How to Land Film Jobs in Vancouver: An Industry Pro's Guide (2025)
Filmmaking is a sort of uncontrolled process. I think it’s very important to be open to the unexpected and at the same time, of course, maintain your vision. Be open to all the things you didn’t think of yourself that can make the film better.
–Dagur Kári
How to Land Film Jobs in Vancouver: An Industry Pro's Guide (2025)
Vancouver has earned the nickname “Hollywood North” because of its huge film industry.
Some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters like “Godzilla,” “Man of Steel,” and the “X-Men” trilogy were filmed in this Canadian metropolis. The film industry jobs in Vancouver might seem exciting, but breaking into this competitive field needs more than just enthusiasm.
Your journey into film usually starts as a Production Assistant (PA) in the Locations department or Production Office. This applies whether you want to work behind the camera or handle production logistics. The path requires you to understand the digital world first, including the six different Unions and Guilds in B.C. that represent various departments on set, from film directors to below the line crew members.
Local film commissions are a great way to get connected with qualified crew members through their production directories. On top of that, knowing the right places to look for film production jobs in Vancouver can make the difference between endless applications and landing your first role.
Want to turn your passion for film into a career in Vancouver’s thriving industry? This piece will show you the exact steps industry professionals take to land those coveted positions in one of North America’s busiest film hubs.
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Understand the Film Industry Landscape in Vancouver
Vancouver is Canada’s largest foreign production hub and North America’s third-largest center for motion picture production. This impressive achievement comes from years of careful planning and the city’s natural advantages.
Why Vancouver is a global film hub
The film industry brings big money to British Columbia. It generated about USD 3.60 billion in 2022 and created over 37,000 jobs. The numbers look even better for 2025, with projections showing potential earnings of USD 4.00 billion. This means more film jobs will be available in Vancouver for roles ranging from film producers to audiovisual technicians.
Vancouver’s appeal is easy to understand. The city shares Los Angeles’s time zone and sits just a 2-hour flight away. The region also offers great tax benefits. The Production Services Tax Credit (PSTC) will jump from 28% to 36% in 2025. These financial perks, combined with a favorable Canadian dollar rate, make Vancouver a smart choice for major studios and independent filmmakers alike.
Vancouver’s reliable infrastructure features cutting-edge facilities. Bridge Studios will run 34 sound stages across three facilities by 2025. This expansion will boost Vancouver’s standing in the global market and provide ample opportunities for those seeking work in live action production and animated production.
Types of productions hiring locally
Vancouver’s film scene has productions of all types:
Major studio blockbusters: Films like Deadpool and shows like Yellowjackets
Streaming platform content: Projects from Netflix, Amazon, and Disney+
Television series: Both episodic and limited series
Independent and student films: Smaller budget productions that still need crew
Animation and visual effects: Vancouver has major VFX facilities
Music videos and corporate videos: Opportunities for digital content creators
Documentary filmmaking: For those interested in non-fiction storytelling
Key unions and guilds to know
The union structure is essential to understand before starting film production work in Vancouver. The BC Council of Film Unions (BCCFU) has three member-unions: IATSE Local 891, Teamsters Local Union 155, and International Cinematographer’s Guild Local 669.
Three other important organizations represent the motion picture workforce:
Directors Guild of Canada – BC Branch (DGC BC): Represents directors, production managers, and assistant directors
ACFC West: Provides crew for smaller budget features
UBCP/ACTRA: The performers union that represents actors and stunt performers
Most productions need union membership because negotiating producers usually belong to either the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) or the Canadian Media Producers Association BC Producers Branch (CMPA-BC). These industry organizations play a crucial role in maintaining professional standards and advocating for their members.
Start With the Basics: Skills, Training, and Orientation
Breaking into Vancouver’s film industry takes more than just knowing the landscape. You’ll need specific skills, proper training, and practical preparation. Entry-level positions require you to understand what employers value most, which will give you a big advantage.
What soft skills matter most on set
The best film professionals have interpersonal skills that often matter more than technical expertise for newcomers. Clear communication is the life-blood of any production, knowing how to convey ideas and listen actively keeps everything running smoothly. Teamwork and collaboration are must-haves since filmmaking naturally brings people together.
Other critical soft skills include:
Time management and organization to meet tight deadlines
Problem-solving skills to handle unexpected challenges
Professionalism and positive attitude, especially during long shooting days
Stress management and emotional intelligence when pressure mounts
Production managers and film producers look for these exact qualities when they hire newcomers for film jobs in Vancouver.
Motion Picture Industry Orientation Course (MPIO)
The MPIO course is your first crucial step, and often required, to land film production jobs in Vancouver. Creative BC, MPPIA, and industry labor organizations worked together to create this detailed one-day program that teaches you the basics before you step onto any set.
