
- Examples where you’ve successfully worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Employing creative thinking to minimize costs.
- Finding ways to maintain a project’s artistic vision while following financial constrain
Associate Producer $54,931 Median Salary
Resume Format
Combination Resume
The combination format is a good choice if you are a mid-level candidate — you can feature a few years of related job experience and relevant skills.
Summary statement tip
Describe your top skills and achievements, using metrics that better define your contributions. For example: “Talented associate producer with 3+ years experience in editing over 100 podcasts and stage performance videos.”
Skills to feature
- Conflict resolution
- Excellent leadership skills
- Verbal and written communication
- Innovative and creative thinking
Get to the next level
- Show examples of your ability to consistently coordinate day-to-day production activities.
- Thorough understanding of business management, including tracking, analyzing, and reporting on project financial performance.
- Proficiency in developing schedules for production, editing and distribution.
Producer $58,698 Median Salary
Resume Format
Chronological Resume
For this experienced role, use a chronological format, which prioritizes your relevant experience and achievements.
Summary statement tip
In a few sentences, focus on depicting the positive impact you’ve made in previous positions, as well as a top skill that meshes with what the job requires. For example: “Experienced associate producer specializing in creating award-winning, top-notch podcasts and short-form videos.”
Skills to feature:
- Leadership skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to use your initiative
- Time management skills
Get to the next level
Move up your career ladder by emphasizing these skills and experiences in your resume:
- Examples of consistent and efficient film/video project deliveries on budget and schedule, based on proactive tracking and monitoring.
- Proven examples of maintaining schedules, managing deadlines and interfacing with clients.
- Examples of projects that met with financial and/or critical success.
Career track: Cinematography
Cinematography is pivotal for setting and supporting the overall look and mood of a film’s visual narrative, and those who work at the camera play a crucial role in creating that look. The need for camera operators is expected to grow a robust 11% by 2028.
Camera Assistant $50,903 Median Salary
Resume Format
Functional Resume
For this position, aim for a functional format that features the skills and abilities that you can bring to the job, as well as training and extracurricular activities that show you’re ready to handle production work.
Summary statement tip
Highlight your abilities based on skills from the job description, such as building a camera rig, or logging and maintaining media files. For example: “Enthusiastic camera assistant well-versed in building and operating camera rigs, and maintaining footage for short-form video projects.”
Skills to feature
- Practical and technical knowledge of cameras
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Multitasking ability
- Attention to detail and accuracy
Get to the next level
Emphasize these experiences and qualifications:
- Continue to develop camera skills through involvement in projects and through training, e.g., a camera operator certification.
- Add projects to your resume that display your ability to successfully carry out a cinematographer or director’s creative vision.
- Continue to develop overall knowledge and understanding of film production, including editing and post-production work.
Camera Operator $75,419 Median Salary
Resume Format
Combination Resume
This format fits job seekers looking at mid-level jobs, as it lets you elaborate on your most relevant qualifications while giving you space to provide details on relevant work history.
Summary statement tip
Present both your best skills and job experiences in a few sentences, employing data and figures to add value. For example: “Hard-working camera operator with experience filming 20+ independent film projects using HD and red cameras.”
Skills to feature
- Communications skills
- Studio lightning
- Knowledge of specific camera equipment and operation
- Preparing and breaking down camera set-ups
- Editing capabilities
Get to the next level
Continue to move up in your career by focusing on these areas in your resume:
- Continue to gain a thorough understanding of film/video production processes and software, including editing programs.
- Demonstrate examples of successful projects where you’ve collaborated productively with other crew members.
- Continue to gain advanced training and education in areas such as video, film or broadcasting.
Director of Photography$79,639 Median Salary
Resume Format
Chronological Resume
As this is a more senior position, make use of the chronological format to emphasize your work history and the career progression you’ve made. Be sure to highlight your ability to manage a team, adapt and ensure smooth day-to-day office operations.
Summary statement tip
Highlight some projects where you delivered superior work, and also note your best skills. For example: “Experienced director of photography adept at working with camera crews of up to 15 members on short- and long-form projects. Recognized at Eventown Film Festival with award for work on feature-length film.”
Skills to feature
- Digital photography
- Image manipulation
- Project management
- Collaborative and interpersonal skills
- Attention to detail
- Creative visual thinking
Get to the next level
Accelerate your career growth by adding the following to your resume:
- Continue to gain experience in different cameras, and a wide variety of film and video projects.
- Examples where you’ve successfully led camera crews, and collaborated successfully with directors.
- Any awards and recognitions you’ve received for your work.
Recommended film resume templates
Giving your resume a creative look by using these professional, modern resume templates.
Strong
This layout uses bold resume fonts and borders to organize sections, while the dual-column approach provides plenty of space to highlight your credentials.
Fresh
A colorful header immediately draws recruiters’ attention, and the arrangement of section headings in the left margin makes it easy to pinpoint content.
Artistic
The bold header and color treatment for the job applicant’s name provides a creative touch, while leaving plenty of room for details on work history and skills.
Film resume FAQ
How should you format your resume based on your career level?
Your resume format will be based on how much work experience you have. A functional format is a good option if you lack professional experience but can highlight important skills and abilities. Use the chronological format if you can feature an extensive work history that shows consistent achievement and progression, and the combination format if you want to place equal focus on skills and accomplishments.
What are the qualities and traits that employers look for in this industry, and what should you emphasize?
To achieve success in this industry, present a mix of technical (hard) and intangible (soft) skills. Hard skills include knowledge of cameras, film production processes and software, and financial and marketing skills. Important soft skills include time and team management, a creative approach, a strong work ethic and decision-making abilities, and superior written and verbal communication.
What other skills, certifications and training are useful for this job category?
In addition to a degree or on-the-job training in subjects such as film production, camerawork or editing, look into certifications in areas such as production software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), video production, production management or digital cinematography.