Lights, Camera, Career! 33 Jobs in the Entertainment Industry

“Game of Thrones” Credit:  Macall B. Polay/HBO

Lead actor or series regular

The lead actor or series regular is the star of the production, carrying the narrative and often being a primary draw for audiences. They need exceptional acting skills, charisma, and the ability to portray a wide range of emotions convincingly. Networking, a good agent, and a solid body of work are crucial for landing lead roles.

• Example: Regina King as Shirley Chisholm in “Shirley”; Richard Gadd as Donny Dunn on “Baby Reindeer”

Supporting actor

These actors play significant roles that complement the lead. They provide depth to the story and can often steal scenes with their performances. Versatility and the ability to work well with lead actors and directors are key skills.

• Example: Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister on “Game of Thrones”

Background actor

Also known as extras, background actors fill in scenes to create a realistic setting. While it’s an entry-level position, it offers invaluable on-set experience and networking opportunities. Patience, punctuality, and professionalism are important to get your foot in the door.

• Example: Students in the background for scenes on “Abbott Elementary” 

Related

Types of Acting Roles: From Background to Lead (and Everything In Between)

Behind the scenes of “Oppenheimer” Credit: Melinda Sue Gordon

Director

Film directors oversee the creative aspects of a movie, guiding the cast and crew to bring the script to life. TV directors work on episodes of television series, ensuring consistency in style and performance. Top directors have an unshakeable vision, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of cinematic techniques.

• Example: Christopher Nolan (“Memento,” “The Dark Knight,” “Inception,” “Oppenheimer”); Michelle MacLaren (“Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul,” “Westworld”)

Assistant director

Assistant directors help manage the set to keep the production on schedule and ensure everything runs smoothly; the ability to handle stressful situations with aplomb is a big plus.

• Example: Aldric La’auli Porter (“The Queen’s Gambit,” “The Hunger Games,” “The Secret Life of Bees,” “A Beautiful Mind”)

Casting director

Casting directors find and select actors for roles in films, TV shows, plays, and other productions. CDs need strong scouting and communication skills, plus a thumb on the pulse of industry trends.

• Example: Kerry Barden (“Book Club,” “Pitch Perfect,” “The Help,” “Spotlight”)

Executive producer

Executive producers make high-level decisions about which projects to greenlight. They oversee the development and production of films and TV shows, so deep understanding of entertainment and leadership skills are paramount to the position.

• Example: Ozzie Areu (“The Haves and the Have Nots,” “Hold On,” “House of Payne”)

Producer

Producers handle the business side of filmmaking, including financing, hiring key personnel, and coordinating the production. Successful producers have excellent organizational and negotiation skills, as well as a deep understanding of the industry.

• Example: Jason Blum (“Paranormal Activity,” “Insidious,” “The Purge,” “Five Nights at Freddy’s”)

Production assistant

Production assistants provide support to various departments on set. Because they handle tasks like scheduling, equipment setup, and logistics, they must have strong organizational and multitasking skills, plus a willingness to learn on the job.

• Example: Fairuz Ariffin (“Crazy Rich Asians,” “Million Dollar Island”)

Jordan Peele holding his Oscar Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock

Showrunner

Showrunners are the top creative authority on a TV show, overseeing the writing staff and ensuring the show’s overall vision is maintained. This role requires a deep understanding of writing and production, along with strong leadership skills.

• Example: Ryan Murphy (“Nip/Tuck,” “Glee,” “American Horror Story,” “Pose”)

Screenwriter

Screenwriters craft the scripts that become movies and TV shows, so they should have a strong grasp of storytelling, character development, and dialogue. Regular networking, consistently creating with screenwriting software, and acing the script submission process can open doors in this competitive field.

• Example: Jordan Peele (“Get Out,” “Us,” “Candyman,” “Nope”)

Script doctor

Script doctors are hired to revise and improve existing scripts. It helps to have a sharp eye for plot holes, pacing issues, and character inconsistencies, along with the ability to rewrite under tight deadlines.

• Example: Elaine May (“Reds,” “Labyrinth,” “Dangerous Minds”)

Roger Deakins BTS “1917” Credit: François Duhamel/Universal Pictures/ DreamWorks Pictures 

Cinematographer

Also known as the director of photography, the cinematographer is responsible for the visual look of a film or TV show. They work closely with the director to create the visual style, requiring expertise in camera work, lighting, and shot composition.

• Example: Roger Deakins (“The Shawshank Redemption,” “Fargo,” “Blade Runner 2049,” “1917”)

Camera operator

Camera operators handle the cameras during filming, holding and moving them in a way that captures the director’s vision. This highly physical job requires technical proficiency with camera equipment, a steady hand, and the ability to follow directions closely.

• Example: Juanjo Sánchez (“Society of the Snow,” “Love Gets a Room,” “Don’t Breathe 2”)

Lighting technician

Lighting technicians set and operate the lighting for film, TV, and theatrical productions, meaning they need to understand design, electrical systems, and how to create desired moods through lighting. 

• Example: Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew (“The Connector,” “The Thanksgiving Play,” “Kimberly Akimbo”)

Sound designer

Sound designers create the auditory elements of a production, from sound effects to ambient noise. Necessary skills include technical expertise in sound editing and design and a flair for the creative. 

