How to Break into a Production with Raychel

Originally published in January 2022 print

The start to get into production work for television and film is different for everyone but what was your journey? 

My TV & Film career began at the tender age of 16.  I started out working as a volunteer/intern at a boutique public relations firm called Lynn Allen Jeter & Associates in Los Angeles, CA. Lynn Jeter (owner) just so happened to be my mother’s customer at the Post Office. One day, my mother boldly asked if I could be a volunteer. Lynn agreed. And I began volunteering in her office every day after summer school. 

One of the young ladies I interned with was a student at Howard University. After graduating, she was hired at BET Networks in the Public Relations department and shared with me that there were internships at BET.  I applied, was hired, and later worked as a Public Relations Assistant.  I remained with BET for 4 years, and decided to refocus my career on TV and Film production.

I made a critical decision to leave BET to work full time in TV/Film. I revamped my career in 2017 and began working as a Production Assistant on various TV sets.  Through hard work and dedication, I was quickly promoted to a variety of positions in television production, beginning as a PA and matriculating all the way to Producer status.

Currently, I am scaling back from TV production to refocus my creative efforts on Filmmaking. As of now, I am refining my skills through the UCLA TV and Film Development program, and preparing to begin my creative journey on the film festival circuit. My goal is to share meaningful stories that not only impacts, but shifts culture for the better. 

What does a typical movie production look like?

Movie-making is a very meticulous process with many moving parts. There are so many different functions that help a production get into motion. On any given day on set you may see:

Executives and Camera Assistants setting up shots. Actor’s preparing for scenes. Wardrobe steaming outfits, Hair/Makeup artists prepping talent. Gaffers setting up lights, Audio perfecting sound. Caterers setting up craft services. PA/Runners assisting with every aspect. Security securing set. Coordinators and Set Managers dealing with the administrative petty accounting aspect.

Like I always say, the “glam” of show business is not glamorous at all. A quality production takes a lot of hard work and passion.

What are some jobs or positions in a production (besides the actors and directors) that really bring the production to life? What behind the scenes positions are vital to the making of a movie?

Every function and position on a movie set is vital; no position is greater than another. Think about it! If the Director was left alone with actors to simply direct, how would they eat? Or if a gaffer needed batteries for lights, do you think it would be wise for him to walk away from his post to run to the store? No! He would need a PA/Runner. Again I will say (and can’t stress enough), that every position in TV/filmmaking is vital to a quality production.

Do you have any advice for someone who wants to work in production? What are some places that people can look for available productions/jobs?

For people who want to begin their career in physical production, I suggest first searching for PA/Runner positions.  For those looking to work on the creative producing side of TV/Film production, I suggest seeking out internships at production companies with Development departments. 

You can find valuable opportunities on sites, such as: Staffmeup.com, production company websites, entertainmentcareers.net, and the anonymous production assistant.