Film Careers

In college, film majors may study topics like the contemporary film industry, directing cameras, and screenwriting. In this guide, you can learn about numerous film careers, such as production assistant and script supervisor. This piece also covers the skills you can expect to learn in college, common salaries for different professions, and jobs you can attain with an advanced degree.

People who plan for a career in film come from multiple backgrounds and have different interests and skills. However, most individuals enter the field as a way to express their creativity and passion for cinema. If you have both of these traits, you may be well-suited for a career in film.

No matter the career path you select, if you want to succeed in this field you should possess ample patience, flexibility, and humility. Also, film professionals learn as much on the job as in the classroom. As a result, you must know how to adapt quickly after receiving criticism and feedback.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that film and video editors earn median annual wages of $62,650. Professionals who live in California, New York, and New Jersey earn the highest salaries. Metropolitan areas with the most job opportunities include Los Angeles, New York City, and Atlanta.

Like with many professions, film careers pay based on expertise and experience. The following table breaks down the median annual salaries for four popular jobs for a film major and shows how wages tend to increase as a worker gains experience. You can use the embedded links to learn more about each position.

Film industry careers offer a lot of variety, but they usually focus on visual storytelling. Degree-granting programs, certifications, and individual classes and workshops help students build specialized skill sets. For example, actors take courses in rhetoric and improvisation, while directors study cinematography, production design, and leadership. Editors may take courses and seek certification related to relevant software. Often, students pick up several specialties to keep their professional options open. Some of the necessary skills for a film career include those mentioned below.

Actors interpret every line of a script to bring their characters to life, while producers and directors translate words on the page into a visual experience. Editors and camera operators must also understand how each snippet of their work affects the project as a whole. Pursuing a career in film requires ample creativity.

Directors manage actors, staff, and crew during filming and postproduction; they must be able to offer a vision for the work and accept input from others. Producers work with directors and investors, overseeing production schedules and managing creative teams, which requires strong leadership skills.

Actors must be able to speak clearly while remaining in character. They also need to be direct communicators. This allows them to translate words on the page into an experience the audience can understand.

Directors, producers, and editors work with large teams during production. As such, they must communicate well to prevent delays, adhere to budgets, and ensure that everyone understands the creative vision of the project.

Computer skills are essential for editors and other postproduction staff who work with advanced software to cut films into their final forms, fix errors, and create special effects. Familiarity with Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Flash are also important.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Obtaining a film degree means gaining foundational knowledge while also concentrating on a specific subject to prepare for your target career. Since different film roles require varied skill sets, many film degrees allow students to specialize in a particular area of interest. Available concentration paths vary by school and program, but common offerings include editing, sound, television, cinematography, screenwriting, analysis, directing, and postproduction. The following section details a few popular film career paths.

Aspiring screenwriters learn to create and develop scripts for motion picture and television productions. Courses cover genres like comedy, documentary, and animation, as well as collaborative writing, film history, and literature.

To succeed as a cinematographer, students must learn a variety of technical skills. Courses cover lighting, production, color correction, camera operation, and the history and science of cinematography.

Students specializing in sound can expect to study theoretical and practical approaches to sound production in film. Course topics include mixing, recording, and automatic dialogue, all of which familiarize students with standard software programs. Sound courses also explore sound-related film theory through the analytical study of existing films.

Students who want to work in postproduction learn about editing, color correction, and visual effects. Courses in this area take a practical approach, preparing students to use relevant software and understand digital workflows. Participants also study film literature through a postproduction lens.

Creating a quality film or television show requires hundreds of people, including videographers, production designers, and location managers. Each person has a different skill set. In a film program, you can discover potential jobs and career paths that best align with your talents, interests, and goals.

Although some film careers do not require a degree, most professions require applicants to possess specific skills. You can hone these skills in associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs.

With an associate degree, graduates can become broadcast technicians, sound engineering technicians, or equipment technicians. An associate degree provides the practical experience employers seek by familiarizing students with equipment, computers, camera operation, video editing software, and other production tools.

Associate degree graduates can also take more theory-based courses like cinematography, which help them develop a deeper understanding of the field and prepare for bachelor’s-level studies.

Source: BLS

Students who earn a bachelor’s degree in film prepare for a variety of careers, including director, editor, multimedia artist, animator, technician, and writer. The top colleges that offer film degrees use a combination of theory and practice to teach students how to analyze and understand film history while also developing the practical knowledge and skills necessary to produce their own work.

The table below covers a few film career options that can be pursued by bachelor’s degree-holders.

Sources: BLS and PayScale<

Earning a master’s degree in film may make the road to an executive career in film easier. Students in the top film master’s degree programs can often choose a concentration, like screenwriting or directing, preparing them for leadership roles in the industry. In these programs, students gain advanced skills related to film aesthetics, storyboarding, and film theory. They also develop practical knowledge concerning production techniques and business strategies.

Although students may qualify for some of the positions described below with only a bachelor’s degree, earning a master’s can help set them apart from the competition.

