In the world of film making, magic is created on screen and the key ingredients for this magic are often passed down from one generation of filmmakers to the next. The skills required to succeed in the film industry are not something you can find in a classroom syllabus. As someone who has spent 25 years in the industry, I can attest that the real education begins when you step onto a film set. It’s a journey that’s not about the instant gratification of reaching the top right away, but about accumulating the know how, experience and craftsmanship to get there.
My own story in the film industry began a long time ago. It has always been my goal to become a Costume Designer, after graduating from college with the technical skills required, I then started working in the industry as a trainee costume designer. For many years, I worked  across all areas of the costume department, I would not trade a moment of that experience, I can see that for size and scale of shows I aspire to design, the experience and know how which I have built up over my career is absolutely necessary to becoming a top-tier costume designer.
I see new entrants to the film industry,  make the mistake of believing  that they can have  instant success and eagerly take on significant roles immediately. The critical first step is being a trainee who learns the ropes by performing specific tasks. On big blockbuster films, trainees often spend months focusing on a limited number of specific tasks, while smaller budget films offer more variety. Both experiences are essential for a well-rounded education in the industry. The longer one can remain at the training level, the better the foundation they build and the more opportunity they will have to learn from others.
In the age of the internet and social media, there’s a pervasive belief that instant success is possible in any field. Whether it’s getting fit, making money, or becoming a film professional, the internet can make it look easy. However, the truth is that there is no shortcut to acquiring the skills and knowledge needed in the film industry. It’s a craft that requires practice, dedication, and years of experience.
Just as in any other field, the film industry demands that you put in your hours to master your craft. The “10,000 hours” principle holds true here as well. My advice to new entrants is to resist the temptation to rush up the ladder. Embrace the learning process and understand that getting credit as the “head of department” or a higher rate may sound tempting but you are setting yourself up for failure.
While industry-specific training programs are gradually being introduced, they can only provide a glimpse of what you need to know. These courses are excellent starting points and can guide you on your path. However, it’s essential to remember that what makes a technician great at their job is their experience. You don’t know what you don’t know, and formal training helps bridge that gap.
When I started my career, there were no such courses, so I learned by working with the best in the business, soaking up knowledge from every mentor I could find.
The film industry is unique, in a world where transparency and processes have become more standardized, the film industry is it’s still largely word of mouth, and not only who you know, but What you know! Learning the skills needed to excel in this industry comes from working alongside the best and learning from the best. It’s a journey that takes time, patience, and a willingness to embrace the learning process. In an age of instant gratification, in the film industry, experience is the true master, and it’s acquired through years of dedication and hard work.