Getting Started In Craft Services Pt. 7: Finding Work

In this seventh and final installment of my Getting Started In Craft Services series, I’ll discuss how to find craft service jobs. However, before I get to that, let’s review what I’ve covered in this series thus far.

In part one, I gave you a broad overview of what craft services is, how it started, and how it’s different from catering.

Part two, I discussed the top three qualifications I feel you need for a career in craft services. Then in part three I pointed out the differences between being a craft service specialist versus a craft service generalist and the pros and cons of each.

Next, in part four, I showed you all the equipment needed for a basic craft service setup and what equipment to add to really enhance your service.

In part five I introduced you to all the key production players you’re likely to encounter on a production set.

Then in part six I helped you familiarize yourself with the most common production terms you’ll hear while working on a movie, television, video, or commercial shoot.

Now it’s time to take a look at how to find craft service jobs.

Until you established and sought out by producers and production managers, you should treat finding craft service jobs the same as you would for any other job.

This means searching industry job boards, contacting social media connections, and/or working as a paid/unpaid intern on a production.

Craft service jobs are just as competitive as other entertainment industry jobs. You must be diligent and persistent in your search especially if you live in highly competitive markets like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Miami, and Georgia.

Below are a few resources that I recommend to help you begin your job search.  You may have to call upon your “inner Sherlock” to uncover opportunities from some of these websites because they may not list specific craft service opportunities.

When this is the case, you may have to reach out to hiring producers via an unrelated opening or in the case of a website like Reel Work Trevanna, you can reach out through the contact information provided.

Industry Job Boards That Feature Craft Service Jobs

Film and TV Pro (formerly mandy.com) – A directory of all things production including paid and unpaid job listings.

Staff Me Up – This website primarily focuses on production and media jobs across the country.

Media Match Magazine – An online magazine that focuses on industry news and opportunities.

Craigslist – Find opportunities under the heading “Gigs” in your city of choice.

Production Hub – A marketplace for industry jobs, vendors, and news.

NYC Film Crew – Production and media jobs in the New York City area.

Reel Work Trevanna – A New York, New Jersey, Connecticut production directory. While you won’t find actual jobs listed it’s a great way to find out what’s currently being shot along with contact information.

Reel Jobs NYC – A list of current projects being shot in and around the NYC area. Like Reel Work, use this as a way to make contacts. Occasionally, Reel Jobs posts openings.

In addition to the above listings, check out opportunities listed in LinkedIn and Facebook groups. To finds these groups search “film and television jobs”.

When you land an interview from your search efforts, again treat it like any other job interview. Arrive on time and dress appropriately. The dress code for an independent production office is casual. It’s okay to wear jeans and a pullover if you’re a guy or jeans and a blouse for the ladies.

Make sure you are well-groomed, especially your fingernails! After all, you’re asking the hiring manager to trust you with handling and serving food to them.

Be enthusiastic and make sure you emphasize the kinds of food and beverages you will provide. It won’t hurt to bring along a small sampling of what you’ll be serving cast and crew.

Remember to share with them your food service experience if any and why you’re interested in craft services.

This concludes my series on Getting Started In Craft Services. I hope you’ve enjoyed it and found it informative.

p.s. You can now get your craft service and personal groceries delivered to your production office or home. Click the banner below to get your Free Trial!

 

Don’t forget to sign up for the CraftySnax Craft Service Bulletin for craft service updates and your free copy of my special report, Get More Craft Service Jobs This Year.

Also, click here to join the CraftySnax Craft Service Facebook group to share ideas and help grow the craft service community.

This post may contain affiliate links. Full disclosure here.

 

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