BC Institute of Film Professionals
Phone: 604.291.6525
Fax: 604.692.2551
info@bcifp.com

 

  

Frequently Asked Questions


Questions to ask yourself
Questions to ask your educator


QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

Are you considering a career in film and television production? These questions are designed to help you determine if it is the right job and industry for you.

  • Do I like working in teams?
  • Am I willing to work at least 12 hours a day MINIMUM, sometimes 18+ hours?
  • Am I willing to work nights and weekends?
  • Do I mind being unemployed numerous times during the year? With no knowledge of when I might be working again?
  • Am I willing to work in all weather conditions?
  • Am I willing to work in many different locations over the course of a job?
  • Do I have adequate transportation? Is it reliable?
  • Do I have a pager or cell phone?
  • Can I follow verbal directions well?
  • Can I multi-task?

If you cannot answer YES to all these questions, you will find it difficult to find and sustain work in the film industry.

If you think the answer to these questions is YES, please remember that:

  • No training course can guarantee professional work in the film industry.
  • Some people will work only part-time in film for two or three years before their first full-time opportunity arises.
  • Working in film is not a 9 to 5 job.
  • Film work has the potential to put strains on personal and family relationship due to very long hours, extremely high pressure and tension.
  • Creativity is a part of the industry but NOT part of the trainees job. Only hard work is immediate.
  • Above all, film is not a job. IT IS A LIFESTYLE.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR EDUCATOR

Education and training are a big investment of your time and your money. You want to ensure you've picked the appropriate program and institution for your needs. These questions are designed to help you determine if the educator has the appropriate qualifications.

  • Have you ever worked in the film industry?
  • Do you currently work in the film industry?
  • Do you have references from individuals currently working in film concerning the quality of your course?
  • When was the last upgrade to your course material?
  • Are you a certified educational institution?
  • Is your course recognized by a film labour organization?
  • Where are the graduates of your course currently employed?
  • Do you have past graduate references?

While there are no right or wrong answers to these questions, they are designed to help you determine which training courses are right for you. How you feel about a course should be the determining factor in take it. Simply be aware of the truth behind promises made or suggested.