Film Production Degree: Everything You Need To Know

Many filmmakers begin their careers by obtaining film production degrees to gain knowledge of the filmmaking process. A film production degree typically includes both classroom instruction and hands-on learning opportunities. The courses may cover the audio and visual media principles, pop culture studies, animation, sound design, or other cinema-related studies.

Bachelor of Arts in Film and Video Production

A film production degree, also known as a bachelor’s degree in film and video production, should prepare a student to carry out various types of professional duties on a film set. Examples of important duties they learn how to do include:

  • Editing footage
  • Working with crew members to coordinate tasks
  • Mounting cameras
  • Setting up technical equipment
  • Operating cameras and sound recording equipment
  • Using proper lighting techniques
  • Directing actors and others involved in the filmmaking process

Students in film and video production educational programs learn a mix of technical and non-technical skills and knowledge, including:

  • Research
  • Reading and analyzing films
  • Writing scripts

Most students will complete their programs with knowledge in:

  • Film editing
  • Motion picture production
  • Screenwriting
  • Audio production
  • Visual interpretation

Popular Career Options

Earning a film production degree can open doors to several career opportunities. Most graduates choose to pursue careers on film sets, working as:

  • Key grips
  • Directors
  • Producers
  • Cinematographers
  • Camera operators
  • Boom or other equipment operators
  • Product assistants

Others may choose to focus on the post-production phase of filmmaking, working in:

In addition to working in film, those with production degrees can also pursue jobs in television and advertising, as these fields rely on video production as well.

Continuing Education Information

After completing a bachelor’s degree in film production, some people choose to continue their education and earn a master’s degree. Most film production graduate programs are two-year, full-time programs that focus on the specific elements of filmmaking, such as:

  • Sound design
  • Editing
  • Directing
  • Cinematography
  • Screenwriting

If you choose to become a member of a professional organization or association, you may have to fulfill certain continuing education requirements to maintain your membership. Examples of continuing education opportunities include workshops, trainings, and online courses that focus on particular areas of filmmaking.

Employment Outlook and Salary Information

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, work opportunities for film directors and producers should increase by about 10% between 2019 and 2029. The average salary for a producer or director is $74,420 per year. For film and video editors, opportunities are set to increase by 18% between 2019 and 2029.

Bachelor Programs in Film Production

A number of educational institutions located across the globe offer film production programs for those who want to further their education and gain the skills needed to bring their ideas to life on the big screen. Some of the top-rated film programs are available at the following schools, listed alphabetically:

What Kind of Film Degree Should You Get?

Film programs cover a range of topics and coursework, although most provide an overall approach to filmmaking for all areas of the set. A comprehensive bachelor’s degree program can teach you more about the process of filmmaking, while a more specialized program or advanced program may go into more depth on specific topics and experiences.

What Are the Requirements for a Degree in Film?

Some film schools require students to submit portfolios of their work, while others accept newcomers to the industry who don’t have experience. The requirements for a film program depend on where you’re applying and what you will study during your educational experience.

You can learn more about earning a film production degree and how you can improve your skills by applying to the Nashville Film Institute here.