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Is it better to work in the film industry with a journalism degree or a business degree??
Hello, I want to work in the film industry but for unfortunate reasons i can't enter film school. I wanted to know is it better for me to study business or journaling in university if i want to work in the film industry.
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5 answers
Samuel Oppong
Content Officer / Digital media and video production specialist
2
Answers
Updated
Samuel’s Answer
Both can help, but they help in different ways, like two different doors into the same big playground.
Business is like learning how to run the whole playground: money, planning, selling tickets, making deals, and keeping everything going without running out of toys (money!).
Many people who become film producers (the bosses who organize everything and find money for movies) study business.
It also gives you a super safe backup—if films take time to work out, business jobs pay well almost anywhere.
Lots of smart people pick business + make short films on the side, then jump into film later.
Journalism is like learning to tell stories super clearly, ask good questions, write fast, talk to people, and explain things so everyone understands.
Movies are basically big stories told with pictures! So journalism teaches you storytelling, researching, and making things interesting—skills that help if you want to write scripts, make documentaries, be a film reporter, or even direct one day.
Some people start in news/TV, then slide over to making films because they already know how to tell real stories.
Which one is "better" for you?
If you want to be safe with money and maybe become a producer or run your own film projects someday → Business wins. It's like having strong legs to stand on while you chase your dream.
If you love writing stories, talking to people, and understanding why humans do things → Journalism is awesome and closer to the creative side of films.
But here's the real secret grown-ups in film tell everyone:
The university degree is not the most important thing. What matters most is:
Make your own little videos and short films right now (even with your phone!).
Help on other people's projects for free at first to learn.
Meet people who already work in film (online groups, local events, social media).
Keep practicing and showing your work.
Many people get into films without any special degree they just start doing it and don't give up!
So pick the one you think you'll enjoy studying (because you'll do better when you like it), and use your free time to make films. You can do this
Business is like learning how to run the whole playground: money, planning, selling tickets, making deals, and keeping everything going without running out of toys (money!).
Many people who become film producers (the bosses who organize everything and find money for movies) study business.
It also gives you a super safe backup—if films take time to work out, business jobs pay well almost anywhere.
Lots of smart people pick business + make short films on the side, then jump into film later.
Journalism is like learning to tell stories super clearly, ask good questions, write fast, talk to people, and explain things so everyone understands.
Movies are basically big stories told with pictures! So journalism teaches you storytelling, researching, and making things interesting—skills that help if you want to write scripts, make documentaries, be a film reporter, or even direct one day.
Some people start in news/TV, then slide over to making films because they already know how to tell real stories.
Which one is "better" for you?
If you want to be safe with money and maybe become a producer or run your own film projects someday → Business wins. It's like having strong legs to stand on while you chase your dream.
If you love writing stories, talking to people, and understanding why humans do things → Journalism is awesome and closer to the creative side of films.
But here's the real secret grown-ups in film tell everyone:
The university degree is not the most important thing. What matters most is:
Make your own little videos and short films right now (even with your phone!).
Help on other people's projects for free at first to learn.
Meet people who already work in film (online groups, local events, social media).
Keep practicing and showing your work.
Many people get into films without any special degree they just start doing it and don't give up!
So pick the one you think you'll enjoy studying (because you'll do better when you like it), and use your free time to make films. You can do this
This is really helpful, thank you very much.
rachel
Updated
Alicia’s Answer
It depends on your goal.
A Business degree is the "power move" for becoming a Producer or Agent, as it teaches you to manage budgets, ROI, and contracts. It helps you navigate the "language of the suits" to get projects funded.
Choose Journalism if you want to be a Writer or Researcher. It builds the discipline for script doctoring, deep-dive research, and finding the "human hook" in a story.
Either way, supplement your degree with AI/CGI workflows to build a modern portfolio.
Ask yourself? Are you a:
Storyteller
Strategist
ProducerResearcher
Which role fits?
A Business degree is the "power move" for becoming a Producer or Agent, as it teaches you to manage budgets, ROI, and contracts. It helps you navigate the "language of the suits" to get projects funded.
Choose Journalism if you want to be a Writer or Researcher. It builds the discipline for script doctoring, deep-dive research, and finding the "human hook" in a story.
Either way, supplement your degree with AI/CGI workflows to build a modern portfolio.
Ask yourself? Are you a:
Storyteller
Strategist
ProducerResearcher
Which role fits?
thank you so much.
rachel
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Both a business degree and a journalism degree can lead to careers in the film industry, but a business degree may offer slightly more flexibility depending on the role you want.
A business degree can be very helpful because the film industry is also a business. Producing films, raising financing, marketing movies, and running production companies all require strong business knowledge. A journalism degree can also be valuable, especially if you're interested in documentary filmmaking, storytelling based on real events, entertainment reporting, or film criticism.
What matters most is gaining experience and building skills outside the classroom. Many people start in the industry as production assistants (PAs), assistant editors, researchers for documentaries, production coordinators, or in marketing and distribution roles. These entry-level positions help you learn how productions work and allow you to build relationships with people already working in the field.
I teach film production at a university and work as a documentary editor, and I’ve seen people enter the film industry from many different educational backgrounds. Your major matters far less than your curiosity, work ethic, and willingness to keep learning and gaining experience.
My advice would be to choose the major that interests you most, and at the same time look for opportunities to get involved in filmmaking—volunteer on projects, learn editing or camera skills, and connect with people who are creating work.
In filmmaking, your path doesn’t have to be traditional. What matters most is your curiosity, persistence, and willingness to start somewhere.
Careers rarely follow a straight line. Stay curious, keep learning, and be open to where your path might take you.
A business degree can be very helpful because the film industry is also a business. Producing films, raising financing, marketing movies, and running production companies all require strong business knowledge. A journalism degree can also be valuable, especially if you're interested in documentary filmmaking, storytelling based on real events, entertainment reporting, or film criticism.
What matters most is gaining experience and building skills outside the classroom. Many people start in the industry as production assistants (PAs), assistant editors, researchers for documentaries, production coordinators, or in marketing and distribution roles. These entry-level positions help you learn how productions work and allow you to build relationships with people already working in the field.
I teach film production at a university and work as a documentary editor, and I’ve seen people enter the film industry from many different educational backgrounds. Your major matters far less than your curiosity, work ethic, and willingness to keep learning and gaining experience.
My advice would be to choose the major that interests you most, and at the same time look for opportunities to get involved in filmmaking—volunteer on projects, learn editing or camera skills, and connect with people who are creating work.
In filmmaking, your path doesn’t have to be traditional. What matters most is your curiosity, persistence, and willingness to start somewhere.
Careers rarely follow a straight line. Stay curious, keep learning, and be open to where your path might take you.
This was super helpful, thank you!
rachel
Updated
Gus’s Answer
If the goal is to get into any job within the film industry, a business degree might better suited to a variety of opportunities. The business of film can be found in a variety of stages of the film life cycle, from production accounting, film marketing and advertising, post-release licensing, and so many more avenues. Consider evaluating your preferred part of the filmmaking/distribution process to see what business opportunities might best fit your goals. Good luck!
Thank you so much
rachel
Updated
Yolanda’s Answer
A business degree opens up many exciting chances to work in the entertainment world or in creative companies. You might want to explore areas like marketing, leadership, finance, or accounting. Best of luck on your journey!
Thank you very much!
rachel