How to Get on Your First Film Set (The Brutally Honest Guide)

How to get on your first film set isn’t complicated. Just contact some people, offer help and BAM! You’re on set!

Easy right?!

Not exactly. It will require action, effort, and putting yourself out there in ways most beginners avoid because it makes them feel uncomfortable. Push passed that feeling, and go for it. If you want to get on your first set, here are the most effective, real, no-fluff methods you can start doing immediately.

1. Tell People You Want to Work in Film

Most beginners keep their film dreams quiet… and that’s the biggest mistake.
Closed mouths don’t get fed or hired. You have to tell people your goals. (Try to avoid those folks you know want to squash your dreams, they will just drag you down right to that 9-5 office job you dread.)

When people know you’re serious about getting on set, opportunities suddenly “appear.” A friend-of-a-friend shooting a short film. Someone’s co-worker making a music video. A classmate helping a student director.

If people don’t know you’re available, they can’t think of you.

Your Action Step:
Tell people what you want to do. Share with people that you’re trying to get on set as a Set PA, and want to learn more. Be vocal, and visible.

2. Ask Someone You Know Who’s Making Something If You Can Help

This is one of the easiest shortcuts to your first credit, but few people use it because they’re afraid of looking inexperienced, or just simply asking. Or the whole “I don’t want to work for free” thing. Listen I’d rather be on set guys then not!

Here’s the truth:
If someone is shooting something low-budget, they need help. They need hands. They need anyone who’s willing and hungry.

Ask to be a PA. Ask to shadow. Ask to observe. Ask if they need help loading gear, taking photos, being background, whatever gets you on set. I always say a day on set is better than one not, regardless of the position.

Your action step:
Make a list of every person in your life who creates anything (content creators, filmmakers, photographers, YouTubers, film students), and send each one a message asking to help on their next project.

3. Direct Outreach: Email Filmmakers, Producers, and Small Production Companies

This is the method that separates people who talk about working in film from the ones who actually do it.

Find:
– Local filmmakers
– Indie production companies
– Commercial or corporate video companies
– Film students
– DP’s looking for extra hands (or whatever position you want to be one day)
– Anyone creating content consistently

Send a simple, professional, short email:
“Hi, my name is ___. I’m looking to get experience on set and I’d love to PA or help out in any way. I’m eager to learn, I show up early, and I take direction well. If you have any upcoming shoots, I’d love to be involved.”  (just add your own personality flare to this.) 

Most won’t reply.
But SOME WILL, and that’s all you need. Hell, all you need is 1!

Your action step:
Aim for 5–10 outreach messages a week. Momentum will build.

4. Join Local Film or Creator Communities (And Actually Show Up)

Not online lurking. Not just liking posts.
You need to BE IN THE ROOM with people who make things.

Join:
– Facebook film groups
– Meetup groups
– Local film collectives
– Film festival volunteer teams
– Workshops and classes
– Networking events

When you show your face consistently, you become the person people think of when they need help.

Your action step:
Pick two groups and start interacting weekly. Attend in-person events when possible.

5. Start Helping Someone Before They Ask

If you want people to think of you, be valuable before you get hired.

This doesn’t mean doing free labor forever. It means:
– Share their casting call
– Share their crew call
– Comment on their posts
– Congratulate them on projects
– Offer to help prep or wrap
– Support their work

People hire people they feel supported by.

Your action step:
Choose 3 local filmmakers or creators and start supporting their work on social media so your name stays visible.

6. Put Yourself Out There (Even if You’re Shy or Feel Unprepared)

This is the hardest part for most newcomers.

You will:
– Feel awkward
– Feel like you don’t know enough
– Feel like you don’t belong yet

But here’s the truth:
Everyone on set was once exactly where you are.

Film is an industry that rewards action over perfection.
If you wait until you “feel ready,” you’ll NEVER start.

Your action step:
Pick ONE method from above and do it today, not tomorrow.

The Brutal Truth

People aren’t magically picked for film sets.
They put themselves in rooms, conversations, and inboxes until the door opens.

If you take consistent, visible action, even imperfect action, you WILL get on your first set faster than you think.