Careers in Screen Media

There are lots of jobs and careers around screen media, whether you want to be in the limelight or safely out of the way.

In front of the lens

If you want to be a star of film or television, then you're probably already involved in theatre companies and/or acting classes. If not, get it sorted! Even if you’ve got a natural flair for convincing people that you’re not who they think you are, there’s always more you can learn.

If you’re really keen to be a star, then you should be auditioning for everything theatrical in your area. Joining your local youth theatre or taking part in your schools plays is always a good start.

If you’re ‘too young’ for your local adult theatre group, still make sure you know what they’re up to, because often they’ll need the occasional young person to fill a younger character role.

How do I get involved?

There are lots of acting and drama courses at schools and colleges around Scotland. If your school doesn't offer drama and you’re really keen, speak to the head or English teacher. If your school doesn’t know you want to learn drama, then they have no motive to offer it as a subject. If enough of your friends are interested, the school might be able to run it. Or if they can’t offer you the course, they might be able to make arrangements for you to study it at another school.

Make sure you buy 'The Stage' magazine or read it online on The Stage website. If you’re a big fan of TV, you’ve probably seen loads of stars make reference to this publication – many of them will have got their first major step in to fame by auditioning for something they have advertised. So 'The Stage' is a bit of a must read!

Behind the lens

There are loads of behind the lens careers in screen media that you could get involved in. Just have a look at the credits to any film or TV show and you’ll realise just how much is involved. From director to sound effects, from soundtrack to costume design – the choice is yours.

Obviously, things like movie costume design or doing soundtracks aren’t specific activities you can get involved in and practice while you’re young. But you could draw designs of clothes and try making them up on a sewing machine, or practice writing your own songs. It means that you could think about taking college courses in these areas in the future.

How do I get involved?

If it is something more movie-specific you’re interested in, like being a cameraman or producer or director, contact your local media centre and they should be able to give you advice and maybe even lend you equipment. Practice making home videos with your family or friends so you can get an idea of what each role involves. If your school runs a course in Media Studies, it would be well worth taking that, because you’ll learn loads about how films are made, and realise just how much every single aspect of a film is planned to perfection. It’s not just a case of ‘lights, camera, action!’

Maybe you could try and blag some work experience at any local TV or film production sets and build up contacts. The media is an industry where contacts can be more useful in getting you a job than actually knowing anything about what you’re doing! If you are thinking of going to college or university, then they usually have clubs or societies that are involved in film-making, or TV. For careers information, job profile and help on getting ahead check out the Creative Choices website.

Courses and training

Creative Scotland (formerly Scottish Screen and the Scottish Arts Council) can offer advice and support to anyone wanting to work in the screen industries. They can advise on courses and training opportunities and put you in touch with some of the media access organisations who provide access to equipment, technology and expertise.

So to follow up on your interest in film, television and new media go to the Creative Scotland website.