The course has sections on industry growth trends, set protocols and language, reading call sheets, walkie-talkie usage, and safety considerations. Certification costs approximately USD 75 and has an online exam through Actsafe. You’ll get a digital certificate after completing the course, a credential most unions want for membership or permittee status.
Why a driver's license can be a game changer
Whatever role you want, from camera operator to production coordinator, a valid driver’s license will make you much more employable in the film industry. Productions often happen in remote spots where busses don’t go. Many entry-level positions, especially production assistants, run around delivering scripts, picking up equipment, or moving crew members.
Yes, it is common for industry veterans to mention three must-haves for aspiring film workers: “a computer, a car, and a cell phone”. Without a way to get around, your chances of starting in the film industry drop by a lot, especially with unpredictable filming locations across Vancouver’s various neighborhoods.
Build Experience and Connections
A career in Vancouver’s film scene demands hands-on experience and strong networking skills. You need simple knowledge and training before you can build credits and connect with industry professionals.
How to get started in the film industry through volunteering
Film festivals provide great volunteer opportunities to connect with industry professionals. The Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) needs volunteers for their annual event and year-round activities at the VIFF Center. Raindance Vancouver offers volunteer positions in communications, events, and development. These roles help you connect with filmmakers, gain valuable film experience, and potentially meet mentors in areas like digital filmmaking or post production.
Working on student and indie films
Student productions help you step into larger film jobs in Vancouver. Students at the University of British Columbia’s film production program learn through hands-on experience. Senior students mentor newcomers on film sets, providing invaluable learning opportunities for aspiring screenwriters, sound designers, and lighting designers. IndieVision, a student-led filmmaking club, helps participants bring their scripts to life through independent productions.
Background performer roles put you on set with directors and producers. Many actors started as extras and landed bigger roles through their on-set connections. This can be an excellent way to build your IMDb profile and gain exposure to various aspects of filmmaking.
Using short film competitions to gain credits
Film competitions boost your resume significantly. The Vancouver Short Film Festival (VSFF) celebrates Canadian short film artists and connects creators to the wider industry. Run N Gun, Vancouver’s largest filmmaking competition, pushes teams to create short films in 48 hours. Teams rushed to register in 2025, with over 158 teams signing up within minutes.
Raindance Vancouver’s Open Shorts Night lets filmmakers screen their work for peers. The best films might screen at Raindance Film Festival in London. These events are excellent opportunities for emerging talent in roles such as script supervisor, storyboard artist, or film editor to showcase their skills and network with industry professionals.
Joining crew directories and local film commissions
Regional film commissions link productions with qualified crew members throughout British Columbia. Several specialized directories exist for underrepresented groups:
Access Reelworld for Canadian Black, Indigenous, Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American creatives
Array Crew for women and people of color
Out On Set for LGBTQ+ film and television talent
Your profile on these platforms helps productions find diverse talent for film jobs in Vancouver. Additionally, organizations like Women in Film and Television Vancouver offer mentorship programs and professional development opportunities for those looking to advance their careers in the industry.
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Apply Strategically and Stand Out
Your foundational skills and connections are ready. Now let’s talk about landing film jobs in Vancouver with application techniques that help you shine among other candidates.
How to write a film industry resume
Film industry resumes are different from traditional ones. A simple, one-page template that shows your contact information works best. Your film credits should be organized by completion date and type. Projects that won awards or featured prominent names deserve special mention. Hiring managers care more about the types and number of projects than job responsibilities. Remember to list your technical skills and software expertise in Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve.
Include any relevant volunteer work or internship opportunities you’ve completed, as these demonstrate your commitment to the industry. If you have an IMDb profile, be sure to include a link, as this can serve as an online portfolio of your work.
Where to find film production jobs in Vancouver
The Vancouver film scene needs you to look beyond regular job boards. Here are the best places to start:
Industry-specific sites like Production List and Production Bulletin
Regional film commission crew directories in B.C.’s eight provincial commissions
Social media groups with volunteer and paid opportunities
British Columbia Production Assistant Exchange (BCPAX) for PA work
Creative BC Knowledge Hub database for industry contacts
Professional associations and industry organizations’ job boards
Using production lists and job boards effectively
Production lists give you insider access to upcoming and current Vancouver film projects. These specialized resources include production office contacts and details about the core team. The best results come from checking weekly updates and tailoring your approach to each production’s needs. Pay attention to roles that match your skill set, whether you’re interested in becoming a film location manager, casting agent, or publicist.
