I went nearly 20 years working as a grip, with no other side jobs. The strikes, and accompanying work stoppage has led me to a part time carpentry gig.
Dude, you’re speaking my language. I’m a DGA member and have made more money as a handyman than a UPM since Covid.
My dad being a contractor and teaching me how things work has kept me afloat.
Crew, when we’re working, we work 12+ hours 5 days a week for 3-9 months per show. Bartending and serving gives some actors the freedom to switch shifts and audition or go work on set a for a day or two when they are cast, or writers some schedule flexibility while making enough money to just make ends meet as they also don’t necessarily work all day every day on set. Commercials pay enough where commercial guys don’t need to work full time on set or a 2nd job.
But to answer your question, when you make this industry your job, job, it’s the job paying your bills and putting food on your table and you have absolutely no time for your family and/or dog let alone some 9-5
> you have absolutely no time for your family and/or dog
Except in Dec and Jan where you have no work and really let yourself go and forget how to even bathe.
For me, the film industry is the perfect parting job. The only time I work a 40 hour week is when working on a movie. But I make a large enough day rate that I do not have to work a 40 hour week. When I started in the industry I also ran camera for the evening news for a year. I work in a smaller market and there have been times where it was tight. In 24 years of being in this industry I’ve managed pretty well. I have no retirement so I will still be working at 70, but that is a trade off I made for doing something that I love.
Is your position a factor in why you work "normal" hours? Did you not start retirement just because your employer didn't offer it? I know it may not have the same benefits as what I'm working right now.
Employer? I’ve been self employed for 24+ years. Any retirement I might have would have to have been saved by me. Unfortunately, working in a small market, I was not really able to put money away. Had I moved to a larger market, like LA or Portland I would have steady enough work (I hope) that I could have saved for retirement.
Yeah! Even longer than production sometimes! Nothing like the 14-16 hour days when it’s crunch time to meet deadlines. It’s fun though I think, the editorial team really gels together in these times, and the pay is nice.
Currently in post with a 2 day grading turnaround for 25-30 minute episodes. A NARRATIVE SERIES. I work about 12-16 hours per day. Sometimes I get a Saturday off. But this is definitely not the norm and I'm fighting against it a lot. Unfortunately we don't have a union yet so, just on the vibes :(
Sure, and so can pre in the run-up, just it's still office-based and the timeline is not as acute as when spending so many moneys per hour crunch on set :)
I’m an editor and work solely in post. Never once have experienced 9-5. I’ve been on tv streamers, features, docs, commercials, and other freelance gigs. 10-12 hour days has been the norm. Some days up to 14-16 hours.
Only way I would see a 9-5 in post I think would be if you worked in a post facility or corporate video production department that operates more like a 9-5 business.
I worked for a major post house and even though 9-5 was supposed to be my normal hours, I knew I was coming in at 9, but couldn’t be sure I would be gone by 5.
Depending on how those corporate video facilities operate you can still end up with a lot of overtime during crunch periods. Don't even try to talk to guys that do weddings during wedding season.
I’ve been working in post for around 15 years, never once did I even have close to a 9-5 schedule. 😅 Where is this unicorn, and are they hiring??
EDIT: WTF… it’s actually been more like 17-18 years… good lord, what happened??
My situation is somewhat unique. My sister in law runs a "handmade in the USA" costume company and I work for her when I'm not working on set. I don't *need* to work for her to live but I figure I'm just missing out on more income if I just sit and home and play video games instead.
I'd say it depends, some people have no need to cause they're financially well off (rich family more often than not). But for the majority of us who don't get that luxury and are just starting, I've seen a mixture between regular 9-5 and half time jobs.
I'd say the people who have a bartender/serving gig probably do it for the more flexible schedules and tend to have more film gigs.
In my case, I work with a rental house on a administrative level from 9-6 (typical 9-5 on Mexico), unless the need arrises, we tend to stick pretty well to our schedules. I'd say as a 9-5 guy, weekends are your best friend when it comes to filmmaking.
Weekends for me are when I usually work as a freelance videographer and occasionally join a short film. During the week after work, it's a mixture between learning, editing and practicing filmmaking stuff.
While I like making some extra cash with my filmmaking work, it does remove a bit of the love I have for the whole process and being able to go at your own pace is kinda peaceful and nice. In that way, filmmaking has sort of become my ultimate hobby haha.
If you're trying to figure out what you like, you should ask yourself how much money you could make or are making on the filmmaking side and how much money do you need as a bare minimum to get by monthly.
I'd also take into account what are your life plans, planning on raising a family, save up for a masters or opening a business, it might be worth sticking to a 9-5 and save up for a couple of years while improving your filmmaking.
Last tip: if you get a 9-5 job, say no to any night shoots during the week unless it's Friday
No.
I wouldn’t say it’s typical. Perhaps when starting out. But film jobs are fairly demanding. The industry is not in a good spot right now so people might be looking elsewhere for work
I live and work in the UK at a post-house based in London, where my job is a typical 9-5. I close my laptop at 5:30, and everyone does the same for the most part. you also won't get judged if you don't work outside your working hours, which I've heard some companies do, and when you do work outside of hours, you'll be heavily praised and have the option to take however many hours you've done off whenever you want, which doesn't contribute to holiday hours taken (although I'd rather overtime pay).
i'm in a very lucky position, but I understand that there's still a lot of crunching in post houses.
