Disclaimer
At Wrapbook, we pride ourselves on providing outstanding free resources to producers and their crews, but this post is for informational purposes only as of the date above. The content on our website is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for legal, accounting, or tax advice. You should consult with your own legal, accounting, or tax advisors to determine how this general information may apply to your specific circumstances.
3. Develop long-term success in your crew role
While the industry is always evolving, crew members who prioritize continuous growth and adaptability—whether by learning new skills, staying current with emerging technologies, or cultivating strong professional habits—can position themselves for long-term success and resilience in their careers.
- Expand skills through training & certifications: Programs like OSHA 10/30, Contract Services Skills Training, First Aid/CPR, drone licensing (FAA Part 107), forklift certification, and union workshops can keep you compliant, expand your skill set, and qualify you for more jobs.
- Craft a production-focused resume: Keep your crew CV production-focused. Highlight specific roles, departments, and projects rather than generic job titles.
- Use digital tools to streamline your work: Apps and platforms that simplify call sheets, timecards, and payroll—like CALLSHEET, SetHero, StudioBinder, and Wrapbook—can save you time and keep your professional life organized.
- Strengthen your career with financial literacy: Freelance and contract work requires careful money management. Budgeting between gigs, setting aside for taxes, and planning for retirement are all essential to career longevity. Explore our blog with filmmaker David Alvarado for more insights into securing a healthy financial future.
4. Explore additional industry tools and communities for growth
For crew members, keeping a pulse on industry news, tools, and professional communities isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for navigating today’s shifting production landscape.
With incentives changing, new technologies emerging, and hiring practices evolving, the crews who stay informed are the ones best positioned to seize opportunities as they arise.
- Follow film office and commission newsletters & social media: Many film offices and film commissions like the California Film Commission and Texas Film Commission actively share updates about new productions and incentive changes. In addition to having your contact information added to any local crew directories and connecting with production coordinators, staying in the know about local industry news can be helpful in sourcing future opportunities.
- Join professional associations for growth & mentorship: In addition to union organizations like IATSE and DGA, other industry groups such as the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC), Women in Film (WIF), and Film Independent regularly offer mentorship programs and workshops that connect crew with peers and industry leaders.
- Stay informed with podcasts & trade publications: Outlets like Deadline, Variety, The Wrap, and industry podcasts provide insights on trends, production updates, and labor news.
- Learn and connect through Wrapbook resources: From our blog featuring in-depth articles and guides, to tools like the Production Incentive Center that help track production credits, rebates and grants, we’re committed to giving crews actionable insights. We also host the On Production podcast, where industry experts share advice and experiences, and organize both in-person and virtual events that connect professionals across the production landscape.
Wrapping up
Crew Appreciation Day is about more than recognition—it’s about building a culture that values the people behind the scenes and equips them with tools to thrive. Whether you’re exploring new incentive hotspots, expanding your network, or sharpening your professional skills, investing in your future is the best way to celebrate yourself and your peers.
This 10/4, take a moment to celebrate your contributions—and share these resources with fellow crew members with the hashtag #crewappreciationday across all socials. Together, we can make sure the industry continues to appreciate and support the people who bring stories to life.
Crew Appreciation Day was created to recognize the talented professionals who bring film, television, and commercial productions to life. From set builders and camera operators to coordinators and stylists, every role is essential to making stories happen.
As the holiday returns this 10/4, it’s not only a time to celebrate crews, but also an opportunity to equip them with tools for their careers. This year, we’re highlighting resources that can help crew members discover new opportunities, strengthen professional connections, and build long-term sustainability in an unpredictable industry.
Before we dig in, don’t forget to grab this social media toolkit to participate in this year’s Crew Appreciation Day. Using the hashtag #crewappreciationday, post a picture of you or your fellow crew members.
1. Leverage incentive programs to expand local job opportunities
Film and television productions often follow the money—and that money is shaped by state production incentives. When a state boosts or renews its film incentive program, productions tend to follow, increasing demand for local crew.
- Follow states on the rise: In recent years, states like New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Texas have strengthened their incentive packages. For crews, this means more projects closer to home if they’re not based in traditional production hubs such as Los Angeles, New York, or Atlanta.
- Track incentive updates: Staying aware of changes in state incentives can help you anticipate job surges in your area—or signal when it may be worth considering a relocation for work.
- Stay updated: Bookmark your state film office’s website, sign up for industry newsletters, and follow Wrapbook’s blog, events page and Production Incentive Center for regular updates on where the work is trending.
2. Networking and job sourcing opportunities
In today’s film and television landscape, simply being listed in a directory isn’t always enough to secure steady work. Competition for crew roles has intensified in recent years, and while traditional networking routes remain important, the real key lies in building visibility, credibility, and trusted relationships within the industry.
- Build your portfolio on online platforms: Sites like Mandy, Staff Me Up, ProductionHUB, and LinkedIn remain essential starting points, but crews who stand out are those who treat these platforms as living portfolios rather than static resumes. Sharing project updates, seeking endorsements from collaborators, and joining relevant discussion groups can elevate your profile beyond just responding to job posts.
- Engage actively in industry unions & guilds: Organizations like IATSE, DGA, and Teamsters continue to be anchors for work opportunities, advocacy, and stability. Union job boards are useful, but equally important is active participation—attending meetings, volunteering on committees, and maintaining relationships that can lead to referrals.
- Tap into local directories & film commissions: Many state and regional film commissions publish crew directories. While adding your name is a basic step, maximizing value means pairing this with outreach—building direct relationships with production coordinators who regularly draw from these lists.
- Make meaningful connections at festivals & mixers: Networking at events such as festivals, industry panels, and union gatherings works best when approached with intention. Instead of collecting dozens of business cards, aim for a handful of meaningful conversations that you can follow up on later.
- Join & contribute to community-driven resources: Beyond traditional networking, platforms that foster professional community like Reddit are becoming increasingly valuable.
- Find support in Wrapbook mixers & Room Tone: Wrapbook hosts periodic mixers—particularly geared toward production accountants—designed to create real connections between crews and employers. For those in production accounting, our Slack community, Room Tone, offers an ongoing space for advice, collaboration, and peer-to-peer networking.
The strongest networks today are those built on reciprocity—where crew members aren’t just looking for jobs, but actively sharing opportunities, resources, and support with each other.
