The Friends In Film Podcast

In this episode, Janet speaks with a member of the program who explains why trying too hard to connect with people on set is actually not the best way to go about creating connections.

In this episode, Janet discusses the tips on reaching out to your professional connections in order to continue getting film work.

In this episode, Janet shares her stories from set. Like this episode? Please leave us a review — even one sentence helps!

In today's episode, we speak with Jake who has found long term success since joining the Friends In Film Program. Jake answers questions about art directing, how to move up within the department, and what keeps you getting hired over and over.

In this episode, Janet talks about the types of lives that bring about success in the film industry. Like this episode? Please leave us a review — even one sentence helps! 

In this episode, Janet discusses ways to connect with the film community through in-person events that are unique, engaging, and add to people's lives.

In the final installment of the Into the Industry series, Janet moves from theory to execution. You have the roadmap (Part 1) and the mindset (Part 2); now it’s time to design your future.This episode is about making the decision to be great. Janet explains why the film industry isn’t a lottery you hope to win, but a business you can master with certainty. She breaks down the "Get It Factor"—the specific behaviors and knowledge that make you invaluable on set—and shares her personal journey from "outsider" to Emmy-winning sound mixer for National Geographic and major commercial campaigns.Stop planning your career from where you are today (scared, new, unsure). Start planning it from the outcome you want. Learn how to skip the 10-year struggle and compress your timeline into a single year of massive growth.In this episode:The Power of "Deciding": Why a big, scary goal (like winning an Oscar) is actually the safest way to build a career.The "Get It" Factor: The specific on-set behaviors that get you hired back immediately.Compressing Time: How to skip the decade-long "PA Grind" and move into your dream craft (Directing, DPing, Writing) in just one year.The Invitation: Your final call to join Into the Industry and make 2026 your breakthrough year.Ready to start?The Into the Industry mentorship program is open now. Join Janet and a community of motivated filmmakers who are building their careers from the inside out.👉 Join here: friendsinfilm.com/industry

Is "the struggle" really a necessary part of a film career? In Part 2 of this 3-part series, Janet reveals why the suffering most actors and filmmakers experience is actually optional. The struggle doesn't come from the industry being "hard"—it comes from approaching the business with the wrong map.Janet breaks down the psychology of success, explaining how your own biology (The Motivational Triad) is wired to keep you playing small, and introduces the specific mental frameworks you need to bypass years of rejection. Learn how to stop waiting for permission and start thinking like the professional you want to become.In this episode:The Myth of "Talent First": Why trying to break in with your script or acting reel is causing your unnecessary struggle.The Motivational Triad: Why your brain naturally resists big goals (and how to hack it).The Self-Coaching Model: A step-by-step tool to change your thoughts, feelings, and bank account.Strategic Byproducts: How chasing a big film career upgrades your entire life, from your finances to your confidence.You can sign up right now by going to: www.friendsinfilm.com/industry

Does a career in the film industry feel like a "long shot"? In Part 1 of this 3-part series, Janet breaks down the exact roadmap to remove the uncertainty and risk. You don't need to get lucky; you just need to know the right actions to take today. Learn how to stop guessing and start engineering your way onto professional sets.You can sign up right now by going to: www.friendsinfilm.com/industry

In this episode, Janet speaks with a member of the Friends in Film program who is navigating the film industry as an assistant props manager and how that can lead towards bigger opportunities.

In this episode, Janet discusses her proven method of breaking into the film industry as a full-time professional and highlights the misconceptions people have that are normally trying to get in.

In this short episode, Janet reads an email sent to someone inquiring about being a production assistant. After pointing out many details of the email, we can see why it's clearly a scam.

In this episode, Janet discusses the difference between low quality and high quality problems and how getting to the root of high quality problems starts with your thinking.

"Say it how you want it" is the name of the game in today's episode. Janet also talks with several people who know what they would want to be and helps them become that in their mind.

In this episode, Janet takes a look at several resumes and offers advice to tailor them to be more recognizable in the film industry.

In this episode, Janet shows us how we are limiting the way we talk about ourselves in order to get the results that we want.

In this episode, Janet talks about resumes, why competing with professionals will never work, and why the seemingly busiest cities feel like they have no work surrounding them.

In this episode, Janet reveals and explains why some aspects of the film industry are the way they are. Regardless of experience, there's always a way to get on set and start building a career in the film industry.

In this episode, Janet recalls several recent stories on set, and how to navigate the delicate craft of maintaining relationships with peers.

In this episode, Janet shares a story from set.

Are you working on your film career, putting out projects, and meeting professionals but still not getting the work that lands you full time in the industry? In this episode, Janet discusses what you could be doing that keeps you spinning in this category.

