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Can I Say No to a Job? This one comes up at almost every Career Advice Clinic, usually asked quietly, like it's a confession: "If I turn down a job, will anyone ever call me again?" Yes. You can say no. The bit that actually matters is how you do it. When you're starting out every offer feels like a lifeline. I get it. I took day calls I had no business driving two hours for, purely because I was scared the phone would stop ringing. But years of line producing taught me something: the people hiring you would much rather get a clear, professional no than a reluctant yes. So what's a fair reason to pass? A clash with a job you've already committed to. A rate that doesn't cover your costs. A set that feels unsafe, or conditions you're not comfortable with. Unpaid work with no real training attached. None of those are excuses. Working crew set these boundaries all the time. How you decline is the whole thing. Reply fast, because the coordinator or UPM has a slot to fill. Be honest without writing an essay. Something like, "Thank you so much for thinking of me. I'm booked those dates, but I'd love to be considered for the next one," keeps the door open. And if you can, recommend a reliable friend. Solving someone's crew problem is the best kind of memorable. What actually burns bridges is ghosting, backing out after you've confirmed, or disappearing mid-show for a better offer. Once you've said yes, you're committed, and word gets around quickly. Also worth remembering: turning down the wrong gig keeps you free for the right one. If you're going for camera, locations or the production office, saying no to something unrelated is sometimes how you stay on track. So yes, say no. Early, politely, and with a thank you. Got a question for us? Reply to this email, bring it to the next Career Advice Clinic, or connect with a mentor through the MFJF Mentor Program. We're here to help you get the gig and keep it. All the Best, Liv Today's New Jobs123 roles are sitting on the US board today, 2 of them brand new, so you can get in before the pile builds. Recommended Job of the DayOffice Manager is our pick. It's with a long-established production company in Los Angeles working across music videos, commercials, docs and branded content, and you'd be the person keeping the place upright: admin, supplies, phones, filing, plus a hand in HR, accounts, travel and visas for visiting directors, and supervising the PAs and interns. Permanent, on-site, 9 to 6, $18.42 to $21.50 an hour with health insurance, paid leave and a 401k. Best thing you can do is show you've run something before, even a small office or a student shoot schedule. Send it today, because whoever reads first builds the shortlist first.
Executive Assistant to the General Manager/CEO puts you next to the person who runs an award-winning LA outfit making commercials, promos, documentaries and features. Diary, rolling calls, expenses, HR admin, supporting freelance production teams. You'll see things that stay in the room, so discretion is the job. If producing is the goal, this is a proper first rung — and applications get read as they land. Also on the board — 123 live roles, 2 new today
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Upcoming Virtual Workshops Thu 5 Nov, 6:00pm ESTMFJF Monthly Career Clinic Free for members
Starting a career in the film industry is a lonely business, but just imagine each month if you could speak with an experienced filmmaker and get answers to all your questions and concerns. Better still you can share your worries and listen to others, compare notes and learn all the tricks and tips to getting ahead in the Film Industry. Well, now you can via the MFJF Monthly Career Advice Clinic! Come along each month to get your questions answered and learn from our amazing community. The clinic takes the form of a virtual 60-minute workshop hosted by experienced filmmaker Christina Northrup. Christina will present each month and take live Q&A from anyone who wants to talk, if you want to just listen that is absolutely fine. The overall aim of these monthly workshops is to help you establish your film career! Starting a film career can be very lonely, constantly thinking you are on the outside looking in, desperate for somebody to recognise you have what it takes. And the truth is you are not alone, everyone feels the same. Sharing our concerns, listening to others and having an experienced filmmaker pass on her guidance is one very large step in the right… Book your placeThu 3 Dec, 7:00pm ESTMFJF Monthly Career Clinic Free for members
Starting a career in the film industry is a lonely business, but just imagine each month if you could speak with an experienced filmmaker and get answers to all your questions and concerns. Better still you can share your worries and listen to others, compare notes and learn all the tricks and tips to getting ahead in the Film Industry. Well, now you can via the MFJF Monthly Career Advice Clinic! Come along each month to get your questions answered and learn from our amazing community. The clinic takes the form of a virtual 60-minute workshop hosted by experienced filmmaker Christina Northrup. Christina will present each month and take live Q&A from anyone who wants to talk, if you want to just listen that is absolutely fine. The overall aim of these monthly workshops is to help you establish your film career! Starting a film career can be very lonely, constantly thinking you are on the outside looking in, desperate for somebody to recognise you have what it takes. And the truth is you are not alone, everyone feels the same. Sharing our concerns, listening to others and having an experienced filmmaker pass on her guidance is one very large step in the right… Book your place |
Today's Daily Job ListExecutive Assistant to the General Manager/CEO Permanent Job · Los Angeles, Permanent · Closes 13th November An award-winning Production Company behind music videos, commercials, documentaries and feature films is looking for an Executive Assistant to the General Manager/CEO in Los Angeles. You'll run the CEO's… Office Manager Permanent Job · Los Angeles, Permanent · Closes 13th November A long-established, award-winning Production Company working across music videos, commercials, documentaries and branded content is looking for an Office Manager in Los Angeles. You'd support the General… Competitions closing soonCloses Fri 6 Nov Atlanta Film Festival 2027 One of roughly two dozen Academy Award-qualifying US festivals, with a screenplay track alongside the films. Apply nowCloses Tue 10 Nov BlueCat Screenplay Competition 2027 Every entrant gets written script analysis, and the rules deliberately keep the field to undiscovered writers. Apply nowCloses Tue 10 Nov BlueCat Screenplay Competition Every entry gets free written feedback and winners are introduced to over 400 literary managers and agents. Apply now
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