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5 Film Resume Examples to Steal the Show in 2024

Film Resume

Film Resumes by Experience
Film Resumes by Role
Write Your Film Resume

Oh, there’s so much that goes into an excellent film production—and you know all about it! Whether you operate the camera and help out with other tech, handle post-production, or work as a director, you help bring entertainment to people all over the world.

But you might feel a bit uncertain whether you should use a cover letter generator or what goes into a good film resume. What resume template is best, what kinds of skills should you list, and what qualifications are most valuable in your field?

Hey, we’ve been helping people in the film industry for years! Just take a look at our five film resume examples to get some inspiration.

or download as PDF

Film resume example with 9 years experience

Why this resume works

Let your film resume do the heavy lifting by detailing your project numbers in global reception and income from the post-production phase.

Film Student Resume

State how you used filmmaking tools like ARRI Alexa Mini to film events/seminars. While writing the career objective of your film student resume, ensure that you add the project experience with the most relevant bullet points and introduce any technique that you’ve mastered over the years such as color grading.

Film Director Resume

The best way to do so is to spread your film director resume with quantifiable metrics. Don’t stick to one role. Ensure that each of your previous roles has impactful metrics that no production company can afford to lose out on.

Filmmaker Resume

How do you do that? Include in your filmmaker resume your work’s performance at the box office, such as consistently increasing film revenue by 33% in two years.

Film Production Resume

For instance, let your film production resume highlight the 34% increase in viewer engagement realized in one of your projects.

Related resume examples

Production Assistant
Video Editor
Photographer

Tailor Your Film Resume to Each Job Description

Job seeker stands with hands in air, questioning how to fill out job materials

The most effective way to show recruiters what you can do that qualifies you for their open position is to really pay attention to the job description . You’ll want to tailor your resume to each job you apply for, based on their unique requirements.

Keep an eye out for skills and specialties mentioned in the job description that you already have, and focus on those. Where does what you have to offer align with what the company wants?

And remember: In the film industry, your balance of hard vs. soft skills will vary with your role. While everyone in film must work well in a team, see whether the job description focuses more on the technical or interpersonal parts of the job.

Need some ideas for your skills section?

15 popular film skills

Adobe After Effects
StudioBinder
LocationsHub
Ableton Live
Final Cut Pro X
GoPro Hero8 Black
Storyboard Pro
Final Draft
Production Planning
Sound Design
Cinematography

Your film work experience bullet points

Now, even though we strongly emphasize referencing the job description when writing your film resume, ensure that your final product is far more than simply a repetition of what you read. Instead of tossing back exact job duties, focus on your production accomplishments.

Make sure you substantiate your achievements with metrics, too! Use quantifiable data like productivity improvement and satisfaction percentages, viewer ratings, and budget savings to back up your positive impact.

Active verbs and language also make each of your experience points more compelling. Show your enthusiasm for the position by focusing on active language, highlighting what you accomplished.

Dollar amounts show off your efficiency.
Final film ratings indicate your hard work paying off.
Crew satisfaction percentages or reduced turnover rates can attest to your teamwork.
Labor hours saved also demonstrate your efficient mindset.

See what we mean?

Collaborated with film production team on Vimeo to deliver high-quality content and ensured 78% of projects exceeded critical deadlines
Demonstrated exceptional editing skills, resulting in a 31% reduction in revisions and reworks from clients and an average decrease of 12 production labor hours per week
Completed seven independent film projects with a combined budget of $1.1M and achieved and average ROI of 211%
Directed “Sick Town” film, which received a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes

9 active verbs to start your film work experience bullet points

Revolutionized
Demonstrated
Collaborated

3 Tips for Writing a Film Resume Without Much Experience

The best starting point if you don’t have much experience in film yet is to look for skills from other jobs that transfer to film, like software knowledge or project leadership. Speaking of projects: If you completed any that relate to film, you can include them, too.
A resume objective statement is perfect for concisely laying out why you want this job, how you qualify for it, and what makes you a uniquely good hire. Just ensure you keep everything fresh—don’t repeat the same points later in your resume!
If you have pastimes that boost your ability to work in the film industry, such as solo video editing or sound mixing, they can fill some space on your film resume with valuable context for your career goals.

3 Tips for Writing a Film Resume if You Have Some Experience Already

If you already have plenty of experience to work with, start getting selective. Make sure your resume is filled with only your greatest accomplishments in film. (Oh, and those will depend on what the job description calls for!)
If you’ve had multiple jobs in the film industry in the past, there’s no need to go back and dig up unrelated jobs for your experience section. Stick with professional roles that connect with filmmaking or production!
When you’re experienced within your field, a summary will fit your film resume better than an objective statement. The summary gives you the opportunity to provide a fresh overview of what qualifies you for this particular job role.