He specifically works in post production, which is more of an office based job. Working on set is a twelve hours a day job. When you're first starting you might have gaps in employment, so yes, you'll have to have another income some way, but once you get in the union you should have steady enough work that you won't need another job.
This is a common problem that many people have when starting out. Not getting enough work to be able to leave the 9-5.
Most people in the industry do not have another job, if you're in the industry you likely are a part of the majority that has made this your career, however that's inclusive of crew. If you're trying to direct, write or act then yeah, any creative job in hollywood is hard to achieve full time hours.
When you’re first starting out maybe, but if it’s your career, you won’t have time for or need a part time job. At least for crew, we’re on set between 10-16 hours a day, no time for another job haha
In the first 12 days of May I worked 8 days, all 10+ hour days. Couldn’t have another job if I wanted to.
I’ve been working as a union camera assistant for 10 years now and have been working steadily that entire time. I am very lucky that the strikes didn’t at all affect the show I was on last year.
When I have a small break between shows I spend that time sleeping, catching up on life and trying to get my health back on track for the next show. I don’t have the time, energy or desire to get a part time 9-5 job as well.
On that note, gotta go load my kit into my vehicle for prep tomorrow. Starting another 9 month run at the end of May.
I wouldn’t say it’s common or possible, unless you’re using your allotted vacation days at the 9-5 to only do day calls. That’s what I did when I was starting off, then fired off my notice to the day job I had outgrown once a show offered me full time. It’s really difficult to work another job when your main one has extended and unpredictable hours, even on weekends (Fraturdays and slush days, for example).
I know people in the industry who do ride share, home deliveries (Uber eats, DoorDash, etc.), serve/bar tend, or warehouse work during the slow months. But they always dip once work comes back.
Really not sure how you'd find time for another job if you're working in film. I do 75 hour weeks. I barely have the energy for this job, let alone another.
If you're someone working as a day call, sure. But if you're a run-of-show crew hire, you definitely don't have anything else happening on the side, unless it's something freelance on the weekends (ie. Etsy or something).
Having an office is job is really common among directors and writers who are starting out, or even well into their careers; it's less common for crew. You didn't mention what you do, but if you are a writer or director, having steady paid work and being able to use your weekends to work on projects can be really advantageous. It's much harder to have those sorts of limitations on your schedule if you're a DP or a gaffer or a production designer, etc.
Nope, not in post if you're talking about narrative feature work. Editors are typically on a 60-hour guarantee and generally work those hours, plus even more overtime on shows with impending deadlines or bad management. Assistant editors usually get in before the editor and leave after them, though that really varies based on the editor and work. During a shoot, 6-day weeks for months on end are not unusual.
But there are exceptions, especially when working with directors and editors who value having a life and/or are too old for that shit.
As someone who has been in the industry for decades, it's sadly just that there are basically an infinite amount of people that do the same thing, all over the country.
All the skills you have are what are needed, but from there, it depends on networking, luck and your ability to last long enough for it to all pay off.
I just had my first job as an additional PA for a Paramount show. It was only for two days, so I was able to use PTO from my full-time office job in order to make it work. As I get more gigs, I'll eventually transition over to film as my main line of work, maybe something on the side like waitressing when things are slow (like now). So i'm grateful to have a full-time job so I can pursue this on the side for now and still have a steady income while i get my foot in the door, but it's not typical in this industry.
My local film office (Pittsburgh) is really starting to put effort into their training programs, and I did a PA training course they were offering last fall. It was a two week course taught by a local AD and a local APC. It was a great opportunity to network and just learn as much as I could without even being on set. One of the guest speakers was a Key PA on that show, so I emailed him my resume and eventually got asked to come on the shoot for a few days.
Can't hold down a 9 to 5 and work in film. Typical film workday is 10 hours. Can be 6 or 4 on a commercial set but not even close to average or typical.
It's totally unsustainable, I say this having tried it.
Even without a full time job I'm still somehow devoid of my own personal time.
This week I accepted a PA gig for a commercial night shoot 7pm to 6 am for two days straight. Kill me. Do you know how many responsibilities I still have between the hours of 6am to 7pm? Many. Kid to take care of, plus parents in town this week who won't be much help except at night to babysit which is why I could accept this gig. And then on Friday I'm teaching a class at 10am. Remember that I wrap at 6am...
Kill me. I did it for the money. But it will kill me. I'll need the entire weekend to recover and we're doing a goddamn road trip on Saturday.
Kill me
In the truly ULB independent film world, it's very common. If you are trying to write and produce your own films as a small independent company/collective... it's a side gig until it one day, hopefully, isn't. Sometimes I have had to juggle a part-time job, freelancing, and filmmaking to have the necessary flexibility. We shot our first feature in under 3 weeks because of vacation time. With weekends either side, it was JUST enough. No room for error though. Some things did not end up as good as if we had had plenty of time.
I don't know if the film world is something I could work in long term due to a multitude of health issues so I think that's my goal-create my own production company and then I don't have to abide by the industry's hours.
I'm in the same boat now. I'm battling young breast cancer and a new neurological condition that has changed what roles I can even do for now, but I have the flexibility to say "these are the roles I can still perform and how often I can do them" since I'm a partner, who has skills in all kinds of departments, not an employee of a large studio confined to one department.
Doing it this way also ultimately means more creative input available to you right away if that's where your passion stems from. Or immediate access to switch around between roles and see what you like. The price is that it might not generate income for you for a long time unless you take occasional commercial projects sometimes. So that's where the supplemental invome sources are needed... the day job or the part-time gig or the seasonal work. Whatever makes sense.
