What it’s about:

This major prepares you to work in all aspects of film/or video production, producing, media writing, production management, directing, lighting, cinematography and/or videography, editing, and sound recording and mixing. The major also provides a strong foundation in media literacy, history, and theory.

What the study of this major is like:

Terms used in film and/or video production can be confusing. Although “film” programs traditionally use motion picture cameras and celluloid (film) to capture images, they are increasingly incorporating digital video. “Video” generally refers to single-cam-era production using either analog or digital videotape, and is similar to filmmaking in the way its production is organized.

Most programs is cinematography/film/video provide a mix of media studies and production courses. In media studies, you explore film and video history, theory, and analysis. You learn the language, theories, and politics of using images and sound to communicate. Because media making is a social and cultural practice that overlaps with many other disciplines, most programs require a foundation in liberal arts. In production courses, you are taught basic techniques: the creative use of lenses, lighting, cameras, and film stock; the theory and practice of editing; and the art and technology of sound design and recording. Once you master the basics, you move on the intermediate and advanced production work. In many programs, you studies culminate in a thesis project, which often becomes part of a demo reel-a viewable collection of your work-that can help you in your job search.

Programs may offer concentrations in one or more areas, such as editing or cinematography. In all programs, you can expect to work as a crew member on other students’ projects. By crewing for other students, you can focus in one area of production or expand your skills in several areas. For example, if you are interested in sound design, you can volunteer, to record and mix students’ projects. You should seek as much practical production experience as possible because anything you work on can be included in your demo reel.

In media studies, most courses consist of both lectures and screenings, and assignments include writing research papers. Typical production courses require two two-hour lectures and one two-hour lab per week. Labs, which have fewer students than lectures do, involve hands-on learning and the screening of student projects. You generally shoot required projects outside of class.

The cinematography and film/video production major is time-intensive. You often work on projects during the evenings and on weekends. Because you’re most likely to get a job through skill and experience, you should take advantage of all on- and off-campus opportunities, such as volunteering at a public TV station, and also seek internships or media jobs in the summer. Students sometimes earn course credit for participation in extracurricular activities.

This major can be costly, because you will probably have to buy some of the gear. While all programs provide major equipment, most expect you to purchase your own light meter, computer hard drive, and film/tape stock and to pay for film lab services. But there is always a market for used equipment, and you can often purchase items at reduced cost from graduating majors.

Some cinematography/film/video programs emphasize production for “the industry,” while others focus on film/video as an art form. Commercially oriented programs use Hollywood production techniques and tend to stress narrative fiction or broadcast news; little attention is given to avant-garde work. An arts-oriented program, in contrast, challenges you to explore your own vision and may also emphasize experimental or documentary production. Most programs strive for a balance. Some programs emphasize individual production and require you to write, direct, and edit your own projects. Other programs operate on a crew-oriented basis: only a few student projects are picked for production, and the other students crew on these films.

Career options and trends:

Independent film/videomaking*; camera operator, director of photography*; sound editor, designer, mixer; apprentice or assistant editor; production assistant*; producer; director or assistant director; production manager, screenwriter.

Employment in the industry depends on ability, as evidenced in a demo reel, or in previous jobs or internships, rather than on a college degree. However, college training is often the best way to acquire job-qualifying skills, contacts, hands-on experience, and a demo reel. Technical positions other than entry-level ones may require membership in a union or guild.

The job market in film/video is competitive. There are far more job seekers than positions, but that should not discourage you from pursing this major. Students who commit to the profession, who excel in the production skills, who develop a good work ethic, and who are attentive and enthusiastic do get jobs. Moreover, the field as a whole is projected to grow as the entertainment market expands and computer and the Internet provide opportunities for interactive productions.

Small or independent filmmakers may provide the best job prospects for beginners, because they are likely to grow more quickly as digital technology cuts production costs.

Many graduates do not hold full-time or staff jobs but work freelance; but even those who work on a television series can have months of downtime each year.

Source: CollegeBoard 2012 Book of Majors