If you’re dreaming of a career in the British film industry, but you don’t know where to start, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a career-changer, or simply film-obsessed, breaking into this competitive world can feel daunting. The good news? There are more ways into film work than you may think – especially if you know what jobs are actually out there.
From hands-on roles with an on-set film crew to vital behind-the-scenes positions in pre- and post-production, the UK film industry thrives thanks to thousands of skilled professionals. Below, we list some of the best entry-level film jobs that can get your foot in the door.
1. Runner
Best for: all-rounders who want on-set experience
ScreenSkills describes a runner as “the hands and feet of the production team,” and it is one of the most common entry-level jobs in film and television. Runners support a production by doing everything from booking talent and distributing call sheets to making tea and coffee. It’s fast-paced and varied, and it exposes you to multiple departments, which is ideal if you’re still figuring out your path. “A runner is a typical entry-level route into the industry and can be a great way to gain exposure to a professional TV environment, experience with industry norms and etiquette, and access to people who can give you advice on the next stage of your career,” according to ITV.
2. Camera trainee
Best for: aspiring cinematographers
Camera trainees support the camera department by prepping equipment, managing batteries, slating shots, and keeping lenses clean. It’s a competitive but rewarding job that offers hands-on training from experienced professionals. “They help prepare the kit at the beginning of the job and may be involved with camera and lens tests,” according to ScreenSkills. “They might mark actors’ positions during rehearsals and keep records, camera logs, and other paperwork ready for the edit.”
“Some of the most important skills you develop as a trainee are vigilance, intuition, communication, creative problem-solving, keeping track of lots of pieces of equipment, and thinking ahead to resolve issues before they take place,” says Ant Belle, a camera trainee on Top Boy.
3. Locations assistant
Best for: people who love logistics and problem-solving
Locations assistant Chris Cameron describes his role as “taking care of the day-to-day running of the unit and the actual management of the location.” In short, he’s part of the team that finds and looks after filming locations. That may involve scouting, securing permissions, liaising with councils, and ensuring the crew has everything it needs on-site. As an entry-level locations assistant, you’ll help with admin, crowd control, and setup. Expect long days, but plenty of variety. Being able to drive is often essential for this role.
4. Art department assistant
Best for: arty people who want to work on set
Visual artists, this is the ideal entry-level film role for you. Being an art department assistant means helping with set decoration, finding props, and creating a visual world. You may paint, source materials, or help dress a scene. “The assistant is the primary rung on the ladder of the Art Department, and a well-trodden path for many,” according to the website My First Job in Film.
“While a college degree is not always required to become an art assistant, many individuals in this role hold a degree in art, design, film studies, or a related field,” according to Saturation. “Relevant experience and a strong portfolio can be equally important in securing a position.”
5. Costume assistant
Best for: fashion graduates and those with sewing capabilities
Costume assistants help prepare and look after the wardrobe on set. You may label outfits, assist with fittings, or handle last-minute repairs between takes. It’s a practical job that requires a sharp eye and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
You don’t necessarily need to have trained in fashion to get a costume assistant job on set, but it will certainly help. “It really helps to have a costume or fashion degree,” costume designer Lisa Duncan told the BBC. “It’s important to study the history of costume and to learn how to sew.” Mainly, it is essential to have an eye for fashion, good styling technique, and skills in dressmaking or tailoring.
6. Assistant editor
Best for: people with editing experience
Editing experience is pretty much a must to bag a job as an assistant editor, but “the most essential skill for an assistant editor is strong organisation – both of time and digital assets,” according to Careers in Film. But if you know your way around editing software like Avid or Premiere Pro, junior roles in post-production houses could offer you vital next-step training. You might organise footage, sync sound, and support the lead editor on making big decisions.
7. Casting assistant
Best for: people-watchers with a good memory for faces
Casting is a crucial part of the film industry, and entry-level casting assistants are essential cogs in the machine. Day to day, they help sort self-tapes, schedule auditions, and liaise with agents. A key skill is knowing the wider face of the industry too. Casting assistants may spend their time watching films and going to the theatre or even drama school showcases to locate the best actors out there. “Basically, a casting person’s job is to assess who someone is at their core and elicit answers from them,” casting director Jeffrey Marx told Careers in Film.
“They read the script and help the casting director draw up a list of possible actors for the main role,” according to ScreenSkills. “The casting assistant will call agents to check actors’ availability. They help out with screen tests, operating the camera, and offering general support in casting sessions.”
8. Trainee script supervisor
Best for: people with a love of story structure
Working under the script supervisor, a trainee script supervisor may help track continuity, time scenes, and ensure that the script is being followed word for word. “It’s the job of the script supervisor to check that each filmed scene can be edited so it will make sense in the end,” according to ScreenSkills.
During filming, script supervisors make detailed notes on every take, record any deviations from the script, and communicate changes to relevant departments such as costume, camera, and hair and makeup. As a trainee, you’ll likely support the process by checking that lines are delivered correctly, updating script changes in real time, and logging information that will later guide the edit. “A lot of our job entails giving notes and letting certain departments know if something has changed on set,” says script supervisor Millie Hayward, who runs a blog on the skills of script supervision.
When applying for roles in film and TV, remember to tailor your CV to each job you’re applying for. On the job, be polite, reliable, and ready to get involved. There’s no single route into film work, and everyone’s journey will be slightly different, but one of these jobs may well set you on the path to success.