You do not have to be in Los Angeles or New York to get started in the industry or to find work at a movie production studio. Most people working at a film production studio will get there by finding a job as a freelancer with a production company that might rent out a studio to hold a shoot. It takes establishing a relationship with a production company and being a good worker to be called often to work on a film set.

Competency on the set saves money, hassle and time. In an industry known for long work days, workers who know what they are doing will get the jobs first. It doesn't matter how you get the knowledge, but your success is based on you getting it.

1. Go to school — seek out a degree in film making.

2. Go to work — get a job, any job, on a film shoot or at a video production stage.

3. Do it yourself — start making your own movies and initiating work with movie studio facilities.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get a job working with a film production studio

Finding work in an entry level position, such as Production Assistant, will help a beginner in the industry become familiar with the workings of a film production facility. An observant worker will quickly discover the names of and how to work with special equipment as well as the flow and process of a production. This is also the best way to network with others, in turn, providing more work. Some film production facilities hire their own crew to assist with set up and take down of film sets.

I recommend: Raleigh Studios discusses services offered so you can become familiar with studio operations. After getting some experience on the local level and you're ready for the big dogs, check with Seeing Stars's list of top film production studios.

Learn the stages of video production at a university or film school

Some work in film studio facilities will require education or experience. Stage and studio facilities for film production education and training can be obtained online or through a production program at a university or film school. The best schooling will provide both education and experience, a plus in getting to work.

I recommend: Film Connection offers an apprenticeship program that gives both education and work experience. Pearson Education has materials available so you can learn information on your own. Each state has a film office like the Michigan Film Office that is a great resource for education as well as job opportunities. Some would choose to attend a four-year college course and earn a degree in film making like the one available at Boston University.

Familiarize yourself with equipment and terminology used by movie studio facilities

It takes more than just a director, producer and editor to make a movie. Gaffers, best boys and other interestingly named positions scurry around a movie set, each one expertly knowing and working with the film equipment. At the very least, knowledge of these job titles and the equipment used is integral.

I recommend: WILDsound offers a briefing of film making positions and the duties of each one. Refer to the Internet Movie Database for a comprehensive dictionary of film terminology.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some have found that the best way to get what they want is to forgo traditional avenues and go after movie making goals independently. With good ideas, passion, persistence, and some knowledge, you already have what it takes to get started. Spread your name by entering contests, networking with other filmmakers, or starting your own production company.

Anyone in the film industry knows the importance of good film studio facilities but finding the right studio space to use during filming can be a headache. Cost effectiveness, time considerations and space issues all come into play when choosing the right film production facilities and should be weighed equally when deciding on particular film stages.

Hollywood studio facilities may be expensive and not necessarily the best option for your particular filming needs. You need to know where to turn to meet your particular filming schedule and cost constraints and keep your film on the right track. This guide will provide a wonderful primer for your company to scout and secure the right video production stage and equipment and provide peace of mind during all stages of the filming process as you:

1. Consider film schools for cost effective film production studios.

2. Scout movie studio facilities in the Los Angeles area that fit your filming needs.

3. Find film studio facilities with a variety of services and equipment available for renters.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Utilize film production studios through California film schools to minimize cost

Film schools offer a great and cheap alternative to renting a space in the Hollywood Hills area. Studio production costs can be exorbitant in California so scouting out local film school production spaces can be a great alternative to traditional film studio facilities.

I recommend: The California Institute of the Arts has various sound studios and production studios for those searching for great and relatively inexpensive spaces for film production. Cal State also has state of the art facilities for producers to utilize for a reasonable rental fee. Bear in mind that school spaces are usually best utilized in summer months when school sessions are less frequent.

Find quality affordable film production stages in the Los Angeles area

Los Angeles is a virtual mecca for film production studio sites and is one of the best cities in the world to access the right space for your filming needs. There are various stage and studio facilities for film production at a variety of price points that will fit almost any budget.

I recommend: GMT Studios is located in Los Angeles and has various stage sets and sound studios available as well as pre-dressed sets to decrease cost for those companies with a limited budget. Raleigh Studios is another great option for companies located in the Los Angeles area, they also have offices in Baton Rouge, Budapest, Playa Vista and Manhattan Beach.

Secure a film production studio space with the right equipment and services to meet your needs

Any filmmaker knows that a good film needs more than just a sound stage to have a chance at any success. Movie equipment is expensive and some of it is simply too large to lug around to locations. Finding the right studio equipped with grips, catering, lighting equipment and other amenities is hugely important to make the filming process go as smoothly as possible.

I recommend: For underwater shoots and full service production facilities, Baja Studios is a good cost effective choice. ATV Video is perfect for documentary or other non feature-length film choices, and they offer great pricing and a variety of post production services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Carefully plan your filming schedule and only utilize as much studio time as needed in order to reduce cost, renting a production studio can be expensive so time is of the essence.

Both amateur and professional filmmakers should know the key terms used at stage and studio facilities for film production. Knowing what each of term means is vital for filmmakers and videographers. This aids in communication with industry professionals and increases knowledge of the many processes involved in creating a successful video or film.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Stage sets

Stage sets are the areas where videos and movies are shot. Some film production companies have one stage, while others feature multiple stages with movable walls to create space.

I recommend: Learn about the stage sets provided by Steiner Studios.

Sound recording

Sound recording includes more than recording actors' voices for film and video productions. Sound recording also includes music scoring, voice-overs and sound effects. Many studio facilities feature sound recording and editing services to meet the needs of film and video production staff.

I recommend: Read about sound recording and editing services offered at Sound Image Video.

Script writing

Many stage and film production facilities offer script writing or script evaluation services to their clients. This service is especially helpful for first-time directors and producers who would benefit from the advice of industry experts. Professional writers create scripts for everything from commercials to feature-length films or offer advice on how to polish scripts.

I recommend: Learn about the script-writing services provided by Screenplay Television.

Lighting and stage equipment

Many stage and film production facilities offer lighting and stage equipment to their clients. This includes the power needed to light up large sound stages as well as electrical equipment including feeder cables, CAM-LOK panels and floor breaker boxes. Other stage equipment would include scrims and sound blankets.

I recommend: Find information about the lighting and stage equipment available at LMA Productions.

Camera crew

Film or video projects require camera crew members to shoot the film. Many stage and film production companies put together camera crews and other film personnel, including directors, actors and extras.

I recommend: Pulse Media lists its rates for hiring camera crews to shoot films at its film production facilities.

Post-production services

Post-production services include editing film and sound, writing and recording soundtrack music, and any additional visual and sound effects. Many stage and film production facilities offer post-production services to their clients. This includes hiring personnel to assist them in post-production so that the finished film or video project is professional and ready to be distributed.

I recommend: Learn about the post-production services offered by Digital Rebellion.