Journal logo

Different Careers in the Film Industry

Joseph McInerney | Chicago, IL

By Joseph McInerneyPublished 4 years ago 3 min read
Different Careers in the Film Industry
Photo by Kushagra Kevat on Unsplash

One of the industries that attract and create substantial employment opportunities is the film industry. This industry involves a lot of creativity and has opportunities for a variety of interests. The film industry offers both front camera opportunities and behind-the-camera ones. As there are different departments in the film industry, there are other roles the industry provides in its various departments. Some of the careers in the film industry include the following.

Performance and Acting

Performance and acting is one field in the filming industry that attracts the most talented individuals in the industry. Being in from of the camera is a calling for some, but there are many different avenues to being on camera. The performance and acting department offer the following front cameras and behind-the-scenes careers.

Main cast members

This career opportunity involves actors who portray and assume different characters and roles in the film. Suppose one chooses to pursue the main cast member as their career opportunity. In that case, they will be involved in memorizing several scripts, adopting various character traits, and, most importantly, developing a strong emotional and mental character to execute the roles appropriately assigned.

Background cast members

It is the non-speaking part of the filmmaking team, but they are critical in making the overall film come out strong from the production. Sometimes these roles get referred to as extras. This can be one of the easier roles to land in the industry and can be a great way to get your foot in the door to work up to being a main cast member.

Body doubles

These roles require the actors playing this role to assume the role and position of the main actors, and they will portray and assume stunts and scenes of the main character. The scenes get usually produced with the scene blocking with the director and camera crew.

Stunt coordinator roles

The main role for this position is to manage the film stunt actors, choreograph and train actors, to perform stunts according to the film at play. This role requires a lot of training due to safety measures.

Production Department

Behind the scenes is where a lot of the movie magic happens. The production department also offers a wide variety of job opportunities, and the following are some of the career paths one can choose to follow in the production department.

Film directors

These are the essential part of the film production team as they offer leadership in the entire production. Film directors usually instruct, coordinate, and collaborate various scenes in conjunction with other directors in camera operations and cinematographers in the film shooting process.

The first assistant director

This role requires one to work in collaboration with the film director inefficient film production. The first assistant director also manages the schedules for the actors, equipment, and crews in the shooting process.

Producer

Film production will often have more than one producer and can also have different types. While audiences have probably seen these titles whenever they watch a movie, not what a producer actual does or the different types. In the film industry, a producer runs the development, planning, execution, and marketing of a feature film. There are executive producers, associate producers, co-producers, line producers, and more.

Production Assistant

A production assistant, also known as a PA, is an essential member of the team when making a film. They often have a variety of general tasks that production supervisors or team leaders need. This can range from setting up table reads, putting together rest areas, or running numerous errands. Their biggest responsibility is ensuring that everyone on set is in communication.

career

About the Creator

Joseph McInerney

Based in Chicago, Illinois, Joseph “Joe” McInerney is a busy and talented entrepreneur who has a long career branching out into many different industries. He has been the CEO of Banner Capital, a global advisory and management services firm

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.