Making Movie Magic: Film Production And Editing Degree
Does your love for films extend beyond simply watching the latest blockbusters? Do you have just as much respect and admiration for the people behind the cameras as the actors in front of them. Do you dream of producing your own films or assisting with the editing process? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you are a good candidate for obtaining a film production and editing degree. It can serve as your gateway to the creative world of movie making and, who knows, one day you could be part of the next big blockbuster or critically acclaimed film.
Film Production and Editing Degree Information
Associate of Arts Motion Picture & Television Degree
An Associate of Arts in Motion Picture & Television is typically the type of course you take as introduction to the world of production and editing. Completing this type of course should give you a solid understanding of the concepts you’ll encounter in this field as well as the problem-solving skills required to face the challenges it has. In most cases your Associate’s degree is also useful as a stepping stone if you want to take your studies further and earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Courses usually covered during this type of degree include cinematic storytelling, introduction to producing, the art of editing, cinematography, as well as production design. The completion time for this associate’s degree is usually two years.
Bachelor of Fine Arts Motion Pictures & Television Degree
Completing a BFA in motion pictures and television is usually a four-year process and is designed to equip you with the specialized skills required to work in the industry. Within this type of program, there are typically six areas of emphasis, including producing as well as editing. You typically get to choose your area of specialization at the conclusion of your sophomore year. When focusing on producing you’ll learn how to manage complex productions, handle the assembly of creative teams, become familiar with the process of negotiating film contracts and much more. Those who want to specialize in editing will learn about post-production technology and techniques, how editing can make a film more compelling and what type of troubleshooting skills are required when working in the industry.
Bachelor of Fine Arts Film, Post Production Degree
If your interest in film making leans towards editing and the post production side of things, then a BFA Film, Post Production degree can be of great help. With this concentration your main focus is on post-production and it will help you to prepare for careers in this field. Topics that usually form part of this course include film history, post production editing and effects, advanced editing and post-production work-flow.
Master of Fine Arts in Film Production Degree Degree
With a film production master of fine arts program you are generally taught about fundamental aspects of the industry, such as visual aesthetics, technical roles, storytelling and even business strategies. This type of course is also geared towards familiarizing you with the software, equipment and technology that is commonly used in the industry. When studying for this degree your course schedule might include film making concepts and practices, script production and analysis, entertainment and communication law as well as visual storytelling techniques and technology.
Film Production and Editing Degree FAQ
Can I Study Film Production And Editing Online?
There are online courses available to obtain a degree in film production and editing, but many of these are only at a master’s level. There are also some online courses for complete beginners, but these usually only provide you with a certificate and not a degree. Typically you would need a stable internet connection, computer with video editing software and camera with video capabilities to take part in an online film production and editing course. Many online courses provide access to a student hub where you can interact with other students as well as online lectures. In film production it is also not uncommon to have access to online media libraries. While a lot can be done behind your computer, you might also be required to go out and film your own material as part of your assignments.
What Type of Jobs Are Available In This Field?
Depending on the type of degree you have earned, your specialization and experience you might be able to find positions in the creative, management and technical sectors of the industry. These positions include roles such as editor, producer, production manager, camera operator and camera assistant. However, there are many other possible career paths and many students who have studied film production and editing go on to become actors, talent agents, cinematographers and even screenwriters. Finally, some students with masters degrees eventually go on to work as instructors and professors at educational institutions to pass along their knowledge.
Who Is An Ideal Candidate To Study In This Field?
Being part of creating a film is immensely rewarding, but it is also very hard work. In addition to being creative, you also need to be very visual and observant. Patience is definitely a good quality in this line of work and it is essential that you are able to work well with others as film making is a very collaborative process. Being able to work under pressure will also be very useful as in the world of film making time really is money. This also means that you have to be very reliable or else you can cause problems for other people in the team.
What Type of Salary Can I Potentially Earn When Working As A Producer or Editor?
Salaries in the film industry tend to vary depending on the type of projects you take on and your level of experience. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the median pay for producers and directors is about $74,420 per year based on figures from 2019. Annual mean wages for producers in the motion picture and video industries specifically are significantly higher though at $105,550. According to their statistics, film and video editors earned a median annual wage of $61,750 although once again those in the motion picture and video industries had a higher annual mean wage of $87,450.
