Hi Reader,

A few weeks ago, I got waved through security at the new Perth Film Studios.

Which already felt like I’d made it further than expected.

The place is slick. Properly slick. Big sound stages, modern facilities — the kind of setup that says, we’re not playing small anymore.

We met the CEO, toured the space, and got a feel for how it all works.

Which, PS — if you’re someone who plans events… you can hire out parts of it.

I digress.

Because the most interesting part has nothing to do with what ends up on screen.

Touring the freshly kitted-out production offices next to the sound stages, we caught a glimpse of the production team for Stan’s new series Two Birds hard at work.

The engine room behind everything.

And it hit pretty quickly.

The visible part — the bit we’re drawn to — is only a fraction of what’s actually going on.

A production doesn’t just run on directors, producers, and actors.

It also needs: Accountants, Cleaners, Caterers, Construction crews, Hair and make-up, Medics, Drivers, Security, Traffic control.

An entire ecosystem of roles that rarely get airtime.

When we think about “working in film”… We go straight to the smallest, most competitive slice. And miss everything else.

And yet — even the screen industry is short on experienced people.

Right now in WA, needs Unit Managers and accountants.

Nationally, Line Producers, Location Managers, VFX editors, programmers, engineers…

Certainly not the roles we tend to picture.

But this isn’t just a film industry thing.

Every industry has this.

There are the roles everyone chases. And then there’s the system underneath — where the work gets done, where things quietly break, and where opportunities sit.

It’s just… not where we’ve often been conditioned to look.

~Lisa

Your Q&A

The 2 Page Obsession

Hi Lisa,

I’m updating my resume and looking for Sr. Sales Director roles. I’m trying to reduce my very long resume, but I have too much for a 2-page resume and not enough for 3 pages. I don’t really want to cut experience from my prominent roles. How do I achieve the right balance?

Jocelyn

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Hi Jocelyn,

Resume length is the bane of my existence as a writer.

It always turns into this weird psychological game: “How do I technically hit two pages without ruining everything?”

Tiny margins. Font size that requires a microscope. Spacing so tight it feels like the words are holding their breath.

And then the opposite: A lonely third page… floating there… with three bullet points and a dream.

Neither of these is the goal.

So yes — I’d lean into three pages. Properly.

But don’t just “add space” for the sake of it. Earn it.

At your level, that means building out a longer personal brand section at the top. Not fluff. Not a generic summary. Something that actually explains:

• The level you operate at
• The type of deals or environments you work in
• The scale (team size, revenue, clients, markets)
• How you go about winning and delivering business

Visually, you’re aiming for about half a page that clearly positions you before they even get into your experience.

Then the rest of page one goes to your most recent (and most relevant) role — assuming it’s doing the heavy lifting for where you want to go next.

Everything else flows from there. If you do this well, you won’t feel like you’re “padding” to get to three pages.

It’ll feel like you’re finally giving the right information the space it deserves.

Thanks for writing in.

~Lisa

Get in Contact

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This information is for general purposes and doesn't consider your individual circumstances. It serves educational goals and isn't formal career advice. Always seek personalized guidance tailored to your needs.

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