collageFilm majors usually choose that degree path because they desire a career in film where they have the opportunity to write or produce stories for an audience. However, there are also other positions that film majors may qualify for and be interested in, such as camera operator and production editor. As a film major, the courses you take can help you develop your skill set and give you the experience you need to find success in the industry.
A film major is a student at a college or university who studies film and television production and the process of media programming. It’s common for students to work both independently and with classmates to complete larger projects, like an entire film production that may include ideation, script writing and other film production tasks. During college courses, students learn more about film history, the theory of film and how to build the skills they’ll need, like creativity and writing, to succeed in the industry.
Film crew
National average salary: $25,025 per year
Primary duties: A film crew member is responsible for creating and maintaining the rigging that holds lighting and camera and sound equipment. They work closely with the chief lighting technicians and cinematographers, develop set designs to meet the expectations of the film’s director and develop rigging plans to prepare the necessary equipment for the filming process.
Camera operator
Primary duties: A camera operator works for the cinematographer and alongside the chief lighting technician and the grip team. They operate the cameras during filming and ensure they capture the scene, following the instructions of the director on set.
Music director
National average salary: $33,776 per year
Primary duties: A music director hires musicians, manages the music budget and designs the musical compositions throughout the film. They also compose the film’s musical score and conduct rehearsals to make sure everyone is prepared for their part in the production.
Media researcher
National average salary: $35,493 per year
Primary duties: A media researcher performs research on production staff, time periods and filming locations, among other details, as needed by the producer or director. They may need to determine the historical accuracy of costumes and scenes or locate film contributors, primary resources and other related content for documentaries. Media researchers commonly use social media, public forums and other media to collect information for programming.
Multimedia illustrator
National average salary: $41,862 per year
Primary duties: Multimedia illustrators produce original designs, both in 2D and 3D imaging, and often using computer generation software. They work with production managers to develop the direction of the design and conceptualize storyboards that they’ll use to guide their designs.
Film producer
National average salary: $42,336 per year
Primary duties: A film producer oversees an entire film production. They choose scripts, secure financing, hire and manage cast and crew, assign responsibilities and coordinate the various parts of film production, including writing and directing. Film producers also manage a budget, oversee editing and develop strategies for marketing the project to an intended audience.
Film editor
National average salary: $43,513 per year
Primary duties: A film editor edits raw footage of films, using the original vision of the film project as guidance. They may need to adjust sound, dialogue, special effects and any graphics, and they often work with assistant editors for larger projects.
Production planner
National average salary: $44,981 per year
Primary duties: The production planner develops a shooting schedule that considers any restrictions from crew or specific locations where they’ll be filming. They organize transportation, book accommodations and acquire any necessary travel credentials or documentation for traveling to film locations. Production planners also supervise production assistants.
Cinematographer
National average salary: $47,257 per year
Primary duties: A cinematographer oversees all visual aspects of a film. They create the look, mood, tone, lighting and framing of each scene and supervise the lighting technicians and camera operators to ensure scenes are artistically and visually accurate. Cinematographers also work with the director to make critical decisions about camera placement, movement and aspect ratio.
Location manager
National average salary: $52,297 per year
Primary duties: A location manager finds and reserves locations for filming. They negotiate contracts, obtain permits and provide locals with any necessary details about filming, like any streets that will close down or how long production will be in the area.
Lighting technician
National average salary: $52,560 per year
Primary duties: A lighting technician, or gaffer, is responsible for all lighting and lighting equipment associated with a film. They design the lighting based on the script, program lights, operate lighting equipment to highlight a certain part of the scene and frequently consult with the director to ensure the lighting they use meets the film’s needs.
Broadcast presenter
National average salary: $55,453 per year
Primary duties: A broadcast presenter presents the news or other programs to a television audience. They write scripts, read from a teleprompter, offer commentary on the content they’re covering and meet with producers to establish any goals of the broadcast. Broadcast presenters also perform research on the stories they’re sharing and interview guests.
Associate producer
National average salary: $56,182 per year
Primary duties: An associate producer is responsible for writing scripts, selecting shots during production and post-production and booking television appearances. They also submit contracts to talent, help scout locations, hand out scripts and manage any issues with the crew.
Screenwriter
National average salary: $60,831 per year
Primary duties: A screenwriter creates the dialogue, characters and storyline of television productions or films. They present screenplays and ideas to film executives, develop stories into scripts and work with producers and directors on making script revisions.
Film director
National average salary: $96,441 per year
Primary duties: A film director establishes the creative vision of a project. They develop staging and set design, guide the cast in their roles, hire important crew members, choose the filming style and oversee post-production editing.
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