"There's no money in film."
"It's impossible to get a job in the industry."
If you're thinking about studying film, you've probably heard some version of these warnings before. But they don't tell the full story.
The Australian screen industry employs tens of thousands of people across film, television, advertising, live events, streaming, sport, social media, and digital content. While becoming the next Christopher Nolan or Greta Gerwig isn't a guaranteed career path, there are far more opportunities in screen production than most people realise.
The question isn't whether film jobs exist. It's understanding what those jobs actually look like.
When most people think about working in film, they picture directing feature films or working on major movie sets. In reality, many screen professionals build careers across multiple sectors.
Today's graduates work in:
Television production
Commercial and advertising content
Sports broadcasting
Corporate video production
Social media content creation
Documentary filmmaking
Live events
Post-production and editing
The skills used to create a film are the same skills organisations use every day to tell stories, market products, engage audiences, and produce entertainment.
The variety of careers available is reflected in the paths graduates take after study.
Bastien Clark – Camera Assistant, Channel 9
Bastien works across television, sport, and commercial productions.
"My schedule includes sport, TV and TVC productions, and every job is different. A typical day usually includes gear prep, clear communication and adaptability. Anything can and will happen during a shoot."
Vidhi Vira – Production Assistant, Intermission Film
Vidhi credits practical experience and access to industry resources as key factors in building confidence and industry readiness.
"If you want to succeed anywhere, Collarts provides you with all the resources."
Nick Williams – Freelance Filmmaker
Like many screen professionals, Nick has built a career through relationships and collaboration.
"The most valuable asset has been the connections I have made."
The Film Jobs Employers Are Hiring For
While feature film production receives the most attention, many of the most accessible opportunities sit elsewhere in the screen industry.
Videographer / Shooter-Editor
One of the most consistently advertised roles in Australia.
Employers increasingly look for professionals who can both shoot and edit content. These roles exist across marketing agencies, sports organisations, production companies, universities, government departments, and brands.
Video Editor
Editors remain in high demand across television, streaming, social media, and corporate production.
Proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and After Effects is often expected, making editing one of the most employable technical skill sets in the industry.
Digital Content Creator
The rise of TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts has created demand for creators who understand both storytelling and production.
Many of these jobs sit inside marketing teams rather than traditional film companies, opening up additional career pathways for screen graduates.
Sound Designer and Audio Post-Production
Audio specialists are consistently sought after across film, television, podcasts, and broadcast media.
While these roles often receive less attention than camera work, they can provide strong long-term career opportunities for technically skilled graduates.
Why Networking Matters More Than Your Showreel
One of the biggest misconceptions about the screen industry is that talent alone gets you hired.
In reality, many jobs are project-based, and recommendations play a significant role in hiring decisions. The people you meet on student productions, internships, festivals, and industry events often become future collaborators and employers.
Bastien Clark puts it simply:
"Networking is your best friend. Be kind and make genuine connections with your peers and lecturers. Opportunities will emerge from places you may not expect."
Building relationships, being reliable, and maintaining a professional reputation can be just as important as technical ability.
Classroom learning is important, but screen production is ultimately a practical industry.
That's why industry placements, festival involvement, and live projects are often where students gain their first professional credits.
Through partnerships with organisations such as the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), students can gain experience working alongside industry professionals and contributing to real productions and events.
Experiences like these help bridge the gap between study and employment while giving students valuable industry contacts before graduation.
Industry Equipment Matters Too
Employers expect graduates to arrive on set familiar with professional workflows and equipment.
Training on industry-standard cameras, lighting, audio equipment, and post-production software helps reduce the learning curve when stepping into professional environments.
As Bastien explains:
"The equipment provided is no different to what is used in films, TV, or commercial productions. Practical workshops afford you the time and space to practise rigging and using industry-standard gear."
The more familiar graduates are with professional equipment and production processes, the more confident they can be when opportunities arise.
A career in film rarely follows a straight line.
Many professionals move between television, commercial production, freelance projects, documentaries, social media content, and feature films throughout their careers. The industry rewards adaptability, curiosity, technical skill, and strong professional relationships.
For aspiring filmmakers, the real opportunity isn't simply becoming a director. It's developing a versatile set of production skills that can open doors across the broader screen industry.
And that's where many successful careers begin.