Major

Careers

Related Skills

Creativity – using sounds, color, imagery and art
Effective oral communicating skills
Strong writing capability
Strong research capabilities
Understanding and appreciation of different cultures
Critical thinking: To become a successful film critic, film historian, screenwriter, editor or director, you must have the intellectual capability to engage a film/video text or production at a deeper level.
Teamwork Skills: It’s great to say, “Let’s put on a show!” It’s even better to inspire others to join you.
Leadership: Take the lead in initiating projects and finding the right resources.
Planning and Organization: Writing and production projects involve meticulous planning and keeping track of activities and progress.
Self-Awareness: Take a hard look at yourself. What are your strengths and how can you best use them? What do you enjoy doing the most? Telling stories? Creating experimental art? Documenting social reality? Working solo (as a writer, researcher, filmmaker) or coordinating the work of others (as a director, producer, teacher)?

A bachelor’s degree is valuable for entry-level positions, but an advanced degree is usually necessary to attain competitive, upper-level positions.
Network: Talk with people working in the field to find out about jobs and opportunities.
Be prepared to move to a metropolitan area where more opportunities exist.
Develop your verbal and written communication skills in order to present your ideas and artistic work to funders, collaborators and audiences.
Complete an internship or an apprenticeship with a local video production company.
Develop skills that qualify you for other jobs while you wait for opportunities in Film/Television. Consider another career interest or major to open up more job opportunities.
Get Involved: Never turn down an opportunity to work on someone else’s project. Learn everyone’s skills by trying everything — acting, editing, directing, lighting, researching, analyzing. Remember that George Lucas (the “Star Wars” guy) started as a student intern.

Seek part-time or volunteer opportunities with independent production companies.
Read trade publications.
Learn how to design Web sites with embedded images and videos.
Cultivate artistic talents.
Seek internships with post-production or editing companies.
Enter short film festivals and contests.

Review movies and TV shows for school or local newspaper.
Take courses in related areas such as creative writing, public relations, advertising, and business.
Get as much writing experience as possible: Write for the college newspaper, enter screenwriting contests, etc.
Read variety of screen scripts to see how scripts are developed.
Build personal website to publicize film and TV show reviews.
Develop excellent writing skills.

Learn to work well in a team.
Develop a sense of artistry and creativity.
Get experience. Offer your services to school and local theaters.
Read industry magazines, books, and electronic media to learn about your area.
For sound design: Become familiar with computer technology as digital sound effects and electronic music replace traditional means of sound design.