Film degree program career path

Career Paths to Film Industry Jobs

From box office theatrical debuts to online how-to clips, video’s popularity is rapidly increasing as technology advances. Additional tools, online production platforms, and more and more digital channels help drive the demand for video content. The growing demand for video is inspiring more interest in film and video production careers. As technology continues to change, a film degree opens more doors to variety of diverse and expansive career paths.

Broadcast Video Industry Jobs

Pursue a career in broadcast video production with a film degree. Live events, sports, and news broadcasts rely on a variety of video skills and experience. A degree in film or video product introduces students to videography fundamentals through hands-on experience and group projects.

Camera Assistant

A first assistant camera (1st AC) is a member of the film production crew responsible for maintaining a shot’s focus. A 2nd AC maintains the department’s notes, claps the slate, and is responsible for the maintenance of the camera equipment.

Dolly Grip

A specialized grip responsible for setting up and operating the dolly, a platform designed to hold the camera and camera operator, for dynamic and smooth shots.

Location Manager

The location manager is responsible for finding and securing locations to

be used and coordinating the logistics involved for the production to use the location.

Sound Mixer

A member of the production crew responsible for recording sound (dialogue, ambient sound, and Sound FX) during a shoot.

Entertainment & Film Industry Jobs

A film degree lets you take part in creating entertainment content like films, videos, and TV shows. More diverse skills, outside of videography, play a significant role in organizing, planning, and eventually shooting films and videos needing large-scale production. Depending on the project or production, film industry jobs may also require unique or very specific technical skills or experience in diverse or unusual locations.

Assistant Director

A member of the production department in charge of scheduling the shoot and coordinating the crew daily to stay on schedule.

Camera Operator

A member of the film production crew responsible for operating the camera and framing shots. They work closely with the cinematographer to execute the director’s vision.

Editor

A film editor assembles footage shot during production into a coherent film. They play a dynamic role in the making of a film by working with the director to make creative storytelling and timing decisions.

Electrician

A member of the lighting department responsible for setting up lights and running power on set.

Gaffer

The head of the electrical department, responsible for the execution (and sometimes the design) of the lighting plan for a production.

Grip

A member of the lighting department responsible for setting up lights and running power on set.

Production Assistant

Assistant to the production crew.

Production Manager

A production manager organizes the business, financial, and employment issues on film productions. They are responsible for realizing the visions of the Producer and Director through coordinating production logistics.

Special Effects (SFX) Editor

A member of the post-production department responsible for the

creation of digital and computer-generated effects.

Find out what foundational skills and hands-on experience you need to pursue a video production and film career. Evaluate the curriculum and required courses to earn a film degree at Five Towns College.