Become a Television Producer
Film and Video Production is without a doubt one of the coolest jobs on the planet. Earn one of the advanced degrees in this industry and you could be working on the Production team of a hit television series! Here's how to get your foot in the door.
What is Film and Video Production?
Students that graduate from Film and Video schools are immediately thrust into the heart of the position. You will be responsible for the production process from project inception to the director's final "cut." From capturing that perfect camera angle to reviewing the final product frame by frame, you will be at the heart of creativity and creation.
Opportunities in Film and Video Production
Film and Video production professionals are employed by an entire range of businesses and organizations that produce televised media. For example, you might be asked to shoot an educational video for the government. Or you could be in the production booth of the NFL for Monday Night Football. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the Film and Video Production industry is projected to grow 17 percent between 2004 and 2014.
Desired Skills for Positions in Film and Video Production
- Technical Expertise. Working with the equipment and getting the perfect result takes a lot of technical knowledge.
- Ability to Learn. You will need to pick up new concepts and processes quickly on the job. This will reduce your learning curve significantly.
- Flexibility. Successful Film and Video Production candidates possess the ability to roll with the punches and find new solutions to problems.
The Road to a Career in Film and Video Production
If you think a career in Film and Video Production might be for you, the first step is to check out the schools and colleges that offer degrees in this growing field. It is critical to find an accredited program with a track record fro graduate success.
Film and Video Production Schools and Colleges
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What They Offer: Bachelor Degree in Film and Video Production What You Learn: The entire process of creating a full length film or video, from scriptwriting to post production. Need to Know: In this hands-on program, students form a production company and work to deliver a completed film. Concentrations are available in Commercial Film, Feature Film, and Visual Effects and Animation. |
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What They Offer: Associate degree in Digital Video Production What You Learn: The entire process of producing a digital video, including scriptwriting, video editing techniques, and DVD Production. Need to Know: Students practice their skills in an internship or coop experience, and will create a finished product they can use for their portfolio. |
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What They Offer: Associate's degree in Television Production What You Learn: How to work behind the television camera, along with both linear and non-linear editing. The program includes an internship. Need to Know: Students gain experience in the school's multi-camera television studio, as well as on location. |
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Who They Are: Center for Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University in Waltham, Massachusetts and Washington, DC What They Offer: Digital Filmmaking Certificate What You Learn: In the first term, students learn the fundamentals of digital filmmaking, including lighting, editing, and camera operation. In the second term, students work in teams on advanced filmmaking projects that explore the finer points of cinematography. |
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Who They Are: Collins College, in Tempe, Arizona What They Offer: Associate degree in Digital Video Production and Bachelor degree in Film & Video Production What You Learn: With an overall focus on production techniques for film and video, students in the Associate degree program can learn topics like lighting, audio, and post production. The Bachelor degree introduces the student to HDTV, 3D Animation, and non-linear editing. The Buzz: Students work with video production and editing software and hardware as they work to create videos. |
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What They Offer: Diploma in Film and Video Production. What You Learn: The technical skills of the film and video production industries using tools such as Final Cut Pro and Avid. The Buzz: Three separate editing products, plus classes on distribution and career development prepare graduates for entry-level positions. |
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Who They Are: Minnesota School of Business in Bloomington, Minnesota What They Offer: Diploma and Associate Degree in Digital Video and Media Production What You Learn: How to put together a DVD, from scripting and storyboard design to adding audio, to final editing. The Buzz: Students receive certifications in FInal Cut Pro, DVD Studio Pro, and AVID Xpress Pro. |
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What They Offer: Associate degree in Video and Radio Production Technology; Bachelor degree in Digital Recording Arts Technology What You Learn: Digital filmmaking and digital editing. Students get hands-on experience working on projects involving location shooting, pre- and post-production and location audio and video production. The Buzz: Classrooms and labs are equipped with non-linear editing booths, two broadcast-quality studios, and four production studios. |