Sources: BLS and PayScale

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

In some cases, students may wish to earn a doctoral degree in film, particularly if they are interested in film analysis. Tenure-track professorships in colleges and universities almost always require a doctorate, so those hoping to teach film or publish scholarly research should pursue a doctoral degree.

Like many artists, film professionals are lifelong learners and sometimes choose to add intensive study to their experience. This may mean pursuing a doctoral degree in a specialty area, such as drama or digital media.

Sources: BLS and PayScale

If your career in film involves technical or artistic skills, start creating a professional portfolio right away. A strong portfolio can help you stand out on the job market. You can host your work on a personal website that also includes your resume and contact information.

In addition to a portfolio, you can advance your film career by earning a certificate or continuing your education at a college or university. Educational credentials can enhance your resume significantly; you can learn more about these options below.

Most professionals in this field advance within their careers based solely on experience and expertise. However, if you start a film production company, you may need a state business license or a permit to operate. Additionally, workers like multimedia artists and editors can earn certificates related to certain software programs to demonstrate their proficiency.

In addition to gaining experience, enrolling in a continuing education program can help you make your film career goals a reality. These shorter academic tracks cover topics like acting, cinematography, and producing. Many take less than a year to complete.

Many reputable organizations also offer online courses covering subjects like filmmaking and animation. Learners can complete these courses without having to pause their career, allowing them to apply new knowledge and skills on the job as soon as possible.

As you gain skills from work experience, certificate programs, and online courses, do not forget that the simple act of networking can have a significant impact on your career trajectory. Build friendly and professional relationships with supervisors and peers. Making a positive impression and forming friendships can help you gain additional work in the future.

Another way to advance your career includes joining one or more professional organizations. Organizations, such as The American Society of Cinematographers, offer members professional development opportunities, networking events, and outreach programs. They may also present awards to members who make a significant contribution to the field.

Since career options for film majors are diverse, graduates can find opportunities across many industries. Directors, editors, camera operators, and actors can find work in feature films, independent productions, television broadcasting, advertising, and public relations. The section below offers more detail about these options.

Motion picture and video industries produce feature-length films and documentaries. Individuals can find work at large corporations and smaller, more independent production companies. A film graduate may work on location as a director or videographer, in a postproduction studio as multimedia artist or editor, or in an administrative office as a producer or assistant.

The radio and television broadcasting industry produces radio and television programming, including news, sports, and scripted entertainment. Work can take place in a studio, in an office environment, and/or on location, depending on the scope of the project. These professionals can also work in digital media, like podcasting.

The advertising, public relations, and marketing industry makes consumers aware of products and services. Film school graduates in this industry usually work full time in an office environment, collaborating with a team of other creators.

The music industry produces albums, concerts, and music videos for public consumption. A film school graduate working in the music industry might conceptualize, produce, and/or film music videos or capture live performances.

Freelance and independent artists may be employed on a project-by-project basis or act as consultants. They usually have experience across several of the above industries. Freelance artists may keep hectic hours during the course of a project with lulls in between productions while they secure their next job.

Source: BLS

As you explore different film careers, do not forget about the many resources that can help you succeed. This section highlights professional organizations, open courses, and publications related to the film industry. Use the embedded links to visit each resource’s website, where you can locate additional information.

Film students and professionals have access to several professional organizations and guilds across the nation, which provide scholarships, continuing education opportunities, competitions, and networking conferences. These groups tend to be organized based on regional location or job title. Several guilds provide union benefits to workers in the film industry, such as contract negotiation services, legal aid, and health insurance discounts.

Producers Guild of America: This nonprofit professional organization has a membership of over 5,000 production workers. Members gain access to many professional benefits, including discounted health insurance rates, job postings, dental coverage eligibility, free trade seminars, and free screening admission in select cities. The PGA has authored several members-only resources, including a sustainable energy production guide, the Film USA Incentives Guide, and the Power of Diversity Producing workshop.

SAG-AFTRA: SAG-AFTRA was formed by the combination of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. This organization covers over 165,000 media professionals who work in journalism and entertainment. SAG-AFTRA set industry contract standards and advocates for advancements in wages and working conditions. Members gain access to benefits such as health insurance eligibility, pension credits, professional training, film discounts, and SAG award voting opportunities.

American Film Institute: This nonprofit organization gives members exclusive access to film screenings, AFI awards votes, and cultural education opportunities. The AFI Conservatory for Filmmakers offers a variety of film courses related to cinematography, production, directing, editing, and screenwriting. AFI also hosts national workshops and showcases to highlight important modern filmmakers and their work.

Directors Guild of America: This professional guild has a membership of over 15,000 film, TV, and radio directors. DGA represents members in contract negotiations, copyright protection, and during legislative efforts. This organization was instrumental in advocating the passage of Section 181, bringing tax relief to film and TV production workers on a federal level.

Motion Picture Association: MPA advocates for filmmakers’ intellectual property rights and freedom of expression. The association founded the Classification and Rating Administration system, which assigns ratings to film releases. This allows parents to make better decisions about the films their children watch. MPA also releases industry reports and state-by-state statistics, helping film professionals gain insight into current industry trends.