Tips for cold emailing production offices
Your cold emails should be brief – no more than 125 words. Start with a clear, personal subject line. Tell them who you are, why their production interests you, and add a portfolio link instead of attachments. A polite follow-up works after a week, and another after a month if needed. Remember to highlight any relevant film experience or technical foundation you’ve built through courses or volunteer work.
How to get a job in film without prior experience
Breaking into the industry? Start by volunteering for short film competitions like Crazy8s, Mighty Asian Moviemaking Marathon, or Run N Gun. The Commercial Production Association of Western Canada lists production houses that welcome newcomers. Equipment rental houses help you build technical knowledge and industry connections. Background performing lets you experience sets firsthand while meeting industry professionals.
Consider reaching out to local arts councils or film societies, as they often have information on entry-level positions or creative pathways into the industry. Building a strong network and gaining diverse experiences in areas like arts administration or alternative cinema can set you apart when applying for your first professional role.
Key Takeaways
Breaking into Vancouver’s booming film industry requires strategic preparation, networking, and understanding the unique landscape of “Hollywood North.” Here are the essential insights for landing your first film job:
• Complete the Motion Picture Industry Orientation Course (MPIO) – This $75 certification is required by most unions and covers essential set protocols, safety, and industry fundamentals.
• Start as a Production Assistant with essential tools – Most careers begin in PA roles, and having a computer, car, and cell phone dramatically increases your employability.
• Build experience through volunteering and student films – Film festivals like VIFF, competitions like Run N Gun, and student productions provide crucial networking opportunities and resume credits.
• Apply strategically using industry-specific resources – Skip traditional job boards for specialized platforms like Production List, regional film commission directories, and union crew databases.
• Focus on soft skills over technical expertise – Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities often matter more than technical knowledge for entry-level positions.
Vancouver’s film industry is projected to exceed $4 billion by 2025, making this an opportune time to enter the market. Success comes from understanding the union structure, building genuine industry connections, and persistently applying through the right channels while maintaining professionalism throughout the process.
FAQs
Vancouver has become a global film hub due to its proximity to Los Angeles, competitive tax incentives, world-class infrastructure, and diverse filming locations. The industry is projected to exceed $4 billion in revenue by 2025, making it an attractive destination for major productions and creating opportunities in various roles from film producers to audiovisual technicians.
Begin by completing the Motion Picture Industry Orientation Course (MPIO), volunteering at film festivals, working on student films, or participating in short film competitions. These opportunities help build your resume and network. Consider starting as a Production Assistant or background performer to gain on-set experience. Look into mentorship programs offered by industry organizations for guidance and professional development.
Soft skills are crucial, including effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and stress management. Technical skills vary by role, but proficiency in industry-standard software is beneficial. Having a driver’s license is also highly advantageous for many entry-level positions. Familiarity with digital filmmaking techniques and post production processes can set you apart in this competitive field.
Look beyond traditional job boards and focus on industry-specific resources like Production List, regional film commission directories, and union crew databases. Social media groups and the British Columbia Production Assistant Exchange (BCPAX) are also valuable for finding opportunities. Don’t forget to check with local film societies and arts councils for potential leads on entry-level positions.
Craft a film industry-specific resume highlighting your project experience rather than general responsibilities. When cold emailing production offices, keep messages brief (under 125 words) and personalized. Follow up politely after one week, then after one month if necessary. Persistence and professionalism are key in this competitive industry. Consider creating an IMDb profile to showcase your credits and build your online presence in the film community.
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Ready to Make it in the Vancouver Film Industry?
Breaking into Vancouver’s film industry takes commitment, preparation, and smart networking. Without doubt, “Hollywood North” presents amazing opportunities to productions of all types, from major blockbusters to independent films. The projected growth to USD 4 billion by 2025 makes this the perfect time to chase your filmmaking dreams.
Your career typically starts as a Production Assistant. Understanding six different unions and guilds becomes crucial to advance your career. Building soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving will help you stand out. The Motion Picture Industry Orientation Course gives you the needed credentials. Getting a driver’s license substantially improves your chances of landing jobs.
Real-world experience trumps everything else. You can volunteer at film festivals, work on student productions, or join competitions like Run N Gun to strengthen your resume. Creating profiles on crew directories helps, especially those that support underrepresented groups.
Film industry’s resumes look quite different from standard ones. Focus on showcasing your project experience instead of general duties. Job hunting should extend beyond regular platforms to specialized resources like Production List and regional film commission directories. Keep your cold emails short and customized to production offices.
Success in Vancouver’s film scene might look tough at first, but staying persistent works. Every new connection, production credit, and skill pushes you closer to building your career in one of North America’s busiest film hubs. Start with small steps, dream big, and you’ll soon find yourself on major production sets that Vancouver calls home, whether you aspire to be a film director, sound designer, or any other role in this dynamic industry.
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