4 answers
Sophia
Student
Medford, Oregon
1
Question
Updated
361 views
What advice would you give someone on how to break into the film and television production industry and would you recommend getting a PhD in Cinema and Media studies as a filmmaker?
I'm currently applying to film schools and I'm thinking about getting a PhD in Cinema and Media Studies after getting a BFA in Film and Television production but I'm not sure if that is worth my time and money and am looking for advice!
Login to comment
4 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sophia !
I would be happy to advise you about a path towards Filmmaking.
During the time you are working on your Bachelors Degree, you would soon discover if you want to take the academics further into a Masters Degree. For Filmmaking, you can teach at a Film School or a University with a Masters Degree. Think about the Masters in Fine Arts in Film Production. Keep in mind that few community colleges offer film courses so you'd be looking at teaching in a four year University or a Film School. The degree serves as formal documentation of your expertise and provides the scholarly foundation needed for academic teaching.
As for a PhD, you can teach at the University level and I'm sure a film school would like to have you with that educational background. That is what you are looking at if you go for a Masters or PhD in Film. Most times, you would get the full spectrum of skill by obtaining the Bachelors Degree.
I would say that if you can wait a little to start your career after your Bachelors Degree, go for the Masters because of how competitive this business is. Going for your Masters very well may expose you to important opportunities and important people that can be vital to your career. Don't get me wrong, you could probably create your own film projects while doing a Masters, but you will have to be dedicated to the Masters Program.
The truth is, you don't have to decide this right now. While you are immersed in your Bachelors Program, as you move along, you're going to get the feel for what you want to do after graduation. As a matter of fact, just focus on the Bachelors program for now. In this business, you have to let things just happen and not pre-plan. But you will know by the beginning of your Senior year of the film program what you want to do after graduation. But try to get a Bachelors Degree that would read as Film, Film Production and not Cinema or Media Studies. Connect directly to Film.
Television Production is a completely different career. I am not sure how one would be able to handle studying TV production and filmmaking at the same time. You'll be overly busy trying to get work in both or getting the knowledge needed for both, especially not being in New York City or in Hollywood. Keep in mind that film school will keep you ever so busy, so you'll have to focus on one, either Film all the way or Television all the way. You are also going to need lots of experience in either Film or Television and there's not enough time to do both at the same time.
So, my advice is to focus on choosing a Film school right now. Try not to project into the future. Once you start gaining knowledge of the business, sharp filmmaking skills and strong contacts, it will be clear to you then whether or not you should proceed to the Masters and/or PhD. Just wait to make that decision.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best moving towards a film career !
I would be happy to advise you about a path towards Filmmaking.
During the time you are working on your Bachelors Degree, you would soon discover if you want to take the academics further into a Masters Degree. For Filmmaking, you can teach at a Film School or a University with a Masters Degree. Think about the Masters in Fine Arts in Film Production. Keep in mind that few community colleges offer film courses so you'd be looking at teaching in a four year University or a Film School. The degree serves as formal documentation of your expertise and provides the scholarly foundation needed for academic teaching.
As for a PhD, you can teach at the University level and I'm sure a film school would like to have you with that educational background. That is what you are looking at if you go for a Masters or PhD in Film. Most times, you would get the full spectrum of skill by obtaining the Bachelors Degree.
I would say that if you can wait a little to start your career after your Bachelors Degree, go for the Masters because of how competitive this business is. Going for your Masters very well may expose you to important opportunities and important people that can be vital to your career. Don't get me wrong, you could probably create your own film projects while doing a Masters, but you will have to be dedicated to the Masters Program.
The truth is, you don't have to decide this right now. While you are immersed in your Bachelors Program, as you move along, you're going to get the feel for what you want to do after graduation. As a matter of fact, just focus on the Bachelors program for now. In this business, you have to let things just happen and not pre-plan. But you will know by the beginning of your Senior year of the film program what you want to do after graduation. But try to get a Bachelors Degree that would read as Film, Film Production and not Cinema or Media Studies. Connect directly to Film.
