The past few years have been a rollercoaster for our industry, and we know that finding new roles or securing steady work has been a challenge for many. If you’ve been out of work for a while, it’s completely normal to feel a bit stuck – but don’t worry, you’re not alone!

As things start to pick up again, we want to help. We’ve gathered some handy tips, insider knowledge, and expert guidance to make your job search a little smoother. Whether you’re looking for your next big break or just need a boost of confidence, we’ve got you covered.

Where to look for jobs in the film and TV industry

There are countless companies, websites, and communities ready to help you land your next role! To stay ahead, start by signing up for their regular email updates and make sure to follow them on social media for the latest job postings, industry news, and valuable insights.

Searchlight – A boutique recruitment company working exclusively in the media & entertainment industries
LinkedIn – Professional networking platform connecting people, jobs and business opportunities worldwide
Entertainment Careers – Focused on film, television, music and digital media jobs
Mandy – Global listings for actors, crew and production professionals
Staff Me Up – Crew jobs in TV, film and commercial production
Production HUB – Full-time, part-time and freelance jobs in media production
Media Match – US and UK listings for jobs in music, film and TV
The Dots (UK-focused) – Creative jobs in media, fashion, advertising and more
Creative Access – Filter for media/entertainment and remote opportunities
Creative Pool - Creative industry jobs in video, advertising and digital storytelling

Industry events, networking and workshops

Industry events, networking opportunities, and workshops are great ways to expand your connections and stay ahead in your field. Attending these events not only keeps you informed about the latest trends but could also open doors to potential job opportunities and collaborations. So, get out there, start networking, and make the most of these gatherings!

RTS – An educational charity promoting the art and science of television
Eventbrite – Search for media, film, TV and creative industry events near you or online
Meetup – Great for local creative groups, networking meetups, workshops and collaborative sessions
The Dots Events – Networking events, career chats, portfolio reviews and industry talks
Creative Mornings – Free monthly events for creative professionals inspiring talks & networking worldwide
General Assembly – Workshops and bootcamps in creative tech, storytelling, digital marketing, etc.
Sundance Institute Events – Panels, filmmaker labs and industry discussions

Find other events

How to update CV’s to reflect experience while addressing employment gap

Updating your CV to highlight your experience while addressing employment gaps can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can present yourself confidently to potential employers. There’s nothing wrong with having an employment gap, just be prepared to talk about it.

Use a strong summary statement at the top of your CV to highlight experience, skills and current goals
Highlight upskilling by including any courses, certifications, workshops or software you learned during the gap
Focus on skills and achievements rather than a strict timeline
Be honest but brief if you reference the gap e.g. “2023 Career Pause for Development & Freelance Projects”
Focus on transferable skills: storytelling, project management, communication, creativity, collaboration etc
Include freelance or contract work (even if informal) during the gap. Label it as “Freelance Producer” or “Independent Filmmaker” for instance
List personal or passion projects to try and draw out relevant experience
Quantify achievements and use numbers where possible e.g. ‘Grew YouTube audience by 40%’
Keep your tone confident and future-facing

Ways to upskill and stay competitive

Upskilling is a powerful way to boost your career, stay competitive, and open new opportunities. Whether you want to refine existing skills or dive into something new, here are some organisations that can help:

Media Trust – Sharing a number of programmes hoping to advance representation in media industries
ScreenSkills – Currently offering a range of courses, programmes and skill-building opportunities
Creative Access – Connecting individuals with paid roles and offering free CV support
Royal Television Society – ‘How to get that job’ page crafted to having a stand out CV and networking events to get support
Chartered Institution of Marketing Courses – Offers training to recognise marketers’ commitment to professionalism and growth
Adobe – Self-paced courses to help broaden your knowledge
National Careers Service – Provides free advice and guidance to help individuals make informed decisions about learning, training and work

Try to keep up to date with the current trends in media and entertainment

Staying up to date with trends in film, TV, and cinema is essential, especially in such a fast-evolving industry. From audience behaviour to technological advancements, and industry innovations, keep ahead of the curve on what’s shaping the future of content creation, distribution, and engagement. Current trends include:

AI in Content Creation – The rise of generative AI is transforming production workflows in areas such as scriptwriting, video editing and animation
Short-Form Video Dominance – Platforms like TikTok, Reels and Shorts are driving the demand for quick, engaging, vertical content
Creator Economy Growth – An increasing number of individuals are turning their personal brands into profitable ventures via YouTube, social media and other digital platforms
Streaming Platform Shifts – The rise of ad-supported tiers and consolidation of services are reshaping how content is consumed
Diversity & Representation Focus – Inclusive content and diverse storytelling are now central to both production and audience engagement
Audio Boom Continues – Podcasts, audio dramas and immersive sound experiences are increasingly popular
Sustainability in Production – Eco-friendly production practices and carbon-neutral shoots are becoming more common in the industry

What’s the best way to approach companies specialising in media and entertainment?

Approaching companies in the media and entertainment industry requires strategy, preparation, and a strong understanding of how the industry operates. Here are key steps to make the right impression:

Understand the company’s culture, recent projects and key people. Tailor your approach to align with their values and work
Network with people who work at the company via LinkedIn and industry events
Engage with their social media posts and attend their webinars/events
Highlight specific projects or initiatives they’ve done that resonate with your experience
Include a link to your updated portfolio, reel or relevant projects that showcase your skills. Make sure it’s easy to view and navigate
Instead of simply asking for a job, try to frame your approach in a way that demonstrates how you can bring value to their team
Demonstrate a genuine passion for media and entertainment. Show that you’re keeping up with trends and new technologies and that you’re excited about the future of the industry
If there are no available vacancies, perhaps ask to grab a coffee

Additional support

Being out of work and struggling to find your next opportunity can be extremely stressful. You don’t have to go through the process alone. The Film and TV Charity have services available to help anyone in our industry – whether it’s a call to its Support Line for a chat and to access our free counselling, or financial support during an emergency through our Stop-Gap Grants.

For more CV tips and advice, reach out to [email protected]. Plus, keep an eye out as Searchlight and The Film and TV Charity are planning another CV Clinic collaboration soon!

About Searchlight

Established 25 years ago, Searchlight is a transformational talent partner to the Arts, Media & Entertainment sectors providing high-quality executive search and recruitment services.

They operate under two brands: Searchlight Executive for senior-level searches, and Searchlight Recruitment for mid-management to junior roles.

Their clients include content producers, film companies, distributors, streamers, broadcasters, studios, music companies, advertising agencies and digital publishers plus numerous smaller independent businesses working at the cutting edge of media and entertainment.

Career advice and job resources for the film and TV industry