The Careers Clusters in a movie studio

May 31, 2023

See what it’s like to work in a movie studio and the Careers Clusters you might find in this Workplace Spotlight.

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Movie studios are places where workers come together to bring stories to life on the big screen. Movie studios have various departments and teams, such as writers, directors, producers, actors, and technicians, who work collaboratively to make films. They handle everything from developing scripts, casting actors, and designing sets, to shooting scenes, editing the final product, and marketing films to the public.

Each movie studio is different, but they do tend to have some things in common:

Lots of collaboration – movies are only made with the effort of lots of different people working together.
A high-tech environment – filmmaking and post-processing technology is always advancing, and you’ll get access to the latest and greatest.
Working closely with people – face-to-face interaction and effective communication are still important parts of the movie industry.

Key Outcome

Provide entertainment through film

The main outcome of a movie studio is to write, produce, and shoot films to entertain the public.

Key Tasks

Write scripts and develop story ideas
Direct actors and guide performances
Manage production logistics and schedules
Design sets, costumes, and props
Shoot and capture scenes on camera
Edit footage and refine the final product
Coordinate post-production tasks (e.g. sound and visual effects)
Market and promote films to reach audiences
Collaborate with various departments and professionals

Industry

You can find movie studios in the arts and recreation services industry

Movie studios are generally found in the arts and recreation services industry. There are a few different kinds of movie studios including major studios, independent studios, animation studios, and genre-specific studios.

Work Environment

You can expect flexible hours and on-site work

Flexible hours | Work on-site | Jobs more common in metro areas | Strong job growth

Movie studios often operate on extended hours to accommodate various aspects of production (such as scenes that must be filmed at night, etc.). Different departments within the studio might have varying schedules and working hours based on their specific roles and responsibilities.

While some aspects of the work in a movie studio can be done remotely or from home, many tasks require on-site presence and collaboration, particularly during the production phase.

Movie studios are found far more commonly in metropolitan areas, so there may be limited opportunities for work in regional and rural locations.

The Career Clusters you’ll find in a movie studio

People from all Clusters are needed for a movie studio to run successfully, and there are a variety of roles for people in any Cluster. In many roles, you might find yourself performing tasks across multiple Clusters.

Makers in a movie studio work behind the scenes, collaborating with directors, designers, and artists to fabricate props, sets, costumes, and special effects that contribute to the visual and immersive storytelling experience on the big screen. They also operate and maintain the physical and technical equipment used in filmmaking.

Camera Operators
Set Builders
Prop/Costume Makers
Special Effects Technicians

Linkers are the people in a movie studio who scout for talent and suitable locations for filming, bringing together the necessary people and places to begin the production process. They are also responsible for creating positive buzz for upcoming movies to build excitement, as well as organising press events and interviews.

Talent Agents
Location Scouts
Marketing Managers
Publicists

Coordinators play a crucial role in managing timelines, budgets, and logistics, allowing the creative teams to focus on their artistic work. They are responsible for organising auditions, liaising between departments, negotiating contracts, allocating resources, and ensuring production meets required deadlines and budgets. They might also handle paperwork and other administrative duties.

Directors
Production Managers
Casting Coordinators
Administration Assistants

Informers contribute their knowledge to enhance the storytelling, technical execution, and overall quality of a film. They guide and educate the production team on aspects of the film that can include historical accuracy, diversity and cultural sensitivities, and regional and linguistic accuracy. They might also provide advice on any legal requirements and copyright processes and issues.

Script Consultants
Special Effects Consultants
Historical/Cultural/Language Consultants
Lawyers

Innovators in a movie studio are responsible for developing and designing scripts, production techniques, and technical aspects of films. They use their creativity in combination with cutting-edge technology to enhance a film’s quality and experience and provide the talent that brings characters to life on our screens.

Script Writers
Actors
Set/Prop/Costume Designers
Sound Engineers
Visual Effects (VFX) Designers

Guardians prioritise the safety of cast and crew, ensure the physical security of workers and equipment, and oversee compliance with industry regulations and guidelines. They ensure that necessary measures are taken to prevent accidents and protect other workers in the studio. In a busy and stressful work environment, Guardians also help to maintain the health and wellness of other staff.

Safety Coordinators
Stunt Coordinators
Security Officers
Health and Wellness Advisors

How do we expect working in a movie studio to change in the future?

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work and virtual collaboration tools in the film industry. While things have mostly gone back to normal, there is increased flexibility in certain areas of pre- and post-production, allowing for collaboration across distances.

The growing popularity of streaming platforms and on-demand content has already altered the industry landscape. Movie studios may increasingly prioritise producing content specifically for streaming platforms, impacting distribution models and creative decision-making.

There is also a greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion, both in front of and behind the camera. This shift will lead to more inclusive stories, diverse representation, and increased opportunities for underrepresented groups within movie studios.

And of course, continued advancements in technology, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, could revolutionise certain aspects of filmmaking, including production techniques, visual effects, and immersive storytelling.