Careers · Working in the industry
The working side of the job.
Finding work, getting paid, and the gaps between jobs. Plain guides and free templates, checked against official sources.
Where do you want to start?
Get paid properlyWorking freelanceEmployed or self-employed, tax, invoices, late pay, insurance, deal memos and money between jobs.
Ask for what you needAccess and disabilityAccess riders, Access to Work, adjustments and access coordinators.
Keep your practiceFaith on setPrayer, fasting, holy days, food and dress, with a crib sheet for HoDs.
Know your worthRates and unionsWho represents crew, and where the current rate cards are.
Watch: getting in and getting paid
6Official explainers from ScreenSkills, HMRC, BAFTA and the Film and TV Charity.
1:40How to get your first job in filmScreenSkills · 1:40
2:33My first Self Assessment tax returnHMRC · 2:33
10:04How to be a successful freelancer in film and TV, with Sara PuttBAFTA Guru · 10:04
1:43Set Educated: finding workScreen Careers · 1:43
2:33Financial support and guidanceThe Film and TV Charity · 2:33
1:32How to make the most of your first jobScreenSkills · 1:32
Free templates
Edit them in Word, Excel, Google Docs or Numbers. No sign-up.
Word · DOCXCrew CV templateOne page, UK crew format: credits table first, most recent at the top.Download Crew CV template (Word · DOCX)
Word · DOCXInvoice templateEvery field GOV.UK says an invoice must carry, laid out the way production accounts expect.Download Invoice template (Word · DOCX)
Excel · XLSXIncome and expenses trackerLog invoices and costs, see who's late paying, and total the tax year.Download Income and expenses tracker (Excel · XLSX)
PDF · 1 pageDeal memo checklistTwenty-two things to check before you say yes in writing.Download Deal memo checklist (PDF · 1 page)
PDF · 1 pageFirst-day checklistThe night before, arriving, on set and at wrap.Download First-day checklist (PDF · 1 page)
Quick answers
What people ask first
Will I be self-employed?
It depends on the role and the job. HMRC keeps a list of film and TV roles normally treated as self-employed. Check your role
What should I charge?
We don't publish rates. Use the current Bectu rate card for your grade, then our calculator with your own numbers.
How do people get hired?
Mostly through HoDs and recommendations, not adverts. How hiring really works
Someone wants a fee to put me on a crew list
Don't pay. Real productions never charge you to work. Spot a job scam
Last reviewed 13 November 2026