The Advantages To Earning A Film And Video Degree
Earning a film and video degree gives students the ability to work within the dynamic field of entertainment. Since creating films requires a staff of sometimes hundreds, the entertainment industry offers many opportunities for professionals of all skill and qualification levels. There are no industry standards regarding education or training necessary for employment though many students complete degree programs at various levels to gain an understanding of the technical, creative and managerial aspects of film. Students who participate in film and video programs gain industry knowledge and the technical skills to display creativity, talent, and professionalism. Students within film and video programs gain the skills to operate equipment, write scripts, critically analyze films, edit productions and manage the many aspects of film production. , to write scripts, understand the many aspects of film production, and critically analyze films. Courses based in art studios, communication studies, film history and theory, film making, video labs, and the different varieties of cinema provide students with the abilities and knowledge necessary to advance to various occupations.
Most colleges have recognized the demand to extend instruction beyond traditional on campus settings as many students manage work and family responsibilities while pursuing their degree. Online programs offer innovative knowledge and virtually the same educational experiences as their on campus counterparts, with the added benefits of flexible course scheduling and 24 hour access to class materials. Most online classes feature smaller groups of students, numbering 25 or less, who have access to classmates and instructors through one on one Internet chats. Many students find online programs not only more personalized than traditional, on campus programs, but are also one of the most convenient and affordable means of advancing personal, educational, and professional goals.
What Students Learn Within A Film And Video Degree Program
Students within film and video degree programs gain a strong technical foundation necessary for careers before or behind cameras within the entertainment industry. Educational requirements and training specifications vary tremendously for professionals within the film and video industry. Individuals often complete film and video degrees to gain a solid understand all aspects of cinematography including the history, theory, planning, financing, criticism, and techniques of film production. Film and video degree programs also offer students knowledge pertaining to computers, business, financing, publicizing, distributing, and other post production aspects of film.
Many students complete associate’s degree programs to gain a basic understanding of the field. Associate level courses include: art history, audio engineering, light and grip, production management and technology, video production, dvd authoring, digital FX for post production, video streaming for the web, script writing, 16 mm production, documentary production, hands on camera and lighting, editing, acting for directors, student producing, 35 mm film making, cinematography, casting, synchronous sound editing, efficient shooting, contemporary masters, critical film studies, feature length film production, advanced editing, digital video projects, director’s craft, screenwriting, documentary production, entertainment industry seminar, and an internship. Graduates with associate’s degrees often advance to entry level employment or continue studies within higher degree programs.
Bachelor level film and video degree programs offer students an expanded understanding of the film industry as well as specialized skills in English and computer science. Courses at a bachelor level include: computer science and the Internet, college Algebra, English composition, introduction to psychology, lighting, public speaking, storytelling, introduction to digital photography, sound for film, digital cinematography, HD production, production design, art direction, directing, production design, cinematography, documentary film making, makeup for motion pictures, interpersonal communications, postproduction techniques, producing, and an internship. Bachelor degree graduates may advance to employment or continue studies in master’s degree programs.
Master’s degree programs offer students the ability to qualify as upper level professionals in the entertainment industry through extensive studies in producing, filming, writing, and editing film. Courses at a master’s level include: directing, lighting, script and screen writing for film and television, commercial production, editing, voice over, producing, film production, music videos, special effects, cinematography, production design, television production, cinematography lighting, film makeup, underwater filming, film costume design, and an internship. Graduates who complete master’s degrees often advance to employment. Some may advance to doctoral degree programs to qualify as experts in the field.
Doctoral degree programs offer students the qualifications and ability to gain employment as industry leaders, researchers, and instructors through specialized, intensive training. Doctoral level courses include: film criticism, narrative studies, film theory, European film, non-western film and television, American film, media and society, television studies, theory and method, new media, historiography, practice of teaching film and television, film authors, research design, media industries and culture of production, film and other arts, topics in American film history, media audiences and the culture of consumption, media audiences and the culture of production, visual analysis, classical film theory, animated film, contemporary film theory, American television history, fictional film, television and society, new media, computer applications for film study, visual perception, television criticism, videogame theory, electronic culture, and culture, media, and society. Graduates who complete doctoral degree programs are considered lead experts in the field and advance to various upper level positions of employment.
