Assistant Casting Director – By accepting the role of an assistant casting director, you can learn to fit an actor’s personality into a role, whether for a movie, TV show or commercial. The primary responsibility of an assistant casting direct is to organize the potential talent by screening, taking photos and managing the holding room. Sometimes the assistant casting director will be able to be part of the casting decision process. There is a lot potential for growth in this position. An assistant casting director must be able to handle constructive criticism, work long hours, be able to deal with large groups of people, and other duties as assigned by the casting director or agency.

Assistant Director – The entry-level position would be the Additional Assistant Director (AAD), often referred to as the Fourth Assistant Director. This position requires plenty of organization and strong decision-making skills. The person in this role will assist the other assistant directors with casting calls and set maintenance while controlling large groups of extras. Other duties may be assigned by the director and other assistant directors.

Production Assistant – This position, also known as a PA, includes a wide variety of job responsibilities, including arranging for extras to be on set and handling special requests in a timely fashion. The production assistant role is a good stepping stone for an individual who wants to excel in the film, TV or commercial industry.

Internships – Paid or unpaid, this position can get you in the door; a great role for the undecided. Internships can give you the opportunity to figure out what exactly you want to focus on in your career. Work hard and when a full-time position opens, you may have the upper hand.

There are many other entry-level careers in the film industry. Any of the above positions can help you move up in the industry. Working in film takes a lot of dedication and patience. Directors and other film personnel can be impressed with a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence. Be prepared to work hard and you may one day find yourself calling the shots.

Brooks Institute does not guarantee employment or salary.