How To Write a Filmmaker Resume
Although most production companies will be more interested in evaluating your professional portfolio, it’s best to build a strong resume to introduce your work as a filmmaker. The quality of your films and video projects will often speak for themselves. But your resume can provide additional context for your achievements and allow you to deliver insights on challenges you’ve overcome during stressful productions. In this way, the resume serves as a complement to your professional portfolio. We’ll provide expert tips to help you translate your experience into a powerful marketing document.
1. Write a compelling profile summarizing your qualifications
A convincing opening can make all the difference during the job search. In this context, your profile should provide an intriguing overview of your filmmaking career to grab the hiring manager’s attention. Start by highlighting your years of experience and three to four specializations that align with the production company’s needs. Mention any major awards or recognitions you’ve received at film festivals, as you’ll feature this information towards the top of your resume.
Senior-Level Profile Example
A filmmaker with over 10 years of experience delivering award-winning documentary films covering a wide range of topics and subject matter, including grief, human adversity, and spirituality. A strong history of incorporating innovative cinematography techniques to establish emotional resonance between documentary subjects and background environments.
Entry-Level Profile Example
An aspiring filmmaker with entry-level experience, specializing in videography, cinematography, script writing, and storyboard creation. A strong background in bringing compelling dramas and documentaries to life using a variety of visual storytelling and cinematic techniques and background environments.
2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section
While your project portfolio will often play the biggest role in determining whether or not you receive an interview, the resume can help to provide other key insights into your professional experience. For example, if a film you directed was nominated for an award or received positive reviews from critics, include these details in your document. The resume will also allow you to give hiring managers a deeper understanding of your directorial style and approach to filmmaking.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Independent Filmmaker, Brooklyn Media Films, New York, NY
May 2016 – present
- Direct and produce a critically-acclaimed documentary film, Beyond the Steps, following the experience of five documentary subjects suffering from substance abuse and addiction, resulting in a nomination for Best Documentary at Sundance
- Film a documentary following the daily life of New York’s homeless population living within public transit and subway tunnels
- Manage crews, videographers, and production staff of over 35 and conduct interviews with documentary subjects in various urban settings
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
Assistant Videographer, Wolf’s Gate Films, Philadelphia, PA
May 2021 – present
- Serve as videographer for the production of an independent drama film, The Last of My Dreams, centered on an aging writer with a debilitating disease, resulting in a nomination for Best Drama at the Sundance Film Festival in 2022
- Analyze and edit scenes for pacing and narrative continuity, trim shots, and ensure alignment with the director’s vision throughout production
- Conduct post-production activities, compile raw footage and material, perform editing on sound and sequences, and deliver final product on time and on-budget
3. Include relevant education and certifications
In addition to your education and academic achievements, feature any relevant certifications you’ve achieved throughout your career. Although certifications are rarely mandatory for filmmakers, they can show production companies you have an advanced knowledge of video editing software and filmmaking techniques. Many organizations, such as University of California (UCLA) and the New York University Tisch School of the Arts, also provide comprehensive certification programs to help you hone your craft.
Education
Template:
[Degree Name]
[School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]
Example:
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Film
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, New York, NY September 2007 – May 2011
Certifications
Template: [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Examples:
- Directing Certification, UCLA, Los Angeles, 2016
- Television Writing Certification, New York University Tisch School of the Arts, 2015
4. List relevant key skills and proficiencies
Although it’s unlikely that most production companies will rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to identify qualified candidates, it’s still important to feature key skills from the job description. Show potential employers your background aligns with the organization’s needs by incorporating these keywords into your professional profile, work experience, and skills section. Below, you’ll find a list of potential key terms that you may encounter during your job search:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| After Effects | Adobe Premiere Pro |
| Audio mixing | Camera operation |
| Cinematography | Commercials |
| Composition | Compression |
| Color correction | Documentary filmmaking |
| Digital media production | Editing |
| Film | Filmmaking |
| Filmmaker | Final Cut Pro X |
| Live broadcasting | Media production |
| Motion graphics | Photography |
| Post-production | Project management |
| Shading | Sound mixing |
| Video encoding | Video production |
| Videography | |
How To Pick the Best Filmmaker Resume Template
As a filmmaker, you’ll likely be drawn to templates that have strong visual appeal. That said, ensure your template is properly balanced, as you don’t want visual elements to overshadow your content. Select a well-organized, straightforward template that uses a top-down approach with single columns. Remember, the goal of the resume is to tell your unique story as a filmmaker, and your portfolio is a better place to show off your visual talents.
Filmmaker Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
Years of Experience
- Entry-level
- Mid-career
- Senior-level
Sarah Andrews
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, Philadelphia, PA 12345
Profile
An aspiring Filmmaker with entry-level experience specializing in videography, cinematography, scriptwriting, and storyboard creation. A strong background in bringing compelling dramas and documentaries to life using a variety of visual storytelling and cinematic techniques.
