The booming film and media industry is attracting many individuals to apply for all types of positions. From making documentaries to creating Hollywood blockbusters, there are a number of occupations associated with the film industry. U.S. News & World Report has ranked art director jobs among the most popular occupations in the nation. With growth of media and technology, the demand for skilled and qualified film makers, photographers, and media artists is high. However, breaking into the film industry is not easy. You need to be equipped with a degree in film and video, and must demonstrate diverse skills.
Film Video and Photographic Arts Degrees
Programs for film, video, and photographic arts degrees concentrate on the study of these different mediums. The curriculum emphasizes the development and theory in this field. Students enrolled in these programs acquire in-depth understanding of film making and photography arts. Key areas such as the following are covered:
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Film studies
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Reviewing and critiquing
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History of the documentary
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Research techniques videography
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Editing
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Business aspects of film production
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Video writing
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Special effects
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Photographic arts
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Computer applications
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Photography techniques
The curriculum entails fundamental subjects that are necessary for providing students with an interdisciplinary approach, and a thorough understanding of historical developments of the industry. Apart from this, students learn about various media art forms, photography techniques, and modern technology. As technology plays a key role in this industry, it is important for students to have a broad understanding of technology and film making equipment.
The curriculum components could be divided into theory based subjects, research oriented courses, and practical courses. The curriculum may vary from institute to institute, and will also depend upon the level of degree a student is pursuing. Graduate degrees often focus on more advanced subjects relevant to the field. Degrees in these areas are offered by a number of institutes at undergraduate and graduate levels.
If students wish to study this field online, they could choose to earn online film, video, and photographic arts degrees. Online education is in high demand due to numerous benefits. In an online program, you may study according to your own schedule and free time. The costs of online programs may be less as compared to campus-based programs. The main aim of degrees in these areas is to prepare students for challenging careers in the industry.
Career Prospects
With a degree in film, video, and photographic arts, you could choose from a wide range of occupations in the film and media industry. You could work as a film director, photographer, press photographer, camera operator, location manager, art director, broadcast engineer, and video producer. These are just a few of the career options you have. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, art directors made a median annual income of $80,880 in 2012. Not everyone with a degree in film and photography arts has to work for an organization; many individuals have set up their own businesses and are offering services to individual clients. Factors such as degree level, specialization, and skill set play a role in determining your exact career path and income potential.