Working in film

Contributed by Kali Bateman

I graduated a degree in Contemporary Arts with Honours in Arts in 2007. Since studying at Deakin I've freelanced as a video editor, DVD designer and music video producer. This work has come about through networking. I have a part time job at the Corner Hotel, one of Melbourne's premier music venues, which has been a really great place to meet creative people to collaborate with. Also, as a freelancer, it is important to have a 'normal job' for a reliable source of income, otherwise the time between projects can be a little stressful!

I also work a few hours a week at Deakin University as a tutor for first year video students, and as a demonstrator for second year film students. This came about through direct referral from a lecturer that I had for many of my undergraduate subjects. This position allows me to keep practicing the fundamentals of the craft, and meeting the next generation of film makers can't help but inspire me!

I've done a little bit of work in the music industry along the way, some voluntary, some paid, which came about through volunteering. My advice to students setting out their careers is to volunteer to get experience, build skills, and gain an insight into the industry. There are so many niche roles on set that you may not know you've got a talent for something until you've tried it. I was lucky enough to go on exchange during my undergraduate degree and did a lot of volunteer work in America. If you get the chance to, do some of your volunteering overseas to broaden your understanding of the global industry.

But most importantly, the film industry is not structured around stable full time jobs - you'll be contracting and freelancing on short projects, and it can be overwhelming. While you’re establishing your reputation the jobs may be few and far between, so try to get a part time job somewhere that can facilitate networking and to keep yourself grounded in reality. The creative industry is all about people, not just in terms of the contacts you seek to build with other filmmakers, but also about the audiences, who can be found everywhere. Every work place, whether it's in retail, hospitality, tourism, etc, will contribute to your career in the film industry.