Filmmaker Resume Examples and Templates for 2023

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Filmmaker Resume Templates and Examples (Downloadable)

Example #1 Entry-level

Example #2 Mid-career

Example #3 Senior-level

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 Entry-level
  • Mid-career Mid-career
  • Senior-level 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.

Frank headshot

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).