The constant interview
Advocating for yourself in the film industry.
Let’s be honest, interviews are scary. No matter the position, the company, or the experience, everyone gets nervous for an interview…everyone. There’s anticipation, what to wear, butterflies in your stomach, and questions to be prepared. For me, even submitting a job application can bring on this type of anxiety. I re-read the job posting, picking over the qualifications as if I am looking for a reason not to apply. The posting stays open on my browser for days (maybe weeks) before I take the plunge to review my resume for the 20th time and press submit.
After years of auditions and applying for jobs (some I wanted, some I didn’t), I have come to the conclusion that interviewing will never be easy. But I’ve also decided that is okay. I’ve been thinking recently, maybe there is a power hidden in our nerves. Hard things feel a lot easier when we lean into the process and accept the uncertainty.
The key might be to harness this natural nervous energy we already have, it builds up just waiting to be used! Our bodies are constantly supporting us, holding us up both literally and figuratively. The butterflies, sweat, and shakes, from another perspective, could be there to help us. In this state, we become alert, quick thinking, and ready to move forward. Although it might feel like this is our body telling us to slow down we really are building up the energy to move with confidence, we just have to grab onto it.
One thing I have learned about advocating for myself is that honesty is important, especially when it is matched with openness. There is no need to expand the truth about your abilities or experience. Explain what you know and don’t apologize for it. Talk about what you want to learn, and be specific about the things you want to learn from this project/position/person. We all start from somewhere, all we can do is work hard to absorb, learn, and grow.
Writing about this now makes me think of many meetings I have had in the past. One in particular, I met with the CEO of a production company in Chicago that I was hoping to build a relationship with. We were chatting for a while about how he built the company and the projects they were working on. This wasn’t an interview but naturally, he was asking about my experience. It was an easy conversation, and truthfully I was having a lot of fun. Then he asked me what the biggest budget film I had worked on was. Immediately my brain started racing, trying to prepare the best answer, searching for a way to make myself seem prepared and hireable. Nervously I eyed the whiteboard behind him where multiple upcoming projects were listed, each with a 6 million budget minimum. I can’t tell you now why I deceided to be completely honest in that moment but I just thought, why don’t we put it out there and talk about it? I told him I had worked on 1 million dollar movies up until that point. I explained I was aware of my unique position as a young Line Producer at this level of filmmaking and that I understood in order to advance to bigger projects my positions might have to be different. That I am willing and excited to expand my skills and learn, in whatever form that comes.
He didn’t bat an eye, and showed no signs of disappointment or concern. Instead, we dived more into what I wanted to learn, discussing how I want my career to progress and the areas of film I am interested in. In the end, he learned a lot more about me than I had anticipated. We left with a great understanding of each other and the foundation for a friendship.
In a world of freelance, and a world of film, you will constantly be advocating for yourself. Opportunities will change daily and new relationships will form out of the blue. It is vital that you are honest with yourself, about your capabilities, your boundaries, and your goals. Check in with yourself to get these answers and then don’t be afraid to share them with new collaborators and future employers. Advocating for yourself means talking openly about what you have done and what you plan to do. Even if you don’t get that job, they might think of you for the next project!
It is easy to get lost in a world of choices, with countless paths stretched in front of you, all shooting in different directions. Know your skills and how you can apply them. Also, stay creative! The qualifications for a job might be written one way, so think, you probably have the same skills you might have just used them in different ways.
There will be times you get stuck or feel lost. When the next job isn’t lined up or you aren’t exactly where you wanted to be. Take this time to check in with yourself, set goals, and make lists of things you want to learn or work on your website. This is also a great time to expand your community. Schedule random meetings with studios, companies in your area, and potential collaborators. Ask questions and get your name out there. They will remember it!
Long story short being freelance takes confidence, and working in the film industry takes bravery. In this industry, you will have to talk about yourself a lot, and it’s okay if that takes time to get used to. When you don’t feel confident, harness the jitters as energy. Lead with honesty and the willingness to learn. Apply to jobs you don’t feel qualified for, send the Linkedin message you think will get ignored, and email your resume even if it might not get seen. The more you practice the easier it will get.
And remember you got this.
Talk soon,
Katelyn