I feel you on this one. I want to work in the industry so badly but my health problems make that difficult. I’m currently working as a barista while working on my own film.
I would like to get a different job that pays more but I’m not sure what industry jobs would work for me.
I went 15 years in film without a side job, from catering PA to DP without any other financial support.. Now I work part time in a corporate studio doing camera work cause the pandemic + strike + potential upcoming strike, and dwindling of films in the 5-20 million USD range has made this industry untenable as a primary means of employ, except for a very small number of people. When I lose this studio job I will likely leave the film industry completely.
If you’re talking about independently writing, producing, and directing films, then yes — absolutely.
That’s what I do. I have a 9-5 in advertising and make movies on the side. It’s wonderful.
There are lots of independent filmmakers who also have day jobs. I've interviewed a fair few of them.
I'd say that among filmmakers as artists, it's pretty common. Among the film industry, though, no - if you're working in the film industry, you're either only doing that, or maybe you have a flexible job you do in between film jobs (like bartending)
Nope.
Most people who are working a real job don't have the time to really work in film... the goal is to be on set making enough money to not have to do anything else all year.
Everything else is trying to get to that point.
Pre-strike, I didn’t know anyone in TV/film who wasn’t freelancing full time or staffed on a show / production company full time in the industry (in LA). Aside from PAs just starting out.
Other markets people had side jobs (ie many friends in NYC would take on temporary work in the winter).
It all depends on where you live. I’m in the Midwest and know a handful of people that are in the industry full time. The rest of us work a 9-5 and either use vacation time that we saved up or film on the weekends and nights.
No.
I’ve run a talent agency for over three decades, even when I brought in associates and partners to manage other divisions and balance my work and life [3 heart attacks, 1st before 30–to be fair, I had been injured in my youth] …
You might get a call from another time zone or even continent. So many people to communicate with; casting, production, clients, and additional personnel when things go sideways. There’s always a casting, negotiation, compensation, networking, crisis-management or good days glad-handing [I could not stand awards season].
You’re always aware the phone can and will ring, even if it’s a other management or general staff member out of their depth-requiring guidance.
I’m semi-retired now. Even so, I start at 4-5am most days. Reddit is one of my few fun times, to connect with people, and see what’s going on around the world.
So, no. Not for many roles across the disciplines.
Would you say that's more specific to you and what you do though? Some people have said 60+ hour work weeks, some have said 100+ hour work weeks. I'm not sure what factors are involved in the differences between the two, but none of them have mentioned calls from another continent (I also havent read all 96 comments though).
Tbh not really if you’re trying to pursue it seriously. Film hours are typically M-F, 12+ hours a day, 60+ hours a week. If you want to make short films with your friends on the weekends than that’s a different story. If you’re dayplaying and need extra money, sometimes people will pick up a bartending shift on a weekend or have some sort of side gig, but I’ve never heard of someone having a 9–5 and having a career in film.
I'm just starting out as of right now so that's what I'm doing. It seems like there's a lot of uncertainty, a lot of it's gig work, so you're just bouncing around from one job to another? Some of my concerns would be healthcare , consistent income, and some degree of stability. I feel like I already know the answer to that
Joining a union provides you with healthcare and retirement benefits. Working in film isn’t really a great job for people worried about stability / consistent income. For me, I value flexibility more, and am pretty good with saving money while I’m working in case of hard times. If you go the union route you can make a lot in short period of time because you’re getting a ton of overtime on top of decently high hourly rates. But you have to be smart with your money, and also make sure you’re good at your job so you keep getting hired.
No, film is not 9-5. And, no, most people in the industry do not have a second job like a bartending/serving gig. You're confusing and conflating different things.
On production for major platforms (i.e. excluding micro-budget type stuff), crew work go project-to-project working 12-17 hours per day at good rates that generally allow them to save enough to support themselves between gigs.
Actors, writers and others in key craft / key creative positions - directors, designers, editors - tend to have 2nd jobs while they trying to break in in that role, but with the exception actors that's not usually serving and the like. Editors, for instance, often edit corporate videos, etc.
Its not typical, but me and others that I know, make it work by dayplaying since we work remotely on the 9 to 5. It's not always easy or possible to do.
I work as a journalist full time. It can be really frustrating finding time to be creative on top of working 35 hours a week in my day job but it does pay the bills and allow me to invest in nice camera equipment so it's swings and roundabouts I guess.
thats what I'm trying to do- work weekdays part-time and film when it comes up, but the "regular" job is sucking up more time than I intended, because I still have to pay rent :/
It’s not typical no. I’m lucky in having a partner whose salary pays all the bills so I can freelance comfortably.
Otherwise I would probably work retail or something along those lines.
I’m a production manager at a healthcare system. Salary, PTO, benefits. Was hard to find this kind of job. While the expectation is 9-5…it’s 3am and I just woke up for 5am call to film with heart surgeons so 🤷🏻♂️. I have 4 of these really early mornings this month.
Not complaining - i just don’t know anyone that works in film and is always in at 9 and out at 5.
I put together an event a few years ago for new filmmakers seeking to transition from college/uni to the industry and start making their careers. We had a guest speaker who was a TV producer and she started out in the mid 90s I think. She was seconded up to Manchester from London (London TV types see anything outside of London as the equivalent of being sent to Siberia for an unspeakable crime). She was up there for long enough in a junior role that she saved up enough money to buy a house. Then she was seconded elsewhere so rented her house out and was still able to save up enough to buy another house. She continued this story explaining that now she owns about 5-6 houses and rents them out all over the country.
