Before the Credits Roll

Movies and television don’t magically appear on screen. They are built-slowly, carefully, and often under intense pressure-by thousands of people whose names you may only notice as the credits roll. This book pulls back the curtain on that world and shows what working in film and television actually looks like when the cameras aren’t pointed at the stars.Inside, you’ll find an honest look at the real jobs that keep productions running: the assistants sprinting across sets, the department heads making high-stakes decisions, the editors shaping stories frame by frame, and the crews who solve problems most audiences never realize existed. It explains how projects move from idea to screen, how crews are hired, how unions and contracts shape daily life, and why the industry runs on relationships as much as talent.This is not a fantasy version of the business. It addresses long hours, unstable schedules, financial uncertainty, and the emotional grind that comes with freelance creative work. At the same time, it shows why so many people choose this path anyway-and how they build sustainable careers over time. You’ll learn what entry-level work really pays, how people move up, what education actually helps, and which common assumptions about 'breaking in' are misleading.Whether you’re a student considering your future, a parent trying to understand what this industry involves, or someone standing at the edge of a career change, this book offers clarity instead of hype. It’s written for people who want to make informed decisions, understand the trade-offs, and see the entertainment industry as it truly operates-from the inside out.