Jump to a section:
- Roles and Work Environment
- Skills and Training
- Industry Timeline
- Find Opportunities
- Applying and Interviewing
- Additional Industry Resources
Roles and Work Environment
Entertainment companies include everything from film, radio, sports, and television to (now) tech companies that provide entertainment content on demand. In general, the roles in this industry include creative and production roles. Like any business, though, there are also those who work behind the scenes, such as talent agents, marketing managers, entertainment lawyers, and distribution workers.
Examples of Entertainment Jobs:
- Actors
- Broadcast Engineers
- Camera Operators
- Comedians
- Digital Agents
- Film and Television Producers
- Music Producers
Below are some additional resources to find opportunities:
- Animation World Network
- Audio Engineering Society
- Backstage
- Hollywood Reporter
- ProBlogger
- Production Hub
- Variety Job Board
- VelvetJobs
- Work in Entertainment
Skills and Training
- Computer
- Digital Media
- Drawing and Design
- Information Management
- Music and Acting
- Organizational
- Performance
- Public Speaking
- Technical
- Writing
Industry Timeline
The recruitment timeline in this industry is based on position vacancy. The following example highlights a sample recruiting timeline for the entertainment field.
Red Light Management is one of the largest independent music management companies in the world, which was founded in 1991 in Charlottesville. Its current artists including Dave Mathews Band, Dierks Bentley, ODESZA, Bastille and many uniquely talented artists from all genres. Its spring internship (January – May) application usually opens from September to October. Its summer internship application (May-August) starts in the middle of February and ends in early March. Its fall internship (August – December) starts at the end of June and ends in the middle of July.
Walt Disney Animation Studios is a filmmaker-driven animation studio responsible for creating some of the most beloved films ever made. Walt Disney Animation Studios offers two internship programs: the talent development program for college graduates, and the art and production associate program for current college students. Positions are available in the story, visual development, modeling, animation, layout, texture or background painting, effects animation, lighting and compositing, technical (character, hair/cloth, look, effects or pipeline), production management, and post-production. Although most work will be limited to one area of Walt Disney Studios, a variety of assignments may be expected, depending on skills and placement.
Find Opportunities
On-Grounds
- Dance Committee
- Open Grounds
- The Pioneer
- The Virginia Players
- UVA Drama Production Workshop Calendar
- WTJU
Off-Grounds
- EntertainmentCareers.net—Jobs and internships
- Showbizjobs.com
- TVJobs.com
Applying and Interviewing
Resumes and Cover Letters
Your professional resume should address skills needed in your desired field and special accomplishments or results-oriented tasks you performed in previous work. Depending on the specific job function you hope to fulfil, those skills might include:
- Critical Thinking
- Creativity
- Leadership
- Broad Content Knowledge
- Ability to Improve with Feedback
- Savvy with Technology
(SNAAPShot 2013)
When it comes to choosing a format, some arts or media organizations may be more tolerant of design-heavy resumes that use color, graphics, or otherwise veer from the traditional one-page resume. Keep in mind that, regardless of the field, hiring managers are more interested in quality content (what have you done?) than visual appeal. In fact, some employers view non-traditional resumes as a tool for masking a lack of experience. Don't let this be you! Use work samples and your online portfolio to show your design skills so you can keep your resume content-focused.
Actor/Performer Resume
If you are pursuing a career where you’ll need to market yourself to talent agents and/or for casting calls, you need a professional headshot and an acting resume that includes different information than an employment resume document. Union affiliation, personal details, and a list of major roles should still fit on one clean, organized page, if possible.
Interviewing
Many of these companies are moving to using screening tools instead of conducting first-round phone interviews. This means that you may be asked to complete a short video interview to submit after your resume is received. Some video interview systems allow you two chances to record and submit your answer, whereas others only give you one chance.
Additional Industry Resources
Blogs and Industry Research
- Media-Match Film and TV Job Descriptions
- How to Become a Production Assistant
- https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/how-become-production-assistant/
- Dancers and Choreographers Job Descriptions
- Theatre Communications Group (TCG)—Grant postings
- YAP Tracker—competitions, auditions, and mainstage opportunities
- The Wrap
- Variety