Six Women in Film You Should Follow on Tik Tok
When Tik Tok was first a thing, I was actively against it. I really didn’t want to get addicted to yet another app (I’m looking at you, Instagram) but I got a little tired of watching Toks my friends sent me on my safari explorer browser.
Needless to say, I caved. I too am now scrolling on Tik Tok for hours at a time.
But what I didn’t expect was to learn so much. Despite all the evils of Tik Tok: aka silencing BIPOC creators and perpetuating unhealthy beauty standards for young girls and boys, there are a lot of very honest and well-intentioned creators out there.
I, of course, found my way to Film Tok. Or really it found its way to me. We all know our phones are watching and listening to our every move which is very spooky, but in this case, actually kind of helpful. Thanks, creepy algorithms!
These creators from all across the Film Tok spectrum, have taught me so much about what it’s like to come into the industry as someone without connections and wealthy parents. These successful women are all self-made and so giving with their time and experiences.
So without further ado, here are six incredible Tik Tok Creators who will give you insight into what it’s like to work in the entertainment industry. I hope they help you as much as they’ve helped me!
Films by Victoria
Victoria is an indigenous filmmaker who currently works as an assistant editor for Comedy Central and she’s incredibly open about her journey to getting there. Victoria frequently posts Tik Toks that give her audience access to the aspects of working in the industry people don’t often see. In fact, one of her most viral Tik Toks was when she recorded herself asking her boss for a raise. Victoria also makes great content promoting other indigenous artists and open discussions about the power of representation. She made a very sweet Tik Tok of her mom reacting to the TV show Reservation Dogs, that I think everyone should see.
Not only is she incredibly transparent about her work experience, but she also posts often about inclusivity in the industry, promotes up-and-coming filmmakers, talks about how her mental health journey has impacted her work and vice versa. She also gives great advice about how to get into the industry. She is super sweet and I love how authentic she is.
Watch Victoria’s amazing content on Tik Tok at @filmsbyvictoria.
Franchesca Leigh
If you’re a big fan of the iCarly reboot and have dreams of becoming a writer or producer, then you’ll love Francesca Leigh! Francesca is a TV Writer, actress, and creative producer of the iCarly revival. Like Victoria, she’s super open about how she got started as a TV writer but likes to stress that everyone has their own journey. In addition to giving behind-the-scenes looks into her work as a producer on iCarly, she makes a lot of informative Tik Toks about the way a writer’s room runs and her role as a creative producer. Plus, she very graciously answers questions people leave for her in the comments. And her amazing style and motivational Toks are just icing on the cake. I’m pretty much obsessed with her and want her to be my friend.
You can obsess over Franchesca with me on Tik Tok at @franchesca_leigh.
Director Yoko
If you have dreams of becoming a Director, Director Yoko is the Tik Tok account for you! Yoko Kumara is a writer/director who’s worked on TV shows like Good Trouble and The Bold Type. Her Tik Toks are hugely inspirational. She talks a lot about the ups and downs of working in the industry, even with all her success. Yoko also posts a lot of tips for up-and-coming filmmakers, like if film school is necessary, how to figure out what your next project is going to be, and making connections. Like Victoria and Francesca, she’s always open to answering questions! She is so great at connecting with her audience and I love getting to see all the cool projects she’s working on.
You can find Yoko’s inspiring content on Tik Tok at @directoryoko!
Megan Props
I never even thought about being a props person, but Megan Props makes it look like an effortlessly cool job. Her Tik Toks, mostly consist of her sharing her day-to-day and the secrets behind some of the most classic movie stunts are done, like how breakaway glass is made. Not only is her content really informative, but it’s pretty aesthetically pleasing. And who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to work in the props department!
Check her out: @meganprops on Tik Tok!
Merry Fets
I found Merry because I’m interested in getting into the UK TV industry, and she has been so, so helpful. Merry is an AD in film and TV based in London.
But, even if you’re based in the states, she posts great content about working as a PA, including basic tips about getting into film and TV, and set etiquette. She also has detailed instructional videos about how to use radios on set. Plus Merry is super vocal about making the entertainment industry safe and inclusive, which I am very here for.
However, if you are in the UK, Merry posts a lot of opportunities, whether they’re Facebook groups you should join or trainee schemes, like the recent Good Omens traineeship in Scotland. I applied for that (and sadly did not get it) but I wouldn’t have heard of it if it weren’t for her! As soon as she sees an opportunity she’ll tell her audience about it. This is something I really admire about her, along with her quirky grandma sweaters, which I desperately want to steal.
Follow Merry on Tik Tok at @merryfets!
Erin McGoff
You might have heard of Erin McGoff, given her 1.8 million followers on Tik Tok. But in case you haven’t, Erin is a director and editor who makes informative Tik Toks about her experience in the industry and gives super helpful career advice.
Erin’s Tik Toks are extremely educational and informative for pretty much whatever field you’re trying to get into. Whether you need help finding an internship, writing a resume, writing a cover letter, composing a follow-up email, networking, preparing for a job interview, asking for a raise, etc. She’s got you covered.
It’s hard joining the workforce. There are so many little things that we were never taught how to do in school and Erin really makes an effort to interact with her audience and cover everything she can. I’ve used her cover letter writing Tik Tok as a reference more than a few times. In fact, that video really helped me write the cover letter I used to get into my Master’s Screenwriting program in Edinburgh, Scotland and the cover letter I wrote for a scholarship application, both of which I got!
In addition to general career advice, Erin does post about resources for new filmmakers and info about women in film! Erin has also made documentaries and posts frequently about documentary making. Like all the other creators I mentioned, she’s super open about her journey as a filmmaker (with no prior connections in the industry) and the story of how she got her documentary on Amazon Prime. If you’re interested in documentary making, definitely check these Toks out!
I highly recommend following Erin for any and all career tips and tricks! You can find her on Tik Tok at @erinmcgoff.