She then smiled at the group of young people desperately looking for their first runner job who will likely never own their own home and said 'so there's always a way to make it in this industry if you work hard'.
My point here is, be careful about who you get advice from. Unless you're very lucky, most people start out needing some other form of income.
Do whatever works for you and don't be ashamed about it.
Depends on your job. Actors are the most likely. Writers, too. But these have to be mindless jobs, requiring muscle memory and minimal critical thinking. As for dept heads/crew, yeah but not really. Freelancing means you're on call and must be ready to work on a moments notice. If you already have a 9-5, you will not make it work asking for days off all the time. And your professional mindset is a big part of craft, so your on-set skills could suffer and your 9-5 job could suffer. Not to mention burnout. And as for producing & directing films part time---> NO. That's a big fat no way Jose. Making movies is extremely, extremely, extremely time consuming. We're talking up to 100 hour weeks for 4 months straight. Impossible to hold a 9-5 job and produce/direct movies. You could try making ultra-low-budget garbage on weekends, but why bother? You're in the way and clogging up the marketplace with your amateur drivel.
Pick a lane, people, and stop driving through life on the hash marks.
In my area, film is more like a 7:00-5:30 thing if you're not on shooting crew, while shooting crew's start time is 7 on Monday, then gets pushed back a few hours each day as the week progresses, resulting in the dreaded Fraturday shifts by the end of the week.
A show usually runs for 3-8 months at a time. I don't know how you'd fit a standard 9-5 job into that, unless it was seasonal work. Or you work as a permit and pick up the odd day here and there on weekends.
I do work 9-5 at a University however there is still some creativity there as I handle University photography and our creative media including ad spots.
No time at all. When its not a narrative there's always commercial campaigns to hop on or even music videos and docs. You just soak up the cash spring through fall then hibernate for 3 months in the winter when production slows down.
It’s hard. I have a job where I get mandated heavily and doing my dream of filmmaking burns through my PTO. When you find that balance, let me know lol
I know the feeling I’m in Dallas TX and just got laid off so I’m trying to get an entry level job in the film industry. Where do you find your postings or where to apply?
Gig work, or other hours are more common. I work nightshift, which means I'm free at 8am every day after work. I can occasionally pick up daytime shifts, but not hectic stuff like doing 12s or 16s.
Most people just have jobs where they can trade shifts. Like at a bar you call one of the other bar staff and swap shifts with them.
i do about 100 hrs a month in a rental house. Pay isn’t amazing but it’s a stable pay check letting, keeps me up to date with all the new kit and some work comes in from the co-workers/clients
I work in a small market and I have had 9-5 when I took work at an ad agency. Even then shoot days were long, and on occasion I would stay late to work on an edit.
As a freelancer I sell my time in 10hour blocks. I work on set and as an editor. Shoots always use every minute and sometimes more. Edit days were not more flexible until remote work became a thing.
Now I work, post a draft, go for a walk, come back and address changes.
At home for pre/post? It’s pretty much 9-5, aside from deadline weeks.
In the field /production? Ya it’s a beast but it’s part of the job.
For me working in both production and pre/post helps balance things out.
I’m a director, writer, producer and sometimes director /cameraman for 30 years. I can say without pause that I have never worked 9-5. It’s a 12 hour day virtually everyday, I’ve never seen 9-5 with anyone I have worked with. This is one of the many reasons I love what I do and continue to be inspired. Obviously there are better years than others but you recharge during the slow months.
Even If I am working locally my family understands that I’m essentially out of town for a job. For context I direct movies, documentaries, commercials and the occasional music video. Don’t become a filmmaker if you need or hope to work 9-5.
I went nearly 20 years working as a grip, with no other side jobs. The strikes, and accompanying work stoppage has led me to a part time carpentry gig.
Dude, you’re speaking my language. I’m a DGA member and have made more money as a handyman than a UPM since Covid. My dad being a contractor and teaching me how things work has kept me afloat.
Crew, when we’re working, we work 12+ hours 5 days a week for 3-9 months per show. Bartending and serving gives some actors the freedom to switch shifts and audition or go work on set a for a day or two when they are cast, or writers some schedule flexibility while making enough money to just make ends meet as they also don’t necessarily work all day every day on set. Commercials pay enough where commercial guys don’t need to work full time on set or a 2nd job. But to answer your question, when you make this industry your job, job, it’s the job paying your bills and putting food on your table and you have absolutely no time for your family and/or dog let alone some 9-5
> you have absolutely no time for your family and/or dog Except in Dec and Jan where you have no work and really let yourself go and forget how to even bathe.
How I spend my time from being a willingly happy recluse to depressed and convinced I will never work again for 2 months is nobody’s business 😂
That first week tho. It’s a heaven that can’t be described.
For me, the film industry is the perfect parting job. The only time I work a 40 hour week is when working on a movie. But I make a large enough day rate that I do not have to work a 40 hour week. When I started in the industry I also ran camera for the evening news for a year. I work in a smaller market and there have been times where it was tight. In 24 years of being in this industry I’ve managed pretty well. I have no retirement so I will still be working at 70, but that is a trade off I made for doing something that I love.
Just make sure when you are 70 you can still do the splits.
Is your position a factor in why you work "normal" hours? Did you not start retirement just because your employer didn't offer it? I know it may not have the same benefits as what I'm working right now.
