3 answers
John
Student
Honey Brook, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
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I would really like to get into Video production and editing. Many people tell me I don’t need a college degree but I think that’s wrong. Is college the right answer?
I want to be smart and it seems like a lot of people go to college and never use their degree. I want to make sure that all of the student loan debt will be worth it in the end. #videoproduction
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3 answers
Steward "Tony" Pacheco
Minister, USMC Vet, John C. Maxwell Cert. Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Teacher, Straight Shooter
117
Answers
Kyle, Texas
Updated
Steward "Tony"’s Answer
Many videographers do not have a degree correct, but they do have extensive training. I would start at a community college for one particular reason? Money and lack there of!
You must have a burning desire to want to do this or you can lose all your hopes and dreams during extreme dry spells.
They best way to offset your training budget is to get active in Community Television where you would have access to the latest training and equipment by committing time to help other productions on set or location. It's Hand On which you cant get virtually.
Network at all local and online events, research what shoots are coming locally, and speak as if you have done this already.
Many Community Television members are seasoned professionals with extensive credits under them, so be friendly and let them know you are available for shoots. Even crazy hours.
Put together your own shows or shoots and enlist help, as you will be doing same for them.
Many will be upgrading their equipment periodically and you can strike a deal on used stuff (make sure its not an old DV Cam pro )
So the college question is yours to answer. I find that it can help or hinder, as the credits are key to showing that you know what you are doing, but the corporate jobs may require a degree.
Have Fun! I Did!
You must have a burning desire to want to do this or you can lose all your hopes and dreams during extreme dry spells.
They best way to offset your training budget is to get active in Community Television where you would have access to the latest training and equipment by committing time to help other productions on set or location. It's Hand On which you cant get virtually.
Network at all local and online events, research what shoots are coming locally, and speak as if you have done this already.
Many Community Television members are seasoned professionals with extensive credits under them, so be friendly and let them know you are