There are many open courseware options for amateur and advanced film enthusiasts. You can choose from options like film study and theory courses that cover practical production techniques and technology courses.

Film Studies – Stanford University: This course can be taken for free on iTunes University. Students go over topics such as prolific filmmakers’ lives and the impacts of sexuality and politics in film. Course materials are presented in video and audio formats.

Film as Visual and Literary Mythmaking – MIT: Delve into the philosophical aspects of filmmaking in this open course presented by MIT professor Irving Singer. Singer is also the author of the textbook used in this class — Reality Transformed: Film as Meaning and Technique. Students gain access to video lectures, assignments, and supplemental texts.

Film studies journals tend to lean toward the scholarly analysis of historical and contemporary media. The following journals explore several types of film work, including digital 3D animation, traditional cartoons, and Hollywood feature films.

Animation Studies: This is the official, peer-reviewed journal for the Society of Animation Studies, which publishes conference papers by SAS members. Students and professionals can explore topics such as animated music video production, industry trends, 3D kinetic animation, and film theory in the Animation Studies archives.

Images: This journal is dedicated to the analysis of vintage and classic films, with an “In Focus” column dedicated to the 30 greatest Westerns of all time. Previous issues include features on film noir, an analysis of Tarzan comics and their influence on film, and biographical writings on Tex Avery.

Film-Philosophy Journal: This publication is open to a broad variety of submissions. The journal is released twice a year, and the editorial board is composed of faculty members from colleges throughout the UK, with representation from the University of London, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Edinburgh. You can view previous issues online.

Bright Lights Film Journal: This publication was first launched in 1974 by founding editor Gary Morris. It has since grown into a web-only journal that features short articles, reviews, interviews, and academic pieces about films and industry professionals. Bright Lights does not shy away from any genre of film, and particularly welcomes written pieces about minority representation.

The following books are considered to be industry “must-reads” for film professionals and students. These include introductory books that can be used by undergraduates to acquaint themselves with the expansive history of film worldwide, as well as tutorials for aspiring filmmakers covering topics such as symbolism, screenwriting, and distribution.

Film Art: An Introduction: This compendium of historical film highlights contains over 1,000 full-color stills. Authors David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson analyze a multitude of mainstream cinema examples, teaching new film students industry fundamentals by providing clear-cut examples from film.

The Screenwriter’s Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script: Author David Trottier walks aspiring and seasoned screenwriters through the process of writing, formatting, revising, and selling a screenplay successfully. This is an important text for film students who want to get a closer look at how stories can be brought from paper to the screen.

How to Read a Film: The World of Movies, Media, Multimedia: First published in 1977, this book remains a relevant guide for students entering film studies. Author James Monaco covers many topics, including cameras, soundtrack production, film syntax, history, politics, popular criticism, and digital media.

Film History: An Introduction: Also written by David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson, this book describes the history of film in the United States. Students get a comprehensive look at the politics, legislation, and technological developments that have led to today’s cinema and television entertainment industries.

Digital magazines lend themselves well to film studies, allowing authors to supplement their articles with a variety of video, photographic, and audio materials. The following magazines present occasional tabloid-style news on Hollywood happenings, as well as in-depth business analyses of the film industry.

Entertainment Weekly: This publication is available online and as a print periodical. While the target audience for EW is a consumer audience, film professionals can still use it to keep tabs on upcoming productions, talent, and mainstream releases. Articles cover a broad variety of popular entertainment, such as TV shows, books, films, and fashion.

American Cinematographer: This periodical is dedicated to professionals in the film industry and covers current and upcoming releases, tools of the trade, and interviews with distinguished industry members. The publication is released in both print and digital formats.

Backstage: This online publication covers developing actors, entertainment news, and upcoming auditions. It can be a helpful resource for filmmakers who need to network with local acting talent.

The Hollywood Reporter: While this periodical has more of a tabloid feel, it can still provide film professionals with information about current developments in film culture, film festivals, and screenings. Articles may also cover the business angles of filmmaking, exploring movie budgets, franchise buyouts, and other economic events that shape the industry landscape.

Degrees in film relate to the many different professions involved in bringing a director’s vision to life. Typical degree options include digital film, screenwriting, and acting. Some programs may offer an interdisciplinary curriculum where you can learn about and master more than one filmmaking topic.

Depending on your personal goals and what you want to achieve in the film industry, a film degree can be a good investment. However, succeeding as an actor, producer, or director requires a significant amount of work, and many professionals need to take on second jobs to support themselves.

The film industry oversees hundreds of different careers for a film major, the majority of which are carried out behind the scenes. Professionals can find work as screenwriters, editors, producers, actors, sound technicians, and many other roles.

Many filmmakers take great pride in what they do and work tirelessly to create the best film or television show possible. However, many professionals struggle to find steady employment, which can put a strain on their personal life and finances.

Besides having the knowledge, skills, and experience that employers want, attaining a job in film often requires developing an extensive network with other professionals. Joining a professional organization is a good place to start when building your network.