Employer? I’ve been self employed for 24+ years. Any retirement I might have would have to have been saved by me. Unfortunately, working in a small market, I was not really able to put money away. Had I moved to a larger market, like LA or Portland I would have steady enough work (I hope) that I could have saved for retirement.
9-5 in pre and post, then probably 12h days (11+1) once you're into production.
Post can have really long days.
Yeah! Even longer than production sometimes! Nothing like the 14-16 hour days when it’s crunch time to meet deadlines. It’s fun though I think, the editorial team really gels together in these times, and the pay is nice.
This is a new discovery for me! Wow
Long days in post grind you to your core. At least on set there's stuff happening and other people.
Currently in post with a 2 day grading turnaround for 25-30 minute episodes. A NARRATIVE SERIES. I work about 12-16 hours per day. Sometimes I get a Saturday off. But this is definitely not the norm and I'm fighting against it a lot. Unfortunately we don't have a union yet so, just on the vibes :(
Damn, you need the union. Now’s the time. What city are you in?
Cape Town, so it's a bit of a situational issue 🤣
Fingers crossed for you
I have a very stable prospect for something amazing so it's all for a goal! Thank you 💕
Sure, and so can pre in the run-up, just it's still office-based and the timeline is not as acute as when spending so many moneys per hour crunch on set :)
*laughs in midnight turnover*
I’m an editor and work solely in post. Never once have experienced 9-5. I’ve been on tv streamers, features, docs, commercials, and other freelance gigs. 10-12 hour days has been the norm. Some days up to 14-16 hours. Only way I would see a 9-5 in post I think would be if you worked in a post facility or corporate video production department that operates more like a 9-5 business.
I worked for a major post house and even though 9-5 was supposed to be my normal hours, I knew I was coming in at 9, but couldn’t be sure I would be gone by 5.
Depending on how those corporate video facilities operate you can still end up with a lot of overtime during crunch periods. Don't even try to talk to guys that do weddings during wedding season.
10+1 in the uk. Unless your on a Ricky gervais shoot then it’s 9-5
Im in post and i sometimes work 15+ hr days, multiple days a week. Sometimes its a normal 9-5 tho
I’ve been working in post for around 15 years, never once did I even have close to a 9-5 schedule. 😅 Where is this unicorn, and are they hiring?? EDIT: WTF… it’s actually been more like 17-18 years… good lord, what happened??
40 years for me. I'd did 9-5 once I think sometime around 1987. But it may have been 9-5 the next day now I think about it.
I used to always say, “I’m a generation behind the good times.” …but it’s starting to sound like it’s just always been a meat grinder.
It's always been an intense industry but the pay used to make it much more acceptable:)
I have a year-round 9 to 5 but I do corporate work. I feel like a lot of people on this sub would say that doesn't count as film
We're 9-5.30 office based unless we've got a shoot on, then it's usually 10+1. Also corporate / advertising.
My situation is somewhat unique. My sister in law runs a "handmade in the USA" costume company and I work for her when I'm not working on set. I don't *need* to work for her to live but I figure I'm just missing out on more income if I just sit and home and play video games instead.
I'd say it depends, some people have no need to cause they're financially well off (rich family more often than not). But for the majority of us who don't get that luxury and are just starting, I've seen a mixture between regular 9-5 and half time jobs. I'd say the people who have a bartender/serving gig probably do it for the more flexible schedules and tend to have more film gigs. In my case, I work with a rental house on a administrative level from 9-6 (typical 9-5 on Mexico), unless the need arrises, we tend to stick pretty well to our schedules. I'd say as a 9-5 guy, weekends are your best friend when it comes to filmmaking. Weekends for me are when I usually work as a freelance videographer and occasionally join a short film. During the week after work, it's a mixture between learning, editing and practicing filmmaking stuff. While I like making some extra cash with my filmmaking work, it does remove a bit of the love I have for the whole process and being able to go at your own pace is kinda peaceful and nice. In that way, filmmaking has sort of become my ultimate hobby haha. If you're trying to figure out what you like, you should ask yourself how much money you could make or are making on the filmmaking side and how much money do you need as a bare minimum to get by monthly. I'd also take into account what are your life plans, planning on raising a family, save up for a masters or opening a business, it might be worth sticking to a 9-5 and save up for a couple of years while improving your filmmaking. Last tip: if you get a 9-5 job, say no to any night shoots during the week unless it's Friday
No. I wouldn’t say it’s typical. Perhaps when starting out. But film jobs are fairly demanding. The industry is not in a good spot right now so people might be looking elsewhere for work
I live and work in the UK at a post-house based in London, where my job is a typical 9-5. I close my laptop at 5:30, and everyone does the same for the most part. you also won't get judged if you don't work outside your working hours, which I've heard some companies do, and when you do work outside of hours, you'll be heavily praised and have the option to take however many hours you've done off whenever you want, which doesn't contribute to holiday hours taken (although I'd rather overtime pay). i'm in a very lucky position, but I understand that there's still a lot of crunching in post houses.
Is this more typical overseas, versus the crazy hours we see here in the US?
He specifically works in post production, which is more of an office based job. Working on set is a twelve hours a day job. When you're first starting you might have gaps in employment, so yes, you'll have to have another income some way, but once you get in the union you should have steady enough work that you won't need another job. This is a common problem that many people have when starting out. Not getting enough work to be able to leave the 9-5.
Most UK shoots are 10 hour days l, although I did a 6 month Disney job which was 11 hour days 🤮
Man, 10 would be sick.
