How a Film Production Major Prepares You for the Job Market
A film production degree prepares students to enter a number of fields that use videos to convey a message, train employees or entertain audiences. Film production majors learn about various aspects of filmmaking, design and the movie business. They spend a great deal of time working with cameras and familiarizing themselves with film, sound, lighting and editing techniques. Film production students also study directing, shot and cut selection, character development, dialogue and other cinematography elements. Some students will learn about business-related topics, including production budgets, creating shooting scripts, storyboarding and receiving permits to do on-location filming. In addition, students will closely examine famous films and different styles to gain a comprehensive understanding of thematic elements and common film techniques. Once the basics have been covered, students will thoroughly explore and demonstrate their talents by producing and editing videos of their own.
Best Career Paths for Film Production Majors
Film production majors can use their skills in a number of fields, including these top career paths:
- Producer. Producers are in charge of the business aspects of a motion picture, television show or theatre production. Producers select scripts, approve production ideas and make investments or financial decisions that stay within the production budget. They typically hire or approve of directors, cast members and other staff members that play a big role in production. In addition, producers are concerned with the progress and consistency of all writers, directors and managers.
- Director. Directors are in charge of all creative decisions of a production. They interpret scripts and direct actors, audition and choose the talent and orchestrate rehearsals. Directors also instruct cast and crew members. Production sets, costumes, choreography and music are all approved by the director. Directors oversee all production and creative elements, but they follow the lead of the executive producer, who has the final word on all production matters.
Producers and directors work together to produce a quality television show, motion picture or theatrical performance, as well as adhere to budgets, comply with union work rules and meet with all parties involved in the production. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, producers and directors made an average salary of $64,430 in 2008, with higher salaries for motion picture and film industry workers.
How to Market Your Film Production Degree
Regardless of the job you are applying to, all employers can use your creative, analytical and technical skills in the workplace. If you want to make filmmaking a career, you can promote the cinematography and technical camera skills that you've learned in school. After years of practice and familiarity with different cameras and film techniques, you have adopted your own artistic style and format for storytelling. On a more general scope, you can demonstrate how your filmmaking and technical skills can further a company's business, through employee training videos, marketing, advertising and other promotional materials.
