Break into Film & TV Without Moving to LA or NYC
Posted on: Aug 05, 2025
Photo Credit: Jerry Uomala // iStock PhotoGrowing up, I always thought that to work in television and film, I had to be in Los Angeles or New York City. That idea left me feeling defeated because those are expensive and hard to live in cities, but as I learned more about the industry, that idea turned out to be more myth than fact. The truth is, the industry is evolving rapidly. Streaming platforms, regional tax incentives and the demand for fresh voices have pushed productions into cities and towns all over the country. You no longer need to uproot your life or drain your savings just to get your foot in the door.
Key Insights:
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You don’t need to live in a major city to build a film/TV career.
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Local productions, remote jobs, and tax incentives have expanded opportunities nationwide.
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With the right networking and persistence, you can break in from anywhere.
I started working on sets in my hometown and quickly realized that there are real opportunities outside the so-called “entertainment capitals.” Whether you’re a PA (production assistant) hoping to climb the ladder, an aspiring editor working from home, or a filmmaker with a story to tell, here’s how you can build a career in TV and film without packing a suitcase for LA or NYC.
Many states have a local film office that tracks upcoming productions, offers crew databases and helps facilitate filming in their region. Check the website of your state’s film commission and subscribe to any newsletters or job boards they offer. States like Georgia, New Mexico, Louisiana and Illinois have booming TV and film scenes due to tax incentives that attract large-scale productions. Even smaller projects, such as commercials, branded content, indie films and reality TV often film outside major cities and are a great way to gain experience and make connections. Getting involved locally can lead to bigger gigs over time.
Online Communities
I have learned that you don’t have to be in a major city to start networking. Most regions have local film groups, Facebook communities, and industry mixers where crew members, producers and creatives connect. Local Facebook groups and Staff Me Up have been very helpful for me personally in finding work nearby. Start attending events hosted by your state or city’s film office, or organizations like Women in Film, IATSE locals or production meetups. You’ll meet people who can help you get on set — and possibly stay there.
If you are just starting out, my best advice is to say “yes” to PA work early on, even if it’s unpaid or low paid. Once you’re on set, you’ll learn how the crew works, make contacts and be in the right place when better opportunities open up.
Post-production, animation, casting, writing and even some producing roles are increasingly remote-friendly. If you’re interested in editing, writing scripts or managing production logistics, you can often work from anywhere with a good internet connection and the right software. Tailor your résumé and reel to highlight your adaptability and experience working independently.
Don’t Wait for Permission to Create
One of the fastest ways to get noticed is to create something yourself. With access to affordable gear and editing tools, you can write and shoot a short film, web series or documentary using local talent and resources.
Whether you’re a PA, DP (director of photography), costume designer or editor, a strong ability to promote yourself can help you stand out. These local gigs can often be very competitive, so finding ways to get your name out there can really help put you above the rest. Keep your LinkedIn and Staff Me Up profiles current, and be active in the community. Often these local jobs come from word of mouth, so having a good reputation is essential.
You might not need to move across the country, but a short relocation to a production-heavy city like Atlanta, New Orleans, Austin or Chicago could give you a major leg up. These mid-sized hubs often have more consistent work and tight-knit communities that are welcoming to newcomers.
Temporary Relocation
If you’re serious about making film and TV your long-term career, relocating to one of these cities, even temporarily, could offer the experience you need without the cost and chaos of LA or NYC.
Local workers are always valued on visiting productions as they can often guide the out-of-towners around their city. This makes you a valuable tool on the production, and can allow you to make strong connections to those traveling in for the shoot. Having these out-of-town connections is another great way to move up in the industry and potentially get brought onto their shows full time to travel with them.
At the end of the day, do not get discouraged if you do not live in LA or NYC — you can still have an incredibly successful film career from your hometown. I know editors, producers, casting directors and others in various roles that all live far away from the scene, but they have managed to make a name for themselves and continue to work from all over the country.
You don’t have to be on either coast to make it in entertainment. The industry is evolving, and talent is needed everywhere. If you’re motivated, adaptable and willing to put in the work, there’s no reason you can’t build a meaningful, creative career from wherever you call home.
Key Takeaways:
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Start local — film offices, Facebook groups, and PA gigs are your launchpad.
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Remote roles in editing, writing, and casting are growing fast.
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Regional production hubs like Atlanta and Chicago offer valuable experience without the LA/NYC price tag.
Benjamin Hickson is an aspiring producer and production coordinator who has 4+ years experience working on various Film and TV projects. He has a background in Public Relations and served for six years in the military. He also has passion for travel and aims to increase LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry.
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