Television Production is a completely different career. I am not sure how one would be able to handle studying TV production and filmmaking at the same time. You'll be overly busy trying to get work in both or getting the knowledge needed for both, especially not being in New York City or in Hollywood. Keep in mind that film school will keep you ever so busy, so you'll have to focus on one, either Film all the way or Television all the way. You are also going to need lots of experience in either Film or Television and there's not enough time to do both at the same time.
So, my advice is to focus on choosing a Film school right now. Try not to project into the future. Once you start gaining knowledge of the business, sharp filmmaking skills and strong contacts, it will be clear to you then whether or not you should proceed to the Masters and/or PhD. Just wait to make that decision.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best moving towards a film career !
Ivo Raza
filmmaker
8
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Ivo’s Answer
Hi, so a PhD in cinema is not going to do much unless you want to teach and publish at an academic level. If you want to get into production, the most common path is to intern for production companies and then advance to PA. This is a great first step just to get your bearings on set. From there you could become a department PA, like a camera PA if you want to work in that department, etc. Another option is to apply to different beginning filmmakers programs and gain experience/network that way. Unless you know specifically which path you want to pursue, i.e. camera, sound, directing, art, producing, wardrobe, post, etc. it is very helpful to intern/PA in various departments to learn. Again, depending on the tack, you also want to start making your own stuff. Make shorts with friends and iPhones. It's a process. It's not linear. The key is to get started and don't get discouraged when the phone doesn't ring for a while...just stay at it.
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
94
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Michelle provided a great answer, and here are some more thoughts to consider.
While I don't know anyone in the industry with a PhD in Cinema who didn't end up teaching, this path might not be necessary unless that's your goal. Focus on getting your BA first, and consider a Master's later. As you dive into production and start your career, hands-on experience will greatly enhance your skills. Learning directly from experts in the field can be incredibly valuable and doesn't have to cost you extra.
Immerse yourself in storytelling and focus on the areas of the business that interest you, whether it's creative work, production, business, distribution, or marketing. The industry might be challenging now, but there's always a need for great stories and people who can deliver on time and within budget. Learn from the best and apply your skills to what you love doing. Best of luck!
While I don't know anyone in the industry with a PhD in Cinema who didn't end up teaching, this path might not be necessary unless that's your goal. Focus on getting your BA first, and consider a Master's later. As you dive into production and start your career, hands-on experience will greatly enhance your skills. Learning directly from experts in the field can be incredibly valuable and doesn't have to cost you extra.
Immerse yourself in storytelling and focus on the areas of the business that interest you, whether it's creative work, production, business, distribution, or marketing. The industry might be challenging now, but there's always a need for great stories and people who can deliver on time and within budget. Learn from the best and apply your skills to what you love doing. Best of luck!
Leslie Bloom
Director/Producer/Assistant Director
16
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Leslie’s Answer
Hi Sophia,
Breaking into the film and television production industry doesn't necessarily require a degree unless your goal is to teach. College is also a great way to learn the basics of production and get a feel for which departments interest you most. If you are in a large city there should be local opportunities to break in right there. Most big cities have film communities producing commercials, tv shows and indie films. The 1st step is to get on a set as a production assistant or an intern, find the departments you gravitate towards and start getting to know people. It's who you know business. It will be easier for you to find work in LA, Atlanta, NY or larger markets if you already have some experience and know anyone who is already there to get you a start. Your work will grow from there.
Breaking into the film and television production industry doesn't necessarily require a degree unless your goal is to teach. College is also a great way to learn the basics of production and get a feel for which departments interest you most. If you are in a large city there should be local opportunities to break in right there. Most big cities have film communities producing commercials, tv shows and indie films. The 1st step is to get on a set as a production assistant or an intern, find the departments you gravitate towards and start getting to know people. It's who you know business. It will be easier for you to find work in LA, Atlanta, NY or larger markets if you already have some experience and know anyone who is already there to get you a start. Your work will grow from there.