Why Resourcefulness is a Non-Negotiable in the Film Industry
If you've ever asked someone for help before googling. This is for you.
Breaking into the film industry is tough. Succeeding in it? Even tougher. Talent is a given, connections help, and timing can make all the difference—but one of the most underrated and overlooked qualities that can truly set you apart is resourcefulness.
And I know it sounds silly but i am SERIOUS - If you've ever asked someone for help before googling or commented on a tiktok “Where can I buy that?” without browsing the comments first. This is a must read for you.
Resourcefulness has become a bit of a lost art and it’s a SKILL that must be practiced, refreshed and used often or else it’s not like a bike. It will be lost and it seems to be lost for a lot more folks now than ever and this isn’t a jab at GEN-Z or boomers. It’s EVERYONE. With endless information at our fingertips, many people rely on quick fixes and shortcuts. And I get it—convenience is king. We all love having things handled for us, whether it’s a pre-planned vacation itinerary or a meal delivery service that does the hard work. But when that “someone-else-will-do-it” mentality sneaks into your work environment, it’s a one-way ticket to losing respect and, worse, opportunities. This mindset is often referred to as learned helplessness and it’s everywhere.
We’ve All Seen It
On social media: Just scroll through TikTok comments. They’re filled with people asking the most basic questions that could be solved by a 5-second Google search. Fatou has an incredible video that perfectly captures this issue. The BEAN SOUP theory and if you don’t know what that is… GOOGLE IT!
In work settings: You know the type—the coworker who emails or Slacks you for a link they could easily find in their inbox, Dropbox, or Google Drive. Why should that task fall on someone else?
In an industry as competitive and fast-paced as film/TV, being the person who can solve problems without hand-holding is the edge that gets you noticed—and remembered. It’s the difference between being a barely there intern and someone people actively want to work with again.
I often find that people who are resourceful are also constantly proactive. They have the unique ability to turn obstacles into opportunities. They don’t wait for things to happen—they make things happen. Whether it’s finding creative solutions when the traditional route isn’t working or staying one step ahead, their mindset is one of constant adaptability. It’s this drive that I think sets them out from the rest.
What Does Being Resourceful and Proactive Look Like in Film/TV?
Being proactive and resourceful doesn’t mean doing everything yourself; it means exhausting all available resources (Google, context clues, email chains, Reddit, Threads, whatever) before asking someone else to step in and making sure you’re ahead of schedule, not being chased down by your coworkers.
In the more business/office side of the industry and even for some office PA’s and production assistants - this is my advice.
1. Anticipate Needs Before They’re Asked
If you know a meeting is coming up, prepare a clean, organized agenda or printouts without being asked.
If your boss often asks for coffee, have it ready when they arrive. Small, thoughtful actions show you’re paying attention and thinking ahead.
When asked to follow up on something, respond with “received and looking into it” instead of letting the email sit for days. This allows your boss and team to know it’s been seen and is being handled without them needing to check in.