How to start your career in post-production

How to start your career in post-production

Post-production is a rewarding and exciting career for individuals who are technologically savvy and have a knack for storytelling. You’ll spend your time bringing the ideas of directors and producers to life through careful editing, the application of sound effects and music, and ensuring smooth transitions between scenes. However, before a production company lets you start working on their films and programs, you’ll need to acquire a range of skills and experience that evidence your capabilities and knowledge of post-production.

Your career goals

Before applying for job roles or internships, you need to think about which specific role you want to pursue in post-production. Are you interested in adding sound to films? Being a sound editor might be the role for you. Or are you more focussed on how films are created? If so, you could think about becoming an editor to ensure film shots are put together in a succinct way. Whatever you’re interested in, do some research into the role to get an idea of the skills you’ll need to gain.

You’ll also need to ensure you create a CV and a good portfolio, one that really showcases your education, skills and your passion for a career in post-production. Worried about getting started? Trebas Institute’s student services department can offer you access to our Job and Internship Advisor who will provide you with the right tools for success! This is a free lifetime service.

Trebas Institute also organizes an annual job fair which allows students and employers to meet and is a great opportunity to hear from industry professionals. You can also learn more about the roles available to you once you graduate.

Work experience and networking

A big part of working in post-production is having the right experience and a good network. As such, use holidays and any free time that you have to pursue work experience. Apply to production companies in your local area and offer to intern for the summer. This will not only get your name out there but will also give you something to add to your CV. You’ll be pleased to discover that the faculty at Trebas Institute can provide you with employment and internship opportunities.

You should also attend as many free events as you can. Go to launches and networking events where you’ll meet people who work in the industry; speak to them about their jobs and take an interest in what they’re working on. When you apply to work at their companies, they might remember you! You’re also not limited to attending events in the country or city you live in. Conduct some research to find a range of online events and webinars that can provide you with guidance on breaking into the post-production industry and allow you to hear from experienced professionals.

Creating a portfolio

Worked on something your particularly proud of? Make sure that the companies you apply to know about it by creating an online portfolio or website. There are lots of websites out there that you can use to showcase your work.

Before creating your portfolio, have a browse of how other people have set theirs up. What websites are they using? How much detail are they giving about a project they’ve worked on? What stands out to you? Consider all of these questions before you get started and plan how you’re going to create a portfolio that grabs the attention of a prospective employer.

Starting out

Once you’ve graduated from a program in post-production, you’ll be starting to think about landing your first job. Roles can include Foley artist, music editor, edit assistant and post-production producer. Whichever role you chose to go into, be sure to take every opportunity offered to you. Show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. By having a good attitude, you’ll get to where you want in no time!

Trebas Institute offers the Audio and Video Post-Production program (24 months) as well as the Film & Television Production and Post-Production program (12 months), both of which are targeted at ambitious students looking to work in the post-production industry. On both programs, students will have the opportunity to use industry-standard equipment and software to prepare them for successful careers in post-production. To find out more about Trebas Institute and why so many students choose to study with us, click here.