We speak with Luka who shares how much he has accomplished since joining the program only two years prior.

The importance of connections is often overlooked. Spending time crafting connections and your ability to connect is just as important as learning the craft itself.

In this episode, Janet talks about why it's important to have a big goal set for yourself and what's usually overlooked when it comes to having a goal of the caliber.

In this episode, we hear from someone who is moving up in the film industry much faster than expected.

Here's why you shouldn't be hesitant about the big goals and ambitions that you are trying to achieve in the film industry.

In this episode, Janet speaks with Derek who has just recently directed a music video.

In this episode, Janet shares a resume with one of her students who is only ten months in the program.

In this episode, we share discussion with Ibrahim as he shares some experiences and stories on set of what he thinks he's done right and what can be improved as he wraps up his time in the program.

In this episode, Janet talks about what it means to try and reach "critical mass" in your film career. That means getting enough film jobs that they just keep coming in at a consistent rate. After that, Janet speaks with someone who's looking to achieve the same result.

In this episode, Janet talks about the changes you'd need to make as an actor who's trying to jumpstart their career and leave their survival job.

Are you feeling stuck or lost in your 9 to 5 office job? Would you rather be working on a nature documentary and traveling the world getting paid to make movies? Omar shares stories and lessons from his projects last month. From commercials to documentaries, there are shoots for every type of personality. And yes, you can have a career doing this type of work.

In this episode, Janet talks about how to think about where you are in your own film career by being aware of your own thoughts. We also hear anecdotes from Ibrahim who also reflects on his current career.

In this episode, Janet goes over a resume of one of her students and gives pointers on how to make it even better.

Everyone knows the most obvious roles that are involved with a film set - director, producer, writer etc. But what about the many other jobs that exist on a film set? In this episode, Janet breaks down the many jobs you'd find on set along with their hierarchy.

Are you stuck working freebies and passion projects?Omar just wrapped Art Directing a couple commercials and Sound Mixing a student film. He explains the lessons learned on professional film sets and lower budget film sets. Omar also shares a conversation he had with a professional DP and Director who decided to film school and why he regretted it.

In this episode, Janet answers questions on a call that people have about the film industry. Is it all just luck? Does film school make a difference? Where should I invest my time and effort? Find out more in this weeks latest episode.

Have you wondered what it takes to get hired back as a PA on a professional film set? Or how to move up from PA to a craft like directing, acting or camera operating? This is advanced training from our paid program that gives an overview of how to be the best PA on set and how to create relationships (its all connections) that help you move up in to a craft. Brian is a Friends in Film mentor who is now producing and directing big stuff. He did the FIF program, got on professional film sets as a PA and moved up into producing. If you’re interested in more training like this then go to http://friendsinfilm.com/industryEnjoy!

In this episode, Janets breaks down the steps needed to be an in-demand professional in the film industry.

In this episode, Janet talks about the ways to increase your levels of experience that lead to the biggest results.

In this episode, Janet discusses the idea of narratives. She explains how we not only create narratives for ourself, but how it affects what we think is possible.

In this episode, Janet details her process of giving out holiday candy to those on her email list and the opportunities that can happen because of it.

In this episode, Janet talks to us about not just the goals that we want to accomplish, but the goals that we have already achieved and how those can take us much further than we realize.

In this episode, we discuss deciding what you truly want for your career in the film industry. And sometimes, that includes having to change your initial decision.

In this episode, Janet talks with Luka who has been moving forward with his career in the film industry. They discuss several projects that he's worked on and what characteristics helped bring him those opportunities.

Friends In Film Graduate Vic (Animal Planet Network, A&E Network) has a serious discussion with me on the importance of building your connections and networks during this time (especially those of us who already have lots of videography experience). The key thing to remember here is Videography Is Not Production. And never think PA work is below you because you're "good with a camera". If you don't want to be become decrepit carrying around equipment and working into the wee hours every night editing someone else's project in 20 years, watch this.

In this episode Jana, a professional casting director, gives us insights on how to respond to a job posting that delivers exactly what is being looked for.

In this episode, Janet responds to concerns that young film professionals have. We learn that the thoughts we have surrounding the career that we want might not be the most beneficial mindset and helps us figure out how to shift that mindset.

This episode is from an Instagram Live. We cover topics a variety of topics from how to get paid for your creativity, to generating acting work, what is the best way to get casted, and how to move to a new market.

Whether you’re pitching your project, networking at a festival, or simply meeting new collaborators, confidence can make all the difference. But how do you cultivate that confidence, especially in a field as competitive and sometimes intimidating as film? Today, we’ll explore practical techniques that can help you present yourself with poise and assurance.