Mastering Job Interviews in the Film Industry

This chapter provides valuable insights on excelling in job interviews within the film industry, focusing on preparation, mindset, and connecting with directors and producers. Personal experiences and advice emphasize the importance of research, specificity, and dedication for success.

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This episode is proudly lit exclusively by Nanlux-Nanlite Lights and sponsored by B&H and Hollyland.

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This episode is packed with interview tips from the husband-and-wife cinematography power couple, Lydia and Shane Hurlbut, ASC! They break down the importance of preparation on both sides of the table. Take the time to research the interviewer and highlight their work because it shows you’re work ethic and thoroughness (Lydia's tip!), and discover Shane's secret weapon to build rapport.

The conversation continues with a focus on cinematography interviews. The Hurlbuts emphasize the need for authenticity and showcasing your unique style through a lookbook filled with inspiration and references that detail composition, color and mood, tone, and lighting. They also stress the importance of remaining flexible and open-minded during the interview process.

Here’s another useful tip, (but you’ll have to listen for the rest…) it’s important to pull from references all over the world, using your favorite sources while creating a unique visual style. However, you also want to research the director’s style and incorporate it with your own.

They also offer icebreaker tips to showcase your personality and build rapport with the director, and underline the biggest pitfalls you can make during the interview and how to avoid them. Shane stresses the importance of passion and dedication, citing his own experience working on multiple projects. He highlights the value of showing your unwavering commitment to a project, even outside of working hours, while Lydia discusses the greater nuances of listening to the interviewer and showcasing your willingness to collaborate and build upon ideas.

The episode concludes with the Hurlbuts stressing the importance of a thoughtful follow-up after the interview and discerning between the jobs you should take and the ones you should pass on. It’s not only important to hold a positive attitude throughout the job search process, but also to avoid the residue and resentment that comes with putting yourself out there, and truly being happy for those who land the job — because before long that person will be you. Happy job hunting!

More from Shane Hurlbut, ASC for cinematographers and do-it-all filmmakers:

-Cinematography: Virtual Location Scouting with the Insta360

-Cinematography: The EL Zone System Exposure Guide

-Shane’s Gear Bag

-Shane Hurlbut’s Go-To Lighting Package

-The Modern Cinematographer – On-Set Essentials

-Shane Hurlbut’s Kit

-Cinematography Mentorship – Shane Hurlbut, ASC

-Design Your INOVATIV Cart for Film Production

More from Lydia Hurlbut and her Leadership & Wellness Initiative:

-4 Self-Care Tips for Filmmaking Entrepreneurs

-Plan Your Filmmaking Lifestyle for Success with Lydia Hurlbut