Interdisciplinary Studies: Film & Media Production
Film Studies is an interdisciplinary program that allows for professional advancement through the utilization of film as an art form, conduit of popular culture, community-building tool and agent of change. Film and video production are taught along with courses in Africana Studies, American Studies, Art, Communications, English, History, Languages and Culture Studies, Political Science, Religious Studies, Theatre, and Women’s and Gender Studies.
Sample Occupations
- Editor
- Director
- Film Critic
- Producer
- Cinematographer
- Screenwriter
- Writer
- Script Supervisor
- Art Director
- Lighting Technician
- Sound Production
- Production Assistant
- Casting Director
- Location Manager
- VFX Artist
- Film Publicist
- Marketing Director
- Broadcaster
- TV/Radio Host
- Camera Operator
- Electrician
- Set Design
Types of Employers
- Studios
- Ad and Marketing Agencies
- Media Companies
- Institutes of Higher Education
- Social Media Platforms
- Content Creators
- Journalism Networks
- Freelancing
Preparing for your career in
Advertising/Public Relations: Gain knowledge of various media, contemporary tastes and trends, demonstrate talent, persistence, assertiveness, and enthusiasm, participate in sales and promotions for campus organizations or departments, complete an internship in a marketing or advertising firm, create a portfolio showing originality and imagination for creative positions, take electives in psychology to better understand decision-making and motivation theories.
Film: Put together a demo reel, portfolio, and resume that can be used for applying to any small roles on a production team (any role that gets your foot in the door is key), work on film projects with peers, check with the local film office to see what is in production in the area and sign up to be on contact lists if possible, look for internships at companies that manage film, television, broadcasting, festivals/concerts. Consider the undergraduate certificate in video production.
Entertainment Industry: Take courses in copywriting, journalism, and technology. Get involved with campus entertainment boards or planning committees. Be adept at learning new tools and technology quickly.
Performance: Develop a portfolio that highlights your qualifications and special skills, invest in professional photographs for your portfolio and to share with casting agencies, create a demo reel that shows your best on-camera performances or clips that show your acting abilities, research casting agencies to determine which organizations are casting for parts that best match your professional goals, begin building relationships with casting agencies and theaters that host auditions.
How do I know if its right for me?
ASSESS: Take a career assessment, such as PathwayU, to see how your interests, values, and personality fit with majors and careers.
RESEARCH: Research the careers on this WCIDWAMI and thousands of other careers using O*Net Online, The Occupational Outlook Handbook or FirstHand.
EXPLORE: Learn more about a career field of interest by job shadowing, attending a career panel, or participating in a Career Trek. Further your exploration while gaining valuable skills by completing an internship, co-op, volunteer, or research experience.