What can you do with a Film & TV Studies Degree?

There are a few common things that all of us like and watching movies surpass the list. While we all have completely different tastes in what we like to watch and the way we view it; one thing is sure, almost everyone loves to lose their inner self while watching a good film.

Some people are true ‘cinephiles’ and they love to watch films from all genres and read all the film reviews. If you are more inclined towards understanding cinema and not just enjoying movies, then a Degree in Film & Television is for you.

Similar to literature and arts subjects, a degree in film studies allows students to analyse, learn about the history, and categories of films, and apprehend the formal elements of cinema. It helps get acquainted with filmmaking techniques like screenwriting, lighting and directing. This degree opens doors to so many different career options because of the ample skills it enables you to learn.

This article will walk you through the film studies industry:

• What is Film Studies?
• What are Film Studies Degrees and Film Production Degrees?
• Career Options After Degree
• Work Portfolio
• Upgrade your CV skills
• Common Employers

What is Film Studies?

Film Studies are as old as films. The first school providing formal studies in cinematic arts began in the 1920s. Feature-length films first came into prominence at that time. The programmes earlier were focused on the technical end of the film: directing, editing, lighting, and so on but gradually some theoretical subjects came into existence.

The field of film studies encompasses the historical, critical, and theoretical approaches to film. It is one of the important branches of media studies.

Film Studies majorly comprise:

• Artistic Values
• Cultural Content
• Narrative Structure
• Economic Role
• Political References

The studies are like questions asked in a form: ‘What culture does this film demonstrate?’, or “Is the story challenging and unique?’

What are Film Studies Degrees and Film Production Degrees?

There is a wide difference between degrees in film studies and degrees in film production studies.

In the degree in film studies programme, the priority is given to film theory, film history, and film criticism. Students inculcate skills like analysing cinema, its artful qualities, and the function in society. They get conversant with the radical principles of film production, photography, and screenwriting. These assist the students in understanding the detailed-process of filmmaking.

However, in the film production degree, the main focus is on practical filmmaking techniques. The course contents are divergent from those in film studies.

Career Options After Degree

• Location Manager
• Camera Operator
• Production Designer
• Film Editor
• Video Editor
• Creative Writer
• Scriptwriter
• Television Camera Operator
• Film Director
• Broadcast Presenter

Some of the other jobs which are not directly related to your degree but can be useful:

• Arts Administration
• Marketing Executive
• Event Manager
• Public Relations Officer
• Concept Artist

Don’t restrict your jobs listed here as there are ample options in the market as a film degree gives you a liberal arts education allowing you to bolster specialised employable skills. On the other hand, one can understand many cultures and inculcate soft skills.

Work Portfolio

There is a cut-throat competition in the film industry. You need assiduous behaviour and determination to succeed and survive. Work experience, internships, and networking are the most efficacious ways of opening doors to the appropriate opportunities. So the initial step is to make good contacts at an early stage to give yourself the best chances of success.

Film Studies are an integration of both technical and theoretical knowledge and work experience can help you decide which direction to take after your degree. Start developing your portfolio at the outset if you are looking to pursue a career in this industry.

Leverage the unique opportunities during your degree to embody your work, like at college fests and competitions, and while attending various events and guest lectures.

Scrutinise the possibility of work experience at local media outlets and cinemas. Make connections with independent filmmakers to get into new projects and learn from them. Network with the local BBC office of your region. It gives you an amazing platform to grow and enhance your skills.

There are many colleges and universities in India that can help you with aesthetic knowledge and develop technical skills. Chandigarh University in North India is one of them that has customised programmes for film and television studies.

How does it upgrade your CV skills?

A degree in filmmaking develops your skills beyond your imagination:

• Boost the ability to execute research in different modes
• Develop communication skills and the ability to express opinions freely
• Ability to work individually and independently
• Develops analytical, logical, and critical skills
• Helps you become resourceful, entrepreneurial, and creative
• Promote advance technical skills
• Ability to understand the complex text and images
• Helps you perform extensive research, including evaluating print, audio-visual, and virtual resources
• Awareness of language ideas to communicate ideas and information effectively

Common Employers

The most common industries you will find work in is the media, creative, cultural, and heritage industries. Various types of employers include:

• Top broadcasters such as BBC, ITV, Amazon, Netflix, and Channel 4
• Production Companies
• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Cinemas

Buckle up, perform extensive research and choose what’s best for you.

Note: The views expressed in this article are that of the institute and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha