Are you curious about careers in film? The dynamic world of movies, video and television offers a wealth of professional possibilities — in fact, 2.74 million people work in jobs supported by the industry. Whether you’re interested in the technical aspects of lighting and film editing or you’re leaning toward a more creative role in set design and cinematography, there’s no shortage of fulfilling opportunities for those with a filmmaking degree.
What Do Film Majors Study?
Film majors study much more than just film. The specifics will vary by program, but in general, a comprehensive curriculum may include:
- Film theory
- Film editing
- Screenwriting/playwriting
- Animation
- Special effects
- Photography
- Video art
- Motion design
- Acting
- Audio engineering
- Post-production
What Can You Do With a Film Degree?
There’s a lot that you can do with this type of education. While you may choose to work specifically on movies and in television, you can apply this degree to positions beyond the industry, such as those in advertising, public relations, journalism or higher education.
Popular career areas include:
- Acting/directing
- Production
- Editing
- Makeup/props
- Lighting
- Sound
- Marketing
- Logistics
- Writing
20 Careers to Pursue with a Filmmaking Degree
Here are some of the most common careers for those with a filmmaking degree.
- Actor
While many actors pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting, Theater or Drama, a filmmaking degree can provide industry knowledge and insights that can enrich your overall film comprehension and influence the choices you make in front of the camera. If you’re interested in acting but you’re also open to other careers in the industry, a filmmaking degree is probably the right fit.
- Animator
An animator is a professional who crafts a series of images that, when displayed in quick succession, create the illusion of movement, a process known as animation. These types of roles are available within sports teams, media and entertainment companies, retailers, technology enterprises, gaming companies and social media platforms.
- Camera Operator
As the name implies, a camera operator is responsible for capturing images or video with highly specialized equipment. In this type of position, you could work for a film company, television production studio, a news network, advertising agency or sports entertainment company.
- Cinematographer
A cinematographer is typically in charge of the overall feel and style of a film or show. They work closely with the directing and production teams and other key departments to make the vision of the film or TV show come to life. Responsibilities may include helping with lighting or camera setup, assisting with camera angles and framing shots, and solving technical issues and challenges as they arise.
- Director
As theNashville Film Institute explains, a director is involved in every stage of a film’s creation and wears many hats, including establishing the tone and voice of the film, working with departments on set, reviewing and adjusting the script, watching auditions and choosing actors, overseeing all aspects of production — and much more.
- Documentary Filmmaker
This type of filmmaking focuses on narrative journalism, nonfiction stories and real-life experiences. Your goal may be to highlight a particular problem or issue, document a person’s life or visit a historical event. Some of themost popular documentaries chronicle everything from major historical events and true crime to issues of social justice and celebrity profiles.
- Digital Artist
A digital artist is similar to a graphic designer but instead of designing static images, uses online tools and computer software to create video and graphics with motion. In this position, your work could involve short films, websites, social media platforms, advertisements and video games.
- Educational Media Designer
Learning modules, educational video content, how-to videos — these are all examples of multimedia content you may create as an educational media designer. In this position, you may design learning resources for public schools, higher education institutions, businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies and more.
- Film Archivist
If you enjoy preserving the historical aspects of filmmaking, consider becoming a film archivist, which is a position that allows you to obtain film, television shows or other forms of video, determine whether they fit your archiving criteria and catalog them according to certain specifications. Film archivists are employed at a number of companies, including film studios, government agencies, libraries and TV stations.
- Film Crew
The crew is a crucial component of any successful production, and the responsibilities will likely vary depending on the circumstances. For example, you may work with lighting, help develop set designs or assist with equipment setup. The term “film crew” may also encompass other positions such as assistant director or the head of a department, such as hair and makeup.
- Film Critic/Reviewer
Love watching films? A film reviewer typically watches new films ahead of their release, whereas a critic analyzes a film — sometimes even years after it’s been out. Both positions require attention to detail, good communication, solid analytical skills and insight and knowledge of the film industry.
- Film Editor
In this role, your main responsibility will be to compile raw film footage into the final edit. This includes incorporating all visual and audio aspects — such as music, graphics and any animation — and deciding which scenes and takes to include.
- Film Marketer
If you have an interest in advertising, media campaigns and film, a related marketing role might be the answer. As a film marketer, you may work on movie trailers, help create advertising campaigns and coordinate publicity events and promotions in order to promote the film and create audience buzz.
- Film Professor
For those who value teaching, working as a film educator, instructor or professor allows you the ability to connect with students over a love of film. Colleges, universities and high schools are always looking for qualified professionals; you will need to obtain a teaching license if you want to work in a public school, and many higher education institutions may require a master’s degree.
- Interactive Media Designer
This type of design position works with animation, sound, visual effects and other digital mediums to create everything from games to websites. You may also work with virtual reality and augmented reality applications, visual design and interactive features like games and quizzes.
- Lighting Technician
As a lighting technician, you help set up, program and operate lighting equipment during filming. You may help install a lighting system, conduct repairs and confer with others to determine what type of lighting techniques and positions are needed. Lighting technicians work for a variety of companies, including broadcast networks, theaters and concert venues.
- Location Manager
“Location, location, location” may be a mantra in real estate, but it also applies to TV and film. A location manager is in charge of finding, securing and maintaining a set location for filming. Responsibilities might include scouting locations, securing the appropriate permits, collaborating with other key members of the production team and negotiating contracts with the owner of the property.
- Screenwriter
This type of writer not only has a knack for the written word but also the ability to effectively tell a story. A screenwriter may create an original script or adapt an existing tale from a book or theatrical production. Part of the role may include research, character development, working closely with the director and producer and revising the script as needed.
- Set Designer
From suburban neighborhoods and bustling corporate offices to alternate realities and magical kingdoms, the set of a film adds another layer of visual storytelling and can make or break a production. As a set designer, you’ll work closely with the production team to ensure that all aspects of the set meet the film’s creative vision. Responsibilities typically include overseeing the construction of set pieces and securing props and furniture.
- Video Game Designer
Video gaming is an almost $200 billion industry, and in this role, you can combine your interest in video games and design with your ability to create visual content that includes new characters, plots and gaming rules. You will also be heavily involved in creating the ultimate gaming experience for consumers.
Who Hires Film Majors?
A film major allows you the opportunity to secure a job at a variety of companies and organizations, including:
- Film production companies
- Broadcast networks
- Colleges and universities
- Public relations firms
- Marketing agencies
- Sports teams
- Entertainment or media companies
Many businesses and organizations have relevant video or film positions within their marketing or public relations departments. For example, Apple’s marketing department has areas of work that include production, creative operations and video and motion graphics.
Other companies that are hiring film-related positions include:
- Live Nation Entertainment
- The Walt Disney Company
- Yale University
- Netflix
- African Diaspora Film Festival
- NBCUniversal
- Major League Baseball
- National Football League
- Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
- CNN
Should You Major in Film?
A filmmaking degree has the ability to open many doors within the industry — not just within film production. From working at film festivals and broadcast TV stations to creating interactive, visual content for marketing departments or professional sports teams, there are many companies and organizations that are seeking well-rounded film professionals with proven expertise.
This major is ideal for anyone who is both passionate and innovative. Filmmaking is a combination of creative and technical aspects, and the right undergraduate degree program should offer a curriculum that reflects that reality.
Another tip is to make sure you look for a program that provides hands-on experience, ideally in the form of an internship, which can also provide you with important networking opportunities and the ability to make connections within the industry.
Marshall University’s undergraduate degree in Filmmaking offers students the unique opportunity to pursue an interdisciplinary, studio art degree that prepares them for a professional career in film. You will study a wide variety of topics and learn the ins and outs of working on a film before finishing the program with an internship that will prepare you to work in the expanding market.
Are you ready to learn more? Visit our program page for all the details, or contact an admissions counselor today with any questions.
FAQs
What is a filmmaking major?
A filmmaking major prepares students with the education, expertise and experience for a variety of roles within film, including directing and production positions. The degree typically covers a wide variety of topics, including film theory, film editing, screenwriting, special effects, video art, motion design and more.
Is a filmmaking major difficult to pursue?
It depends. Some people may find some of the more technical aspects of filmmaking a challenge, but for others, it may come easily. Other factors that may impact the difficulty of the major include your experience, how easily you grasp certain information, your study habits and the program’s curriculum.
What types of concentrations/areas of study are available for filmmaking majors?
Some of the more common filmmaking concentrations include film editing, film production, cinematography, documentaries, sound, lighting, screenwriting and post-production.
What kind of courses do filmmaking majors take?
Filmmaking majors typically take courses on film theory, animation, film editing, photography and video art, though the curriculum will likely vary by program.
What types of employers hire filmmaking majors?
Many businesses and organizations hire filmmaking majors, including film production companies, TV stations and broadcast networks, colleges and universities, public relations firms, marketing agencies, sports teams and entertainment and media companies.
What is a typical film major salary?
Salary will depend on the specific position and place of employment. CareerExplorer cites a median average of $48,022 while Salary.com provides a median salary range of$60,436–$65,145 for those working in film production with a bachelor’s degree.
What is the average screenwriter salary?
This varies widely, but according to Glassdoor, a screenwriter’s base pay range is anywhere from $66,000 to $119,000. Indeed reports that screenwriters often receive apercentage of a film’s budget (between 2% and 3%), which, if the budget is extremely large, could net well over six figures.
What is the average film director salary?
The median pay for producers and directors is $85,320, but they are typically paid per film. The more successful you are in the business, however, the better chance you have of earning a higher salary. Oscar-winning director Steven Spielberg, for example, reportedly has a directing fee of $10 million.