Revisit the job description ! Look for keywords like “Storyboard Pro” or “cinematography” and find ways to work them into your resume to demonstrate your alignment with the job. Not only will you get past the ATS, but your points will also be more effective.

Any of our three film resume templates will give you a solid foundation to work with, but ultimately, your final choice should be whichever one makes you say “That template makes my stuff look awesome!”. It’s all about shining a spotlight on your best points, after all!

Well, maybe not! Check your film resume for indicators of your versatility and credibility, and don’t worry about filling your one-page resume to the brim. If your experiences, education and contact info, and skills section are enough to make your resume page look polished, then you’re good!

Create the best version of your Film resume.

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Enhancv > Resume Examples > Film Resume

Film Resume Examples & Guide for 2022

Customize this resume with ease using our seamless online resume builder.

Example Film Resume - Browse more resume templates and build a stand-out resume

Here’s what you’ll learn in this short Film resume guide

What are the most important resume sections recruiters look for when reviewing your application;
What content to add in each section of your resume;
Film resume example from a job-seeker who got hired, which you can use as a base to build your own resume;
Additional tips and tricks on resume layout, formatting, and design;
Little known resume red-flags, you have to pay extra attention to.

How to write a Film resume

Top film resume sections that make the best layout.

Professional summary
Experience (with numbers and results)
Relevant skills
Certifications

There are three basic resume formats you can choose from:

Reverse-chronological resume format ;
Functional resume format ;
Hybrid (or Combination) resume format.

The most optimal format for your particular case will depend on your years of experience, as well as whether you’re switching industries or not.

Reverse chronological resumes are best suited for experienced individuals who are sticking to their industry. The experience section takes a central place, and its bullets contain your responsibilities and achievements, coupled with numbers and results.
Functional resumes are used by less experienced jobseekers or career changers. Note that it’s not a format that recruiters prefer, as most are used to the classic chronological alignment. Instead of a list of job titles, functional resumes focus on your skills, and through what experiences you gained them.
Hybrid resumes are great for both experienced and entry-level candidates, as well as career changers. They combine the best of both worlds - most often in a double column format, where one side of the content is focused on your experience, whereas the other - on your skills, strengths, and proudest moments.

hybrid (combination) resume format built on Enhancv platform

Here are more resume tips regarding your layout and style :

Clear and legible 12p resume font size;
Use 10’’ resume margins - that’s default for a great resume design;
Use a one-page template resume length if you’ve got less than 10 years of experience; otherwise, opt for a two-page resume ;
Save your resume as PDF before sending it to the recruiter.

To take it a step further, check out how your resume can stand out without leaning too much on the creative side.

Film Resume Header: Tips, Red Flags, and Best Practices

Resume header by Enhancv - image for resume example guides

Here’s what to include in your Film resume header:

Your name and surname in a legible and larger resume font
The job title you’re applying for or your current job title as a subheading to your name
Link to your portfolio or online profile, such as LinkedIn
Address (City and State for the US; just your city for rest of the world)
Email address
Headshot (required or welcomed in the EU; not required and sometimes frowned upon in the US)

Stick to popular email providers such as Gmail or Outlook. And use these professional formats to create your username:

[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Perfecting Your Resume Header so You Get Noticed
Are Photos On Your Resume Unprofessional? [Expert Advice]
How to Put LinkedIn On Your Resume
How to Write A Resume Headline
Contact Information on Resume
Should You Include An Address on Your Resume?

Film Resume Summary best practices

resume summary - Enhancv resume examples article image

Checklist: what to include in your Film resume summary:

Years of experience;
Highlight top 3 skills and proficiencies;
One big professional accomplishment you’re most proud of, that you can tie with the aforementioned skills;
Use short, direct sentences - but no more than three - to keep the HRs interested.
83 Resume Summary Examples & How-To Guide
10+ Resume Objective Examples & How To Guide
How To Write A Resume Personal Statement (With Examples)
How To Write An Effective Resume Profile (With Examples)

Best Practices for Film Resume Experience Section

resume experience best practices - image for Enhancv resume example guides

Job experience checklist - what to add to your Film resume:

Use 4-6 bullet points per job title;
Don’t go further than a decade behind when describing your job history, unless you’re applying for an executive position;
Combine job responsibilities as well as achievements with numbers in results when you describe your past work;
Start each sentence with a power verb and avoid overused buzzwords;
Use either C-A-R or S-T-A-R methodology, when describing your experience.
How to Describe Your Resume Work Experience
Resume Job Description: Samples & Tips To Help You Enhance Your Application
Resume Without Work Experience: 6+ Sections to Demonstrate Impact
Can I Leave a Job I Was Fired From Off My Resume?
Lying On A Resume: Here's What It Can Cost You

Film Resume Skills’ Tips & Tricks to Impress Recruiters

Top skills to add to your film resume.

