While there are some roles that offer a conventional full-time schedule with defined working hours, such as working in a production company, animation or VFX studio, this is usually not the case for most roles in the creative screen industry.
Freelancing is particularly common due to the project-based nature of the productions, where certain roles are required for defined periods of time.
This means that you will be working on a production for a number of weeks or months, and then move on to find work on the next production and so on. You will negotiate and agree on a contract with your employer (usually a production company) and be responsible for filing your own tax returns. There is also a social element to working in the creative screen industry where networking is key to building your contacts that may lead to your next job opportunity.
While this may sound daunting at first, freelancing can be rewarding for those looking for greater flexibility, variety and control in their career. You have the flexibility to choose when and what kind of projects you want to work on. You can move between projects quite frequently and gain exposure to different types of productions. You also have greater control over how you manage your career path and development. For example, you can opt to take some time off work to concentrate on other pursuits.
To learn more about freelancing, please visit: freelancersguide.ie
There is no single centralised recruitment site for the screen industry as there are many career pathways depending on the area you are interested in.
Some routes into employment are below:
Production Companies
If you are interested in live-action film and TV, you should be proactive in reaching out to production companies to enquire about any upcoming vacancies. Email your CV directly to production companies even if they are not advertising positions. Even work experience in retail, hospitality or any experience of working with customers is relevant as a new entrant. Having a driver’s license (and your own car if possible) will also be an advantage.
For a list of production companies, please visit: screenproducersireland.com/directory
College – Work Placements
When you are researching your college options, it is a good idea to ask whether the course provides work placement opportunities on a production or in a studio as part of the course. This initial work experience will be invaluable in your CV when applying for future job opportunities. College lecturers/tutors also often have experience in the screen industry. They might know of upcoming opportunities in their area.
Passport to Production (P2P) is a flagship programme developed by Screen Ireland and accredited by TU Dublin is designed to prepare new entrants to work in film and television productions. This multi-day introductory programme and work placement opportunity gives a broad overview of all the departments and equips new entrants with the knowledge and essential skills to work on set.
To learn more about the next Passport to Production course, please visit: screenireland.ie/skills-opportunities
Animation, VFX & Games Graduate Traineeship
This 3-month long traineeship programme is aimed at animation, games and VFX course graduates. Participants receive tailored training from Screen Ireland and Animation Skillnet before embarking on a studio placement where they receive on-the-job training. This programme, which has been running since 2016, has a great track record with over 90% of participants going on to gain further work in the industry either with their host studio or with another studio.
To learn more about the next Animation, VFX & Games Graduate Traineeship, please visit: screenireland.ie/skills-opportunities
Irish Film and Television Network Jobs Board
The Irish Film and Television Network (IFTN) is a company that provides news and a directory service of information related to the Irish screen industry. Production companies frequently update entry level vacancies on the IFTN jobs board.
To find out more, please visit: iftn.ie/jobs
TV Broadcasters
From time to time, broadcasters such as RTÉ, TG4 and Virgin Media will advertise entry level trainee or runner positions publicly on their career pages.
Screen Crew & Services Database
The Screen Crew & Services Database, the industry directory for the Irish creative screen sector is now accepting registrations from screen professionals, production companies, screen service providers and facilities. Register your profile on the database and to learn more about the latest crew calls and all upcoming productions filming.
Learn more about the Screen Crew & Services Database