• Example: Frédéric Sanchez (“Intimacy,” “The Anarchist’s Wife”)

Sound engineer

As part of the audio production team, these crew members manage the mechanical elements of sound. Technical knowledge of audio production, familiarity with equipment, and a killer ear are musts for the position.

• Example: David Young (“Scream VI,” “The House With a Clock in Its Walls,” “Ghost in the Shell”)

Composer

Composers write original music scores for films, TV shows, and other media. Success in this role demands musical talent, creativity, and the ability to work closely with directors to achieve the desired emotional tone.

• Example: Hans Zimmer (“The Lion King,” “Dune: Part One,” “Gladiator,” “The Dark Knight”)

Music supervisor

This role entails selecting and licensing existing music for use in films and TV shows. The best in the biz have a deep knowledge of music, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to match music to the tone and pace of the production.

• Example: John Bissell (“Joy Ride,” “Ladder 49,” “The Lucky One,” “The Blacklist”)

Related

Film Crew Positions: A Guide to Every Job on a Movie Set

BTS of “Bridgerton” Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix

Production designer

Production designers create the visual concept of a film or TV show, including sets, locations, graphics, props, and costumes. Requirements include a strong artistic vision, excellent design skills, and the ability to work within a budget.

• Example: Jean-Vincent Puzos (“Amour,” “The Lost City of Z,” “Robin Hood,” “Beast”)

Set decorator

These crew members adorn sets with furniture, drapes, and other props to create the desired environment. Aspiring set decorators should be familiar with design and decor fundamentals, and have the ability to source and create items.

• Example: Amber Haley (“Modern Family,” “Barry,” “The Politician,” “Insecure”)

Costume designer

From the lavish luxury of “Bridgerton” to the Victorian oddities of “Poor Things,” costume designers develop the characters’ wardrobes, helping to define their look and feel. Beyond being fashionistas, they should have a deep understanding of design and textiles, plus research acumen.

• Example: Holly Waddington (“Lincoln,” “Lady Macbeth,” “Poor Things”)

Makeup artist

Makeup artists are cosmetic maestros who enhance actors’ appearances or transform them into fantastical characters. Want to be one? You’ll need artistic talent, a steady hand, and knowledge of makeup techniques and products.

• Example: Ve Neill (“Edward Scissorhands,” “Ed Wood,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “The Hunger Games”)

Frame Stock Footage/Shutterstock

Animator

Animators create animated sequences for films, TV shows, and video games. To bring characters and scenes to life, they should have strong artistic skills and proficiency with animation software.

• Example: Takeshi Honda (“Perfect Blue,” “Tokyo Godfathers,” “Tales from Earthsea,” “The Boy and the Heron”)

VFX artist

VFX artists create visual effects using computer-generated imagery (CGI). Core competencies include knowledge of VFX, compositing, and mocap tools and technology, plus an artistic bent.

Storyboard artist

Storyboard artists create visual representations of the script, planning the shots and scenes before filming begins. This career path calls for strong drawing skills, an understanding of storytelling fundamentals, and the ability to work under tight deadlines.

• Example: Charles Ratterary (“Deadpool & Wolverine,” “Jumper,” “Riddick,” “The Woman King,” “Blue Eye Samurai”)

Video editor

Video editors piece together filmed footage to shape the final product. Beyond the obvious video-editing skills, they should be expert storytellers who thrive at collaboration. 

• Example: Margaret Booth (“Mutiny on the bounty,” “Murder by Death,” “The Way We Were,” “Annie”)

Asad Ayaz and Tom Hiddleston at Hulu on Disney+ Celebration event Credit:  Frank Micelotta

Agent

Talent agents represent actors, directors, writers, and other creatives, helping them find work and negotiate contracts. Those who thrive in the role have excellent networking skills, a deep understanding of the industry, and a tenacious mindset.

• Example: Tracy Christian (Mona Scott-Young, Amiyah Scott, Jason Mitchell, Tisha Campbell)

Manager

Managers oversee the careers of their clients, providing guidance and making strategic decisions to further their success. They need many of the same skills as agents, but don’t need a license and often take a more hands-on approach to client relationships. 

• Example: Aleen Keshishian (Jennifer Aniston, Paul Rudd, Jason Bateman, Gwyneth Paltrow)

Marketing manager

Marketing managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote films, TV shows, and other entertainment products. Critical abilities include strategic thinking, creativity, and market trends and data analysis.

• Example: Asad Ayaz (“Avengers: Endgame,” “Aladdin,” “Captain Marvel,” “Toy Story 4”)

Social media manager

Social media managers handle the online presence of entertainment brands and personalities. Essential skills include a comprehensive understanding of social media platforms, content creation, and follower growth and engagement. 

• Example: LaQuishe “Q” Wright (Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan, Nicholas Sparks)

Publicist

Publicists manage the public image of actors, films, and TV shows. This dynamic role calls for excellent communication and networking skills, the ability to handle media relations, and a keen understanding of branding and audience engagement.

• Example: Meredith O’Sullivan (Jennifer Garner, Will Smith, Reese Witherspoon, Cynthia Erivo)

Entertainment lawyer

Entertainment lawyers handle legal matters related to the industry, including contracts, intellectual property, and negotiations. Requirements include a law degree, focus on entertainment law, and strong analytical and negotiation skills.

• Example: Mark Litwak (March Schmidt, Gary Larson, “The Baby-Sitters Club,” “I’m Sorry”)