Prospective Jobs For Film And Video Degree Graduates
Film and video degree graduates gain a broad educational basis necessary for a variety of careers within the film industry. Due to the versatility of a film degree, creative individuals with an interest in film will find ample (and quite glamourous) job opportunities for employment. Factors like geographic location, experience, creativity, and talent are vital to gaining employment within the entertainment/film industry in addition to educational background. The best prospects for film graduates are within entry level jobs working for independent film companies and smaller film businesses located within Los Angeles or New York. Many film and video graduates work in behind the scenes projects for advertisements, educational productions, and other films. Many gain employment as editors, grips, camera operators, audio engineers, and sometimes managers.
Many graduates aspire to produce highly prominent Hollywood films and find employment within other fields which are equally rewarding. Graduates who complete associate degree programs often work as camera operators, animators, assistant film or video editors, editorial assistants, or even picture researchers. Graduates with bachelor degrees often work as video producers, film producers, information assistants, television or radio presenters, journalists, film editors, television researchers, or animators. Graduates with master’s degrees often gain employment as project directors, film producers, arts administrators, video producers, film or video editors, or instructors within vocational schools. Doctoral degree graduates often work as lead directors, instructors within universities, lead producers for film, video, or television productions, or as administrators within film companies. Many graduates also work independently as consultants within their own businesses upon acquiring work experience, establishing their skill and reputation, or gaining adequate funding.
Salary Range For Graduates With Film And Video Degrees
Graduates who complete film and video degree programs have earnings which vary tremendously and are based upon factors like: education level, experience, geographic location, organization of employment, union affiliation, and duration of employment. Most film and video professionals have earnings which are based upon each film production and fluctuate significantly. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) reports filmmakers and directors earn salaries of $54,000 annually. Graduates who complete associate or bachelor degrees and gain employment as television, motion picture, or video camera operators generally have earnings ranging from $29,020 to $59,970 annually. Graduates who work as television or radio broadcasters and presenters generally earn $36,250 annually. Graduates employed as film and video editors earn $33,0060 to $77,700 annually. Graduates with master’s or doctoral degrees who work as film directors or university instructors have earnings ranging from $41,890 to $105,070 annually.
Career Outlook And Advancement Opportunities For Film And Video Degree Graduates
Graduates who complete studies in film and video degree programs gain a versatile educational basis necessary for a variety of employment options within a dynamic, rapidly changing, and highly competitive industry. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that job growth in the motion picture and video industry is expected to increase by 14 percent at a faster than average rate in comparison to other occupations through 2018. Increased consumer demand and technological advances will increase the demand for qualified film and video professionals qualified to work as programmers, animators, multimedia artists, digital film makers, computer specialists, computer generated image technicians, film and video editors, and broadcast or sound engineering technicians. Employment within the film and entertainment industry is highly erratic but offers a number of employment options because workers frequently leave the occupation to gain more stable sources of employment.
Higher paying, highly prestigious writing, acting, producing or directing jobs are often difficult to secure as the number of applicants greatly outnumbers the number of available positions. Graduates who distinguish their work through style and creativity, constantly adapt to changing industry trends, and refine their skills through continued education and other programs often establish lucrative and rewarding careers within the film industry. Many graduates begin employment within entry level positions in small or independent film firms and advance to assignments with greater responsibilities in larger film or television companies, upon establishing their reputation, experience, and skill. Some graduates work as independent freelancers within self owned businesses upon gaining adequate experience, training, and funding. Many graduates with advanced degrees and experience go on to instruct students within film schools.
