Productions often run to tight schedules. During filming, days can be long, hours may be irregular and locations can change. You might spend weeks or months working intensively with the same group of people, then move on to a completely different production and crew.

Productions depend on everyone doing their part and that means your reliability is important. Turning up prepared and on time, communicating well, listening, following safety requirements and respecting the responsibilities of other crew members all matter.

You’ll usually work within a department, with clear roles and people you report to. When you're starting out, nobody expects you to know everything. Being curious, willing to learn, ready to help and able to take direction can go a long way.

The work can be demanding, but there’s something special about seeing all that effort come together in a finished production, created by a team you were part of.

Screen work is often project-based. Some jobs last for months, while others might bring you onto a production for just a few days or weeks. As your experience and professional network grow you may move between different productions, roles and ways of working.