Film school
| Highest | $4,000 / mo · United States |
|---|---|
| Experience | 0–1 yrs |
| Degree | Required |
| First paycheck | 1 to 4 years of study + freelance project-based trainee work |
Pay in the destination countries
Monthly, in US dollars. Each country is an Imora admission package — open one for that route's fees, language requirement and deadline.
| Country | Monthly |
|---|---|
| United StatesTOEFL 80–100 · $10–70k | $4,000max |
| Hong KongIELTS 6.0–6.5 · HK–200k | $3,300 |
| SingaporeIELTS 6.5 · SGD 18–35k | $3,300 |
| United KingdomIELTS 6.0–7.0 · £11–38k | $3,300 |
| CanadaIELTS 6.0–6.5 · CAD 20–40k | $3,100 |
| AustraliaIELTS 6.0–6.5 · AUD 30–50k | $2,900 |
What does the day look like?
Work on an entry-level set is split into three phases: pre-production, principal photography, and post-production. You handle script breakdowns, casting, location agreements, and shot lists using Final Draft 13, Celtx, Movie Magic Scheduling, and Movie Magic Budgeting. On set, productions operate with ARRI ALEXA 35, RED V-Raptor, Sony FX6, and Sony FX9 camera systems, wireless monitors, walkie-talkies, and C-stands. Post-production involves cutting footage and finishing in Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve Studio, and Avid Pro Tools.
Directing is not 85% to 90% sitting in a chair giving creative instructions. In reality, creative direction and actor coaching take up just 10% to 15% of the day. Around 45% to 50% is consumed by logistical paperwork, call sheets, permitting, and budget tracking. The remaining 35% to 40% consists of hauling flight cases, wrangling cables, relaying walkie messages, managing meals, and handling media files. Shoot days routinely last 12 to 14 hours. Call times can start as early as 04:30, and overnight exterior shoots running from 18:00 to 06:00 are standard.
Where does this lead?
Next step up
What do you make of this job?