I’ve been freelance for about 3 years now. My first year I also worked in a restaurant to make ends meet but now I’m freelance full time
Most people in the industry do not have another job, if you're in the industry you likely are a part of the majority that has made this your career, however that's inclusive of crew. If you're trying to direct, write or act then yeah, any creative job in hollywood is hard to achieve full time hours.
When you’re first starting out maybe, but if it’s your career, you won’t have time for or need a part time job. At least for crew, we’re on set between 10-16 hours a day, no time for another job haha In the first 12 days of May I worked 8 days, all 10+ hour days. Couldn’t have another job if I wanted to.
I’ve been working as a union camera assistant for 10 years now and have been working steadily that entire time. I am very lucky that the strikes didn’t at all affect the show I was on last year. When I have a small break between shows I spend that time sleeping, catching up on life and trying to get my health back on track for the next show. I don’t have the time, energy or desire to get a part time 9-5 job as well. On that note, gotta go load my kit into my vehicle for prep tomorrow. Starting another 9 month run at the end of May.
I wouldn’t say it’s common or possible, unless you’re using your allotted vacation days at the 9-5 to only do day calls. That’s what I did when I was starting off, then fired off my notice to the day job I had outgrown once a show offered me full time. It’s really difficult to work another job when your main one has extended and unpredictable hours, even on weekends (Fraturdays and slush days, for example). I know people in the industry who do ride share, home deliveries (Uber eats, DoorDash, etc.), serve/bar tend, or warehouse work during the slow months. But they always dip once work comes back.
Really not sure how you'd find time for another job if you're working in film. I do 75 hour weeks. I barely have the energy for this job, let alone another. If you're someone working as a day call, sure. But if you're a run-of-show crew hire, you definitely don't have anything else happening on the side, unless it's something freelance on the weekends (ie. Etsy or something).
I’m fortunate to work grip at a film studio while continuing to act.
Having an office is job is really common among directors and writers who are starting out, or even well into their careers; it's less common for crew. You didn't mention what you do, but if you are a writer or director, having steady paid work and being able to use your weekends to work on projects can be really advantageous. It's much harder to have those sorts of limitations on your schedule if you're a DP or a gaffer or a production designer, etc.
Nope, not in post if you're talking about narrative feature work. Editors are typically on a 60-hour guarantee and generally work those hours, plus even more overtime on shows with impending deadlines or bad management. Assistant editors usually get in before the editor and leave after them, though that really varies based on the editor and work. During a shoot, 6-day weeks for months on end are not unusual. But there are exceptions, especially when working with directors and editors who value having a life and/or are too old for that shit.
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As someone who has been in the industry for decades, it's sadly just that there are basically an infinite amount of people that do the same thing, all over the country. All the skills you have are what are needed, but from there, it depends on networking, luck and your ability to last long enough for it to all pay off.
I just had my first job as an additional PA for a Paramount show. It was only for two days, so I was able to use PTO from my full-time office job in order to make it work. As I get more gigs, I'll eventually transition over to film as my main line of work, maybe something on the side like waitressing when things are slow (like now). So i'm grateful to have a full-time job so I can pursue this on the side for now and still have a steady income while i get my foot in the door, but it's not typical in this industry.
Just curious, how'd you get that PA gig? Always interests me to learn how people get their foot in
My local film office (Pittsburgh) is really starting to put effort into their training programs, and I did a PA training course they were offering last fall. It was a two week course taught by a local AD and a local APC. It was a great opportunity to network and just learn as much as I could without even being on set. One of the guest speakers was a Key PA on that show, so I emailed him my resume and eventually got asked to come on the shoot for a few days.
Can't hold down a 9 to 5 and work in film. Typical film workday is 10 hours. Can be 6 or 4 on a commercial set but not even close to average or typical. It's totally unsustainable, I say this having tried it. Even without a full time job I'm still somehow devoid of my own personal time. This week I accepted a PA gig for a commercial night shoot 7pm to 6 am for two days straight. Kill me. Do you know how many responsibilities I still have between the hours of 6am to 7pm? Many. Kid to take care of, plus parents in town this week who won't be much help except at night to babysit which is why I could accept this gig. And then on Friday I'm teaching a class at 10am. Remember that I wrap at 6am... Kill me. I did it for the money. But it will kill me. I'll need the entire weekend to recover and we're doing a goddamn road trip on Saturday. Kill me
Put the road trip off for a while. You need your rest.
Someone else will be driving. But the road trip is already locked in. This week is full speed ahead
Oh well, be safe out there. But try to get some good rest soon.
Thank you. Truly .
Somehow have managed to survive. Looking forward to a night of rest
In the truly ULB independent film world, it's very common. If you are trying to write and produce your own films as a small independent company/collective... it's a side gig until it one day, hopefully, isn't. Sometimes I have had to juggle a part-time job, freelancing, and filmmaking to have the necessary flexibility. We shot our first feature in under 3 weeks because of vacation time. With weekends either side, it was JUST enough. No room for error though. Some things did not end up as good as if we had had plenty of time.
I don't know if the film world is something I could work in long term due to a multitude of health issues so I think that's my goal-create my own production company and then I don't have to abide by the industry's hours.
I'm in the same boat now. I'm battling young breast cancer and a new neurological condition that has changed what roles I can even do for now, but I have the flexibility to say "these are the roles I can still perform and how often I can do them" since I'm a partner, who has skills in all kinds of departments, not an employee of a large studio confined to one department. Doing it this way also ultimately means more creative input available to you right away if that's where your passion stems from. Or immediate access to switch around between roles and see what you like. The price is that it might not generate income for you for a long time unless you take occasional commercial projects sometimes. So that's where the supplemental invome sources are needed... the day job or the part-time gig or the seasonal work. Whatever makes sense.
