If you have the skills to move up, you have to create relationships with people who don't know you as a film loader. Start with indie films (if you can find one that's still shooting on film). Having big loader credits from studio features may help you get onto an indie film as an AC.
I've found that when a DP has a crew he/she can count on, it can be hard to move someone up because you enjoy having the person you rely on. Plus, if his/her AC isn't going anywhere, booting someone out to move you up isn't usually an option. That said, many many people have moved up, so target crews who use multiple cameras, align yourself with lots of new operators who don't know you as a loader, and from this point on, introduce yourself as an AC to new people you meet.
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