Music Timing
Sound Forge
Communication

Resume Skills Section Checklist:

Ensure your hard skills section (including technologies) are exactly matching the job description.
Don’t simply list your soft skills. Apply the “show, don’t tell” principle - let your job achievements speak for themselves.
Find a way to showcase your skills beyond the skills section.
Your resume’s skill section is important to ATS systems - so don’t skip it.
How to Create A Resume Skills Section To Impress Recruiters

Listing Your Education, Certifications and Courses

Checklist for your resume education

Include your highest education degree;
List the duration you spent there, as well as the institution;
If you’re applying for an entry-level position, include additional details like relevant courses and projects;
Feature your certifications if they are necessary for the position - either as a separate section, or, in your resume headline.
Add the year your certificate was issued or renewed, if it’s in a subject area that requires regular updates.
Perfecting the Education Section on Your Resume
How To List Certifications On A Resume (Examples Included)
When You Should (And Not) Add Dean's List On Your Resume
How To Include Your Relevant Coursework On A Resume
How to List a Major & Minor on Your Resume (with Examples)
How to Put an MBA On Your Resume (With Examples)
Should I Put In An Incomplete Degree On A Resume?
Can You Put GPA On A Resume? And What's Wrong With GPA Anyway?
When Should You Include Your High School on Your Resume?

Film Cover Letter Tips

Nowadays, job application forms include questions like “why do you want to work here”, or “explain why you’re the best fit for us”, which makes you wonder: are cover letters really necessary?

In case the job description says you need to provide a cover letter, do include yours. Otherwise, you can always leave it out.

Still, they help you tell your story in a way that, if written right, it’s captivating and engaging.

In any case, you should pay close attention to the following tips when a cover letter is a must:

Make sure you go over a cover letter checklist , so you don’t forget what your cover letter should say ;
Match the cover letter design with your resume’s;
Address your cover letter properly;
Keep an eye on your cover letter length ;
Use an appropriate cover letter ending .

If you need more inspiration, check out our cover letter examples for different jobs.

Other sections to include in your resume

Depending on the type of company (corporation or start-up; innovative or traditional), job seniority level and your location, you may want to include more sections to your Film resume:

Language skills
Hobbies and interests
Volunteer work
Resume Awards
Publications

Film Resume: How to Make Yours More Creative & Stand Out

When you send your resume to a potential employer, chances are it's the fiftieth one they've seen that day. That's why you need to make your Film resume stand out for the right reasons. That means showing your personality, not just your professional experience. Employers are far more likely to remember a candidate who seems like a genuine person and not a robot. Do this by including your passions (which is also a great place to demonstrate skills on a resume), share your favorite books, or even what your usual day looks like.

What Makes a Great Film Resume: Key Takeaways

Choose a resume layout that sends the right message across and fits your current career situation;
Create a resume header that shows your desired job title, and easy to find contact numbers;
Be specific about your experience, accomplishments and future goals in your summary;
Feature detailed metrics and specific examples that show the impact you made in your previous roles when describing your experience;
List soft skills backed by examples;
Add all of your technical skills and certifications that you have and match the job description;
Show off a dash of personality in your resume that will demonstrate your culture fit and the right mix of hard and soft skills.

Looking to build your own Film resume?

See more creative resume guides

Learn from people’s resumes similar to your industry., check out more winning resume examples for inspirationg, browse resumes from people who’ve succeeded in their job hunt., how to build your resume, recommended reads from our blog on how to make a great resume..

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Home » Career Guides » How To Create A Film Resume [FREE Template]

How To Create A Film Resume [FREE Template]

Having a decent film resume can really improve your chances of finding work with both major studios and local film production companies .

Filmmakers will find a resume particularly useful if applying to jobs online. In addition, resumes can be forwarded to companies and placed on portfolio websites. By having a resume, you make it easier for people to hire you.

Below you can find a free film resume template download. Feel free to edit and personalize this template for your individual use.

Why Make a Film Resume?

Some people wrongly believe that they don’t need a resume to apply for film jobs . Since they hear that film work mainly comes from recommendations. While this may be true for experienced filmmakers who have a pool of industry contacts , beginners don’t have this luxury.

The easiest way for beginner filmmakers to find work is through online job applications. When you apply for a job online, you are required to attach a resume alongside a cover letter. Additionally, even if you get recommended for a job, the producer may still ask to see a resume.

In other words, a film resume is another way to show off your skills and convince people to hire you. So, whatever your film industry job role, consider making a resume to find more work. This next section looks at how to structure your resume if you are a beginner with no previous experience.

If you are a student or brand new filmmaker, you will have little to no experience. But you can still make a film production resume by following the same format listed below. However, your information might be slightly different in each section.