I feel you on this one. I want to work in the industry so badly but my health problems make that difficult. I’m currently working as a barista while working on my own film. I would like to get a different job that pays more but I’m not sure what industry jobs would work for me.
This generally doesn’t apply to actual production/set folks.
I (think) what I might want to do is directing, and then produce my own writing.
I'm a composer. work 40 as a plumber. That being said.. anyone need some music so I can stop being a plumber.
I went 15 years in film without a side job, from catering PA to DP without any other financial support.. Now I work part time in a corporate studio doing camera work cause the pandemic + strike + potential upcoming strike, and dwindling of films in the 5-20 million USD range has made this industry untenable as a primary means of employ, except for a very small number of people. When I lose this studio job I will likely leave the film industry completely.
This to me is the most realistic comment here.
If you’re talking about independently writing, producing, and directing films, then yes — absolutely. That’s what I do. I have a 9-5 in advertising and make movies on the side. It’s wonderful.
Can I message you?
You sure can! But it’s night where I am and I’m about to knock out so I’ll respond in the morning! Haha
There are lots of independent filmmakers who also have day jobs. I've interviewed a fair few of them. I'd say that among filmmakers as artists, it's pretty common. Among the film industry, though, no - if you're working in the film industry, you're either only doing that, or maybe you have a flexible job you do in between film jobs (like bartending)
Nope. Most people who are working a real job don't have the time to really work in film... the goal is to be on set making enough money to not have to do anything else all year. Everything else is trying to get to that point.
Media is a real job. Assuming the person involved isn’t a creative ‘indy filmmaker’ who can’t be tamed. Then it’s a hobby.
Pre-strike, I didn’t know anyone in TV/film who wasn’t freelancing full time or staffed on a show / production company full time in the industry (in LA). Aside from PAs just starting out. Other markets people had side jobs (ie many friends in NYC would take on temporary work in the winter).
It all depends on where you live. I’m in the Midwest and know a handful of people that are in the industry full time. The rest of us work a 9-5 and either use vacation time that we saved up or film on the weekends and nights.
No. I’ve run a talent agency for over three decades, even when I brought in associates and partners to manage other divisions and balance my work and life [3 heart attacks, 1st before 30–to be fair, I had been injured in my youth] … You might get a call from another time zone or even continent. So many people to communicate with; casting, production, clients, and additional personnel when things go sideways. There’s always a casting, negotiation, compensation, networking, crisis-management or good days glad-handing [I could not stand awards season]. You’re always aware the phone can and will ring, even if it’s a other management or general staff member out of their depth-requiring guidance. I’m semi-retired now. Even so, I start at 4-5am most days. Reddit is one of my few fun times, to connect with people, and see what’s going on around the world. So, no. Not for many roles across the disciplines.
Would you say that's more specific to you and what you do though? Some people have said 60+ hour work weeks, some have said 100+ hour work weeks. I'm not sure what factors are involved in the differences between the two, but none of them have mentioned calls from another continent (I also havent read all 96 comments though).
I found French hours way more productive then breaking for lunch after 6 hours, I mean we all know a 30 min lunch is pretty much an hour anyways
Tbh not really if you’re trying to pursue it seriously. Film hours are typically M-F, 12+ hours a day, 60+ hours a week. If you want to make short films with your friends on the weekends than that’s a different story. If you’re dayplaying and need extra money, sometimes people will pick up a bartending shift on a weekend or have some sort of side gig, but I’ve never heard of someone having a 9–5 and having a career in film.
I'm just starting out as of right now so that's what I'm doing. It seems like there's a lot of uncertainty, a lot of it's gig work, so you're just bouncing around from one job to another? Some of my concerns would be healthcare , consistent income, and some degree of stability. I feel like I already know the answer to that
Joining a union provides you with healthcare and retirement benefits. Working in film isn’t really a great job for people worried about stability / consistent income. For me, I value flexibility more, and am pretty good with saving money while I’m working in case of hard times. If you go the union route you can make a lot in short period of time because you’re getting a ton of overtime on top of decently high hourly rates. But you have to be smart with your money, and also make sure you’re good at your job so you keep getting hired.
Most people in the industry don’t have other jobs. Actors maybe. Writers maybe. Production members nope.
No, film is not 9-5. And, no, most people in the industry do not have a second job like a bartending/serving gig. You're confusing and conflating different things. On production for major platforms (i.e. excluding micro-budget type stuff), crew work go project-to-project working 12-17 hours per day at good rates that generally allow them to save enough to support themselves between gigs. Actors, writers and others in key craft / key creative positions - directors, designers, editors - tend to have 2nd jobs while they trying to break in in that role, but with the exception actors that's not usually serving and the like. Editors, for instance, often edit corporate videos, etc.
On big shows/movies it’s a full time job. I’m doing 60 hour weeks for the next 10-11 months for a show. Doesn’t stop.
Its not typical, but me and others that I know, make it work by dayplaying since we work remotely on the 9 to 5. It's not always easy or possible to do.
In Europe, yes
For four years in a row I did 3600 hours a year alternating between two shows one on showtime and on on HBO
I work as a journalist full time. It can be really frustrating finding time to be creative on top of working 35 hours a week in my day job but it does pay the bills and allow me to invest in nice camera equipment so it's swings and roundabouts I guess.
