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What options do I have if I pursue a career in film or media?
I want to know what options I will have after college. I plan on doing 4 years of college, getting my GE done and any extracurricular in media/film. I want to know my options for jobs in these areas, especially in SF.
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semi’s Answer
A film or media degree can lead to more options than just Hollywood.
After college, you could work as a video editor, production assistant, cinematographer, content creator, or social media/video specialist. In San Francisco, especially, many tech companies hire media professionals for marketing videos, product launches, and digital content.
You could also work in production companies, streaming, nonprofits, journalism, or freelance.
The most important thing: build a strong portfolio during college. Internships, short films, and editing samples will matter more than the degree itself.
After college, you could work as a video editor, production assistant, cinematographer, content creator, or social media/video specialist. In San Francisco, especially, many tech companies hire media professionals for marketing videos, product launches, and digital content.
You could also work in production companies, streaming, nonprofits, journalism, or freelance.
The most important thing: build a strong portfolio during college. Internships, short films, and editing samples will matter more than the degree itself.
Thank you for the advice! I didn't really know what careers would be possible with only 4 years of college. With this info, I have more of an idea of what to focus my efforts on and grow.
Lilith
Updated
Marc’s Answer
SF has a strong film production community. While there's no silver bullet to breaking in, I'd start by following SF film production groups on social, call up local vendors (Ranahan, GLE, Chater Camera - get to know the ppl who run those groups and vendor houses and let them know you are looking to break in by any means necessary. Offer to be a PA / Intern on set. If you have a car, offer to be a driver / runner. Ask the rental houses if they ever need extra help around the shop, even if it's sweeping floors. You'll meet the a bunch of pros in your community this way. If you leave an impression, and let them know what you're looking to do (be a director, DP, AD, producer, costumer, whatever...) then they can point you in the right direction.
At first, you're gonna have to do the legwork and likely will make little to no money. But if you leave a great impression with those who are giving you a shot, you'll rise up quickly.
Break a leg.
Marc
At first, you're gonna have to do the legwork and likely will make little to no money. But if you leave a great impression with those who are giving you a shot, you'll rise up quickly.
Break a leg.
Marc
Thank you! This will definitely help me in the long run if I decide to take this course of action. I will take this advice into consideration and maybe start looking for potential internships in this field.
Lilith
Updated
Jeannette’s Answer
When you think about the lifecycle of making media or film, there are job opportunities all along the way: pre-production (the planning and prep), production (executing those plans and actually shooting), and post-production (editing and packaging everything for release).
Especially in San Francisco or the Bay Area, there's room to get involved in any part of that process. If you're a natural planner, producing could be a great fit. You can start as an intern or production assistant, which gets you hands-on experience with both pre-production and production, and lets you see how producers work up close. If you're more drawn to the creative side, starting as a PA or editing assistant still gives you a front-row seat to how everything comes together.
My advice: reach out to local production companies, big or small, and look for PA or editing assistant openings. Start building your portfolio with anything you create along the way. And don't be afraid to introduce yourself and ask for informational interviews, they're a great way to get familiar with different roles and how the industry works.
Especially in San Francisco or the Bay Area, there's room to get involved in any part of that process. If you're a natural planner, producing could be a great fit. You can start as an intern or production assistant, which gets you hands-on experience with both pre-production and production, and lets you see how producers work up close. If you're more drawn to the creative side, starting as a PA or editing assistant still gives you a front-row seat to how everything comes together.
My advice: reach out to local production companies, big or small, and look for PA or editing assistant openings. Start building your portfolio with anything you create along the way. And don't be afraid to introduce yourself and ask for informational interviews, they're a great way to get familiar with different roles and how the industry works.