Filmmaker Resume 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
Common Key Skills and Action Verbs for Filmmaker Resumes
Although it’s unlikely that most production companies will be relying on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) as a means to identify qualified candidates, it’s still important to feature key skills and action verbs from the job description. You want to show potential employers that 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 | |
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Analyzed | Conducted |
| Coordinated | Collaborated |
| Communicated | Created |
| Developed | Directed |
| Edited | Enhanced |
| Evaluated | Executed |
| Filmed | Led |
| Managed | Oversaw |
| Performed | Planned |
| Provided | Supported |
| Wrote | |
Tips for Writing a Better Filmmaker Resume
Showcase your filmmaking achievements
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, you should 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. Below, you’ll find examples to help you properly showcase your career achievements.
Example #1
Good
Wrote, directed, and produced an independent film, The Sun is Lost, managed a $2M budget, conducted all aspects of principal photography and post-production editing, and achieved a nomination for Best Independent Drama at the Philadelphia Film Festival
Bad
Directed, wrote, and edited a film, coordinated the production budget, performed post-production editing, and achieved an award nomination
Example #2
Good
Directed and produced a documentary film, The Way Forward, covering the Jewish-American experience in New York, interviewed seven documentary subjects, and coordinated all post-production efforts, resulting in a positive critical reception at the New York Film Fest
Bad
Directed a documentary movie, interviewed the subjects of the film, edited and coordinated scenes, and entered the final product into a film festival
Create an eye-catching professional profile
To make a strong first impression on the hiring manager, you need to grab their attention. Crafting a compelling summary at the top of your resume will help to differentiate you from other applicants and set the tone for the rest of your document. You want to include specializations in your first sentence that showcase key areas of expertise that align with the production company’s needs. It’s also important to highlight the strongest aspects of your filmmaking career in the subsequent sentences. For example, if you have a track record of achieving award nominations at independent film festivals, you should feature this information in your profile. Below, you’ll find examples to help you craft an eye-catching professional summary.
Example #1
Good
An accomplished Filmmaker with eight years of professional experience, specializing in cinematic lighting techniques, narrative storytelling, and documentary filmmaking. A strong history of achieving award nominations at independent film festivals, including the Los Angeles Film Fest
Bad
A Filmmaker with many years of experience looking for a lucrative opportunity to helm your company’s next project. Able to bring directorial vision to life and create compelling films that resonate with audiences.
Example #2
Good
A dynamic Filmmaker with six years of experience, specializing in shooting high-quality video projects in 4K, HD, 16mm, and 32mm film. A proven track record of leading diverse production crews and cast members to deliver compelling drama films centered on urban life. Achieved award nomination for Best Indie Drama Film at the New York Film Festival
Bad
A Filmmaker with years of experience who excels in drama. Passionate about filmmaking and prepared to work long hours to bring artistic vision to the screen
How to Align Your Resume With the Job Description
Employers value candidates who possess qualifications that meet the needs of their organization. By integrating specific keywords from the job posting into your document, you’ll ensure that your resume is fully optimized for the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) requirements. Tailoring your resume to the job description will also help you make a positive impression on the hiring manager and help you to differentiate yourself from the applicant field.
When determining what skills to feature on your resume, you should pay attention to how the information is being presented in the job posting. Skills mentioned within the opening paragraphs tend to be more important than others. In addition, if you notice the key term is being mentioned more than once, you should be sure to prioritize the qualification in your professional profile. Below, you’ll find an example to help you tailor your resume to the job description.
Filmmaker Job Description Example
XYZ Productions is a leading media production company named one of the best places to work in New York. We’re seeking an experienced Filmmaker who excels in documentary filmmaking to direct our next project. We value candidates with strong leadership skills who can manage relationships with cast members and crews throughout pre-production, filming, and post-production.
Responsibilities:
- Direct documentary film project and oversee all aspects of production, including cinematography, principal photography, sound design, and lighting
- Conduct post-production editing in Final Cut Pro X, including sequencing, color correction, and sound mixing
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in film or videography required
- 5-6 years of experience as a filmmaker
- Proficient in Final Cut Pro X and After Effects
- Strong project management and leadership qualifications
According to the job description, the ideal job applicant should have the following qualities and/or experience:
- Filmmaker
- Documentary Filmmaking
- Leadership
- Pre-Production
- Post-Production
- Cinematography
- Principal Photography
- Sound Design
- Lighting
- Final Cut Pro X
- Sequencing
- Color Correction
- Videography
- After Effects
- Project Management
Next, take what you highlighted from the job description and include your experience and skills that match. Below is an example of how to incorporate them in your resume to your advantage:
Filmmaker Work Experience Example
Profile
An innovative Filmmaker with seven years of experience in documentary filmmaking, specializing in cinematography, principal photography, and project management. A strong history of delivering compelling documentary films that resonate with critics and audiences.
Filmmaker
Starlight Productions Inc., October 2015 – Present
- Manage pre-production and post-production for the development of four documentary films, resulting in an award nomination for The Times We Faltered at the New York Film Festival and an airing on the Sundance Channel
- Coordinate all aspects of filming and editing, including lighting, color correction, sequencing, and sound design
Key Skills
- Documentary Filmmaking
- Leadership
- Videography
- Final Cut Pro X
- After Effects
- Sound Mixing