For example, instead of work credits, you can make a section called ‘student work’ and list your student projects. Or you could create a section called ‘previous work’ and list work you have done outside of the industry.

This is perfectly acceptable if you are applying for an entry-level position. But if you are looking for more creative work, firstly you need to prove that you can do the job. You can do this by making your own films or by working on low budgets.

Another tip is to consider how your previous work and skills can transfer over to your film job. Such as how admin work, can be transferred over to a production office position. The skills you learned in customer service can be helpful for runner job roles , as they both require interpersonal skills.

Basic Film Resume Structure

Firstly, your film resume needs only be one page long. This will be easy if you are just starting out. If you have a lot of experience list only your best and most relevant credits. You can also personalize your resume with font style, bold text, or italics.

2. Your Name and Job Title

At the top of your film resume should be your name and job title. This makes sense as it is the first thing people will read, and the first thing a hiring producer would like to know (who are you and what job you want).

Most Importantly your job title should be the same as the job title you are applying for.

This might sound obvious but a lot of filmmakers don’t do this. For example, if you are applying for a job as an editor, label your job title as editor. Do not make the mistake of listing many job titles or not focusing your job role. Some filmmakers make the mistake of writing the generic title ‘filmmaker’ at the top of their film resume. Make sure to pick a specific film crew job role when applying for film and TV crew work.

Keep in mind that on professional film sets only one person is hired per job role.

Next comes your contact details. Make sure to include your email address and mobile number. If you have a visual job role also include a link to a showreel or portfolio. If you have a nonvisual job role (e.g production assistant, camera assistant) then there is no need to include a showreel link.

3. The Middle

After your job title and contact details come your personal brief.

This is simply a few sentences explaining who you are and what can bring to the production. This should not take up a lot of space on your film resume. Use this section to talk about your previous experience to convince someone that you can do the job. Here is an example of a short personal brief:

‘I am a Camera Operator based in London. I have extensive experience working on music videos for numerous record labels. I am hoping to progress into more narrative and creative based work’

4. Your Film Credits

The majority of your film resume will be filled by your work credits. List your credits neatly down your resume including details on the – name of the project, your job role, the name of the director, producer, or name of your department’s HOD, and the year you worked on it.

You can also include details on anything impressive. Such as, mentioning that you worked for a well-known production company or if you worked with anyone famous. I mention the names of famous actors who I have worked with on my filmmaker resume – this shows that you were previously trusted to work with professionals (it’s OK to show off on your resume).

If you have too many credits List these under the section title ‘selected credits’. Students can list their work under the title ‘student films’ and you can list day jobs under ‘work experience’.

If you have no film experience consider how the skills you do have from previous day jobs could be transferred over to a film job (for example, the skills from a previous admin job could transfer well over to office PA work).

If you have no experience at all then find some experience on low-budget films. Low-budget work can still be placed on your film resume. Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to escape some low paid work in the film industry. Just a few credits on your resume can make a big difference.

5. The Bottom

Lastly, list your education and skills. For education, list any higher education (university level plus) or film related workshops. It’s ok to mention any degrees or masters you have outside of the film industry.

For skills consider what skills someone in your job role would need. Our job roles section is a great place to find film job profiles and what skills are needed for each role. For example, for a production assistant having a car and driving license is a valuable skill to mention. For a 1 st AD having first aid training and good interpersonal skills is desirable.

6. What To Do With Your Film Resume

When you apply to jobs online you will always need to apply with your film resume attached (ideally in PDF or Word format). You can also upload your filmmaker resume directly to film crew directories to increase your chances of finding work.

You can also put your resume up on your own personal website or via a link on social media. Keep your resume updated, when you gain more experience remove credits and replace them with better ones. Ideally, your resume should always be one page long.

FREE Film Resume Template

Also, check out our library of other free production templates

Experienced Crew

In time, you might find that you have too many work credits. If this is the case, start to remove all unnecessary work and experience. This includes day jobs, low-budget work, and credits that are not within your particular job role/department.

If you still have too many credits, you can create a title ‘selected credits’. Try to include only your best and most-impressive credits on your film resume.

Wrapping Up

In short, your film resume is the first step to getting your name out there and applying for work. Until the world knows your name, and you have industry contacts, make it easier for people to hire you.

It can take some time to gain credits but be patient and keep applying. Good luck with the job hunt!

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Film Resume: Create One That Stands Out

HR employee looking at film resume on her laptop as she interviews potential hire

Author: Eva Contis

Last updated: Oct 23, 2022

Eva Contis is a New Orleans-based filmmaker and a Commercial Director at WAFilms with over 13 years of industry experience. She studied editing at California State University Northridge. Before long she became an Assistant Editor, then a Post-production Supervisor. She has edited narrative features, true crime and documentaries before she dove into directing. FULL BIO

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