Professional Experience
Assistant Videographer, Wolf’s Gate Films, Philadelphia, PA
May 2021 – Present
- Serve as Videographer for the production of an independent drama film, The Last of My Dreams, centered on an aging writer with a debilitating disease, resulting in a nomination for Best Drama at the Sundance Film Festival in 2022
- Analyze and edit scenes for pacing and narrative continuity, trim shots, and ensure alignment with the director’s vision throughout production
- Conduct post-production activities, compile raw footage and material, perform editing on sound and sequences, and deliver the final product on time and on-budget
Academic Experience
Film Projects, Art Institute of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
May 2020 – May 2021
- Filmed, wrote, and produced a documentary film capturing the inner lives of residents in South Philadelphia and the impact of gentrification and urban development
- Conducted interviews with film subjects, coordinated lighting, planned shots, and managed all aspects of pre-production and post-production editing
- Shot the documentary in 32mm film, performed editing using Final Cut Pro, and conducted color correction as needed
Education
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Film
Art Institute of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA September 2017 – May 2021
Key Skills
- Filmmaking
- Videography
- Post-Production
- Script Writing
- Storytelling
Martin Lang
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, Los Angeles, CA 12345
Profile
A dynamic Filmmaker with five years of experience, specializing in narrative storytelling, independent filmmaking, cinematography, and post-production. A proven track record of managing large productions for independent films centered on existentialism and the human experience within post-modernity.
Professional Experience
Independent Filmmaker, West Light Productions, Los Angeles, CA
May 2018 – Present
- Direct, write, and produce an independent film, For What It’s Worth, exploring the psychological effects of poverty and depression on an inner-city Asian community, resulting in critical acclaim from reviews following the premiere on the Sundance Channel
- Manage cast and production crews of 30+ personnel, provide direction to actors and actresses to bring characters to life, and establish a collaborative work environment
- Conduct pre-production and post-production activities, analyze scenes to ensure narrative consistency and tempo, and identify necessary cuts
Independent Filmmaker, Latent Sun Productions, Los Angeles, CA
May 2016 – May 2018
- Directed an independent drama film, Those Who Walk in Silence, which received 90% positive reviews on IndieFilms.com and Rottentomatoes.com
- Led a crew of 25+ production staff and 15 actors and actresses, coordinated workflows, assigned project responsibilities, and evaluated performances and deliverables
- Performed all aspects of post-production editing, including sequencing, sound editing, color correction, and compression
Education
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Film
University of California, Los Angeles, CA September 2012 – May 2016
Key Skills
- Filmmaking
- Narrative Storytelling
- Film Editing
- Sound Design
- Cinematography
Lance Rogan
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, New York, NY 12345
Profile
A Filmmaker with 10+ years of experience delivering award-winning documentary films covering a wide range of topics and subject matter, including grief, human adversity, and spirituality. A strong history of incorporating innovative cinematography techniques to establish emotional resonance between documentary subjects and background environments.
Professional Experience
Independent Filmmaker, Brooklyn Media Films, New York, NY
May 2016 – Present
- Direct and produce a critically acclaimed documentary film, Beyond the Steps, following the experience of five documentary subjects suffering from substance abuse and addiction, resulting in a nomination for Best Documentary at Sundance
- Film a documentary following the daily life of New York’s homeless population living within public transit and subway tunnels
- Manage crews, videographers, and production staff of 35+ and conduct interviews with documentary subjects in various urban settings
Independent Filmmaker, Syracuse Productions, Syracuse, NY
May 2011 – May 2016
- Directed an independent documentary following the experience of American citizens and immigrants of Middle Eastern descent, including discrimination following 9/11, which received a strong positive review in the New York Times
- Conducted post-production editing, trimmed shots, coordinated lighting, and directed three videographers to ensure ideal sequencing and sound design
Education
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Film
Columbia University, New York, NY September 2007 – May 2011
Key Skills
- Filmmaking
- Documentary Films
- Cinematography
- Post-Production Editing
- Team Leadership
Frequently Asked Questions: Filmmaker Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for filmmaker resumes?+
It’s easy to find yourself running short on action verbs during the resume-building process. Often, a limited number of verbs accurately convey your filmmaking experience and achievements. That said, differentiating your usage of action verbs can enhance the impact of your bullet points. To help you, we’ve compiled a list of verbs to keep your content fresh and compelling throughout your resume:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Analyzed | Conducted |
| Coordinated | Collaborated |
| Communicated | Created |
| Developed | Directed |
| Edited | Enhanced |
| Evaluated | Executed |
| Filmed | Led |
| Managed | Oversaw |
| Performed | Planned |
| Provided | Supported |
| Wrote | |
How do you align your resume with a filmmaker job description?+
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for filmmakers was $79,000 in 2021, with a projected growth rate of 8% over the next decade. Although these projections are positive, the film industry is notoriously competitive and difficult to break into. Aligning your resume with the job description will show production companies you have the qualifications, talent, and expertise to succeed in the role.
For example, if a company is looking to hire a director with a strong background in documentary filmmaking, make these types of projects the focal point of your document. If a production company seeks a filmmaker who excels in television scriptwriting, provide details for the types of scripts you’ve written and previous television productions you’ve directed. By tailoring your resume to individual job opportunities, you’ll drastically increase your odds of landing the interview.
What is the best filmmaker resume format?+
Aspiring filmmakers should always utilize a reverse chronological format instead of a functional resume approach. Production companies will be interested in seeing details of your film productions and understanding your career progression within the filmmaking industry. A reverse chronological format ensures that your most recent and relevant experience is placed towards the top of your document. Skill-based resumes tend to neglect your work experience in favor of listing key competencies, which is generally considered to be an outdated format by most recruiters.
Expert Advice: Include a cover letter with your resume
Once you’ve completed your resume, consider adding a matching cover letter to bolster your application. To maximize the value of your cover letter, tailor it to the organization you’re applying to. Consider mentioning a prior film or television show the production company released and why this draws you to apply for the role. For more information, visit our acting cover letter guide.
