Entertainment Industry Job Apps: Film, TV, Music, and Theater
Aspiring actors, crew members, musicians, and stage staff in the US can land entry-level and freelance gigs in film, TV, music, and theater through platforms like ProductionHUB, ShowbizJobs, LinkedIn, and Indeed. You'll need professional headshots at 300 dpi and 1200x1800 pixels minimum (Mandy 2024), resumes on 8x10 paper, and tailored applications. Salary ranges span $30K-$71K for entry music roles (historical data, Berklee.edu 2019) to $21K-$140K average $102K for entertainers (Entertainers 2026). You'll get fast answers upfront, then sector breakdowns, checklists, and evidence for practical job hunting.
This covers early-career US professionals; advice may not work outside major hubs like LA or NYC without local networking.
Fast-Track Job Search Platforms by Sector
Start your search on these USA-focused sites for immediate film, TV, music, and theater openings: ProductionHUB (20+ years, thousands of pros), ShowbizJobs (1,000+ postings), Mandy (3M pros worldwide), Glassdoor (1,923 film production jobs Glassdoor 2026), Disney Careers, LinkedIn, Indeed, EntertainersWorldwideJobs for gigs and auditions, Upwork (4,000+ video editor jobs), and FlexJobs for remote work. Freelance dominates film and TV, so check free tiers first.
Film and TV Production Crew Boards
For production assistant and crew roles, go straight to ProductionHUB, ShowbizJobs, and Glassdoor (1,923 US film production jobs Glassdoor 2026). These list entry-level gigs like ingest specialists at NFL Films. Volunteer at festivals like Sundance to build credits--volunteers are their "lifeblood" (InFocus 2025). Simpler sites work fine for non-competitive regional work.
Music and Theater Openings
Check EntertainersWorldwideJobs for musician auditions and gigs (e.g., leading lady with pop belt), Soundlister for sound engineer jobs, and Berklee insights for careers (historical data, Berklee 2019). AFofM sets minimum rates (no specifics). Broadway NYC roles often post through Entertainers; the freelance emphasis fits theater casting calls.
Essential Application Materials: Headshots, Resumes, and Contacts
Actors need 3 headshots when starting out (1 commercial, 2 theatrical or vice versa) for versatility (Brandon Andre 2022); pros use 3-5. Specs: 300 dpi, 1200x1800 pixels min for 8x10 prints (Mandy 2024). Hire professional photographers (costs $400-$1,500 (historical, 2017) Backstage 2017); keep backgrounds simple and capture your persona (Modern Actor 2025). Resumes fit 8x10 paper (Backstage 2017). For casting directors, send short email intros--no mass Twitter lists (StageMilk 2019, historical).
Don't over-retouch or wear distracting outfits; neutral was old advice--show personality now.
Networking and Agencies for Hollywood, Broadway, and Beyond
Build connections at events like Commerce Futures dinners for face-to-face mingling (Commerce Futures). LA agencies: A3 (relaxed signings, e.g., Iain Armitage Backstage 2023), CESD (team approach). Follow up on CD emails every 4-6 months (InFocus 2025). LinkedIn and Disney Careers help with staff roles. Example: Brian Epstein managed Beatles' rise (historical Berklee 2019). Skip paid CD lists.
Salary Expectations Across Entertainment Roles
Ranges vary widely by experience and location: music $30K-$71K (state-certified, historical [Berklee 2019](https://online.berklee.edu/takenote/top-10-careers-in-the-music-business-and-how-much-money-you-can-make/--market may have changed); $100-$2,500/day or $100K+ per AFofM mins). Entertainers $21K-$140K avg $102K (Entertainers 2026). Film editors grow 14% (BLS https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/film-and-video-editors-and-camera-operators.htm, via FilmLocal 2025); top cinematographers make $1-3M per film. Cities like SF pay above average (FilmLocal 2025). Entry-level skews low; full-time offers stability. Use these numbers for benchmarking, not guarantees.
Step-by-Step Application Checklist for Entry-Level and Freelance Gigs
- Match platforms: Upwork/Instagram for freelance film, ProductionHUB for crew (InFocus 2025).
- Update headshots (300 dpi, 3 looks).
- Tailor resume (8x10, credits-focused).
- Apply to 5 gigs per week; volunteer at festivals.
- Network: 1 event or 3 CD emails per month.
- Track through FlexJobs for remote (FlexJobs).
For production assistants and internships, start with ShowbizJobs. Simpler for non-USA.
Freelance vs Full-Time: Pros, Cons, and When to Choose
| Aspect | Freelance (e.g., Upwork 4K jobs, Mandy 3M pros InFocus 2025) | Full-Time (e.g., Disney, Glassdoor) |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Flexibility, variety (gigs and auditions) | Stability, benefits (5% growth to 2033 FilmLocal 2025) |
| Cons | Inconsistent pay, no benefits | Less location freedom, bureaucracy |
| Best For | Entry/freelance film/TV/music (tour manager example Berklee 2019) | Staff TV/production |
| Decision Framework | Choose freelance if <1yr exp; full-time if seeking benefits |
Freelance for flexibility; full-time for security.
Evidence Pack
Job Platform Comparison Matrix
| Platform | Best For | Key Features (# jobs/users) | USA Focus | Free Tier Limits | Entry-Level Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProductionHUB | Film/TV crew | 20+ years, thousands pros | Yes | Full access trial | High (PAs, volunteers) |
| Mandy/Upwork | Film/TV freelance | 3M pros, 4K editor jobs | Yes | Trials | High (gigs) |
| ShowbizJobs | Film/TV staff | 1,000+ postings | Yes | 3-day trial | High |
| Disney Careers | TV/film staff | Company-wide | Yes | Free | Medium (experience) |
| FlexJobs | Remote audio/video | Curated remote | Yes | Subscription | Medium |
| EntertainersWorldwideJobs | Music/theater gigs | Auditions worldwide | Partial | Free | High |
(BLS)
Remote and Regional Opportunities (USA Focus)
FlexJobs lists remote entertainment jobs like audio engineering (FlexJobs). Glassdoor for US film (1,923 jobs). Hollywood: A3/CESD agencies (Backstage 2023). NYC/Broadway through Entertainers. Search LinkedIn for "remote film production." Regional: SF pays higher (FilmLocal 2025).
FAQ
How many headshots do actors need for applications?
Starting actors need at least 3 (e.g., 1 commercial, 2 theatrical) for range; pros use 3-5 (Brandon Andre 2022). Budget dictates--2 minimum to save costs.
What are the best job boards for film crew positions in the USA?
ProductionHUB, ShowbizJobs, Glassdoor (1,923 jobs Glassdoor 2026) are top choices for PAs and crew (InFocus 2025).
Can I find remote jobs in TV production or music?
Yes, FlexJobs for remote audio/video/TV (FlexJobs); Soundlister for music audio.
What's the salary range for entry-level entertainment roles?
$21K-$71K entry, avg $102K overall (Entertainers 2026, historical Berklee 2019)--varies by location and experience.
How do I contact casting directors effectively?
Short email intros, follow up every 4-6 months; no Twitter blasts or paid lists (StageMilk 2019, historical).
Are there internships at music labels in the USA?
Limited specifics, but Berklee notes paths like tour management (historical 2019); check LinkedIn/Disney for related opportunities.
Apply This to Your Situation
Ask yourself: 1) Sector focus (film vs music)? 2) Experience level (entry/freelance)? 3) Location or remote preference?
Update your headshots to 300 dpi and set up profiles on ProductionHUB and LinkedIn; attend 1 networking event or send 3 targeted CD emails this month.