How to Get Your First Job in the South African Film & TV Industry

🎬 Welcome to The Blade Podcast!

This is the podcast where we talk about film production, post-production, branding, and marketing.

I’m your host, Lungile Mayindi, and I run a production agency in Johannesburg, South Africa called Einhardt Films.

Today’s episode is about something many aspiring filmmakers and TV professionals struggle with:

How do you get your first job in the South African film and TV industry?

Whether you’re fresh out of film school or looking for a way in, I’m going to share my personal story, the lessons I’ve learned, and practical tips that can help you break into the industry.

My Journey into the Film Industry

I’ve worked in the industry for a while now, and I’ve had both highs and lows.

• Crazy late nights and early mornings
• Terrible bosses & amazing bosses
• Tough companies & great experiences

A lot of the opportunities I got came from taking chances and putting myself out there.

How I Got Started

I went to Parktown Boys’ High School, where I matriculated in 2007.

Even before finishing school, I knew I wanted to work in movies and television, but I had no idea how to break in.

One day, I had a girlfriend who told me about AFDA, the film school in Johannesburg, where they teach acting and filmmaking.

At first, I brushed it off.

But then AFDA visited my high school for a career day, and they demonstrated what they teach—acting, film, and TV production.

That was the moment I knew: I had to go to this school.

I went to their open day, did a tour, and immediately fell in love with everything they offered.

Of course, convincing my parents was a struggle.

They kept saying, "Show us a job in film and TV in the Sunday Times newspaper."

And guess what? I couldn’t—because I knew nothing about the industry yet.

But eventually, they agreed, and I enrolled at AFDA.

The First Steps to Getting a Job in Film & TV

1. Take Initiative – Don’t Wait for Opportunities to Come to You

While in first year at AFDA, I came across a billboard for a movie called Straight Outta Benoni, directed by Brandon Jack.

I took a big leap and emailed him directly, saying:

"Hey, I saw your movie. I want to work with you guys. I don’t care how, just let me help out!"

To my surprise, he emailed me back.

He invited me to work on a commercial for Goldwagen, a car parts company.

That was my first set experience, and it was mind-blowing.

I skipped school to go work on that commercial—not encouraging skipping school!—but it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

2. Network and Build Relationships

At AFDA, first-year students had to assist third-year students with their projects.

Through this, I met a third-year producer who saw potential in me.

She invited me to work on a short film in Mpumalanga, where I was given a huge responsibility on set.

• I had to find a toddler actor
• Get a guy with a bike
• Gather 40 extras to play a mob
• Organize 20 kids playing soccer

I had no idea how to do this, but I figured it out.

This experience stretched me beyond my comfort zone and taught me how to solve problems under pressure.

Because of my hard work, that producer kept calling me for jobs, even after I left AFDA.

3. Reach Out to Industry Professionals

In 2010, after dropping out of film school, I was feeling lost.

I randomly met a filmmaker on Facebook who had also attended AFDA.

I reached out and told him I wanted to learn more about filmmaking.

Instead of brushing me off, he gave me resources, tutorials, and websites where I could teach myself.

Eventually, he invited me to work on a feature film as a second or third assistant director (AD).

It was four weeks of insane work, but I got first-hand experience on a real film set.

4. Be Willing to Work Hard (Even When It’s Tough)

After that film job, I started working in TV promos, and let me tell you—it was HARD.

• Long hours, late nights, early mornings
• High expectations, low pay
• But incredible learning experiences

I jumped between different production companies, working at each one for 2–3 years before moving to another to learn more.

Every job I got was because I:

✔ Sent out my CV & showreel
✔ Worked hard & built a reputation
✔ Kept learning & improving my skills

Tips for Getting Your First Film & TV Job in South Africa

1. Network Like Crazy

• Go to film festivals, industry events, and networking meetups.
• Join Facebook groups & LinkedIn communities for filmmakers.

2. Reach Out to Professionals

• Don’t be afraid to email directors, producers, and companies.
• Offer to job shadow, intern, or volunteer on sets.

3. Work on Student & Indie Projects

• Help on film school projects, music videos, or short films.
• You’ll learn on set and meet future industry contacts.

4. Create a Killer Portfolio

• If you want to be a cinematographer, editor, or director, start shooting short films, spec ads, or YouTube content.
• Build a website to showcase your work (I used WordPress + Elementor).

5. Keep Learning & Upskilling

• Watch YouTube tutorials on editing, camera work, and scriptwriting.
• Take online courses (Udemy, Skillshare, or MasterClass).

6. Be Professional & Reliable

• Always be on time.
• Bring a great attitude to every job.
• Deliver more than expected—it will make people want to hire you again.

Final Thoughts

Breaking into the film and TV industry isn’t easy, but it’s possible if you:

✅ Take initiative
✅ Network and build relationships
✅ Work hard and smart
✅ Keep learning & improving

It’s a tough industry, but if you’re consistent and passionate, you will find your way.

🎬 How did YOU get your first job in film?

Drop a comment if you’re watching this on YouTube or leave a review if you’re listening on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts.

Wrap-Up

That’s it for this episode of The Blade Podcast! 🎙

📢 New episodes drop every Monday & Thursday at 10:00 AM (CAT).

Brought to you by Einhardt Films, a production agency helping businesses with film, branding, and marketing.

📧 Want to connect? Email me!

Until next time, keep hustling and making films! 🎬