There are dozens of different jobs related to the production of television shows and films, from technical to artisanal to managerial.  http://getinmedia.com/ is a website that details many of them, from entry-level jobs such as costumer, rotoscope artist, or sound assistant, to more advanced jobs such as gaffer and grip, storyboard artist, media buyer or film sales agent.

Our alumnus Javier Cotto (2012) is a Shop Craft Carpenter for Local52.

Javier Cotto, Scenic Shop Carpenter

What is your job? I work as a Shop Craft Carpenter for Local52.

What is the broader field of industry in which this work exists? I work for the movie and t.v industry.

What, in general, do you do as part of this job? I physically construct movie sets and stages. I cut wood and create sc

enery pieces for entertainment productions.

What are the pros and cons of this kind of job? Great pay/benefits but long hours and a lot of work.

What skills did you learn as an English major that you use in this job?  English has taught me how to talk to people and recognize hazardous materials on worksites. English has given me the gift of self-expression. No one can take these words from me!

How did you get this job? I got this job because my uncle Frank works in the union and taught me carpentry.

For current students interested in this line of work, do you have any recommendations on what they can do now to start directing their career path?   If anyone wishes to work in Local 52 and make a decent living all they have to do is go to this website  http://www.iatselocal52.org/?zone=view_page.cfm&page=Join20Us They have careers as set dressers, props, and makeup/hairdressers too. On the websites it says TBD. Within two months the Local will be accepting applications. The requirements to apply are on the website. Experience is not necessary. Once the application is submitted the applicant will start getting called for work.