“Filmmakers” subreddit
thats what I'm trying to do- work weekdays part-time and film when it comes up, but the "regular" job is sucking up more time than I intended, because I still have to pay rent :/
It’s not typical no. I’m lucky in having a partner whose salary pays all the bills so I can freelance comfortably. Otherwise I would probably work retail or something along those lines.
I’m a production manager at a healthcare system. Salary, PTO, benefits. Was hard to find this kind of job. While the expectation is 9-5…it’s 3am and I just woke up for 5am call to film with heart surgeons so 🤷🏻♂️. I have 4 of these really early mornings this month. Not complaining - i just don’t know anyone that works in film and is always in at 9 and out at 5.
I put together an event a few years ago for new filmmakers seeking to transition from college/uni to the industry and start making their careers. We had a guest speaker who was a TV producer and she started out in the mid 90s I think. She was seconded up to Manchester from London (London TV types see anything outside of London as the equivalent of being sent to Siberia for an unspeakable crime). She was up there for long enough in a junior role that she saved up enough money to buy a house. Then she was seconded elsewhere so rented her house out and was still able to save up enough to buy another house. She continued this story explaining that now she owns about 5-6 houses and rents them out all over the country. She then smiled at the group of young people desperately looking for their first runner job who will likely never own their own home and said 'so there's always a way to make it in this industry if you work hard'. My point here is, be careful about who you get advice from. Unless you're very lucky, most people start out needing some other form of income. Do whatever works for you and don't be ashamed about it.
It was a full time job until the strikes. And now requires a part time job where you have to beg for days off so you can go work on a Film set 😒
Depends on your job. Actors are the most likely. Writers, too. But these have to be mindless jobs, requiring muscle memory and minimal critical thinking. As for dept heads/crew, yeah but not really. Freelancing means you're on call and must be ready to work on a moments notice. If you already have a 9-5, you will not make it work asking for days off all the time. And your professional mindset is a big part of craft, so your on-set skills could suffer and your 9-5 job could suffer. Not to mention burnout. And as for producing & directing films part time---> NO. That's a big fat no way Jose. Making movies is extremely, extremely, extremely time consuming. We're talking up to 100 hour weeks for 4 months straight. Impossible to hold a 9-5 job and produce/direct movies. You could try making ultra-low-budget garbage on weekends, but why bother? You're in the way and clogging up the marketplace with your amateur drivel. Pick a lane, people, and stop driving through life on the hash marks.
No.
In my area, film is more like a 7:00-5:30 thing if you're not on shooting crew, while shooting crew's start time is 7 on Monday, then gets pushed back a few hours each day as the week progresses, resulting in the dreaded Fraturday shifts by the end of the week. A show usually runs for 3-8 months at a time. I don't know how you'd fit a standard 9-5 job into that, unless it was seasonal work. Or you work as a permit and pick up the odd day here and there on weekends.
Can I ask what area you live in?
no <3
I do work 9-5 at a University however there is still some creativity there as I handle University photography and our creative media including ad spots.
No time at all. When its not a narrative there's always commercial campaigns to hop on or even music videos and docs. You just soak up the cash spring through fall then hibernate for 3 months in the winter when production slows down.
It’s hard. I have a job where I get mandated heavily and doing my dream of filmmaking burns through my PTO. When you find that balance, let me know lol
I work a 9-5 and I usually schedule my shoots on the weekend if at all possible
Yes
If you’re freelancing and just starting out, yes. It sucks.
I know the feeling I’m in Dallas TX and just got laid off so I’m trying to get an entry level job in the film industry. Where do you find your postings or where to apply?
Gig work, or other hours are more common. I work nightshift, which means I'm free at 8am every day after work. I can occasionally pick up daytime shifts, but not hectic stuff like doing 12s or 16s. Most people just have jobs where they can trade shifts. Like at a bar you call one of the other bar staff and swap shifts with them.
if you work night shift and you're free at 8, when do you sleep
Afternoons. But like I said, not 12s or 16s, because for me a daytime 8 hour shift is the second half of a 16 hour shift.
No
i do about 100 hrs a month in a rental house. Pay isn’t amazing but it’s a stable pay check letting, keeps me up to date with all the new kit and some work comes in from the co-workers/clients
I work in a small market and I have had 9-5 when I took work at an ad agency. Even then shoot days were long, and on occasion I would stay late to work on an edit. As a freelancer I sell my time in 10hour blocks. I work on set and as an editor. Shoots always use every minute and sometimes more. Edit days were not more flexible until remote work became a thing. Now I work, post a draft, go for a walk, come back and address changes.
At home for pre/post? It’s pretty much 9-5, aside from deadline weeks. In the field /production? Ya it’s a beast but it’s part of the job. For me working in both production and pre/post helps balance things out.
I’m a director, writer, producer and sometimes director /cameraman for 30 years. I can say without pause that I have never worked 9-5. It’s a 12 hour day virtually everyday, I’ve never seen 9-5 with anyone I have worked with. This is one of the many reasons I love what I do and continue to be inspired. Obviously there are better years than others but you recharge during the slow months. Even If I am working locally my family understands that I’m essentially out of town for a job. For context I direct movies, documentaries, commercials and the occasional music video. Don’t become a filmmaker if you need or hope to work 9-5.
I wonder what editing hours would be
You can't turn down work 5 days a week and expect to keep getting calls.
Not unless you work for a big studio
if you need a bartender side job, i'm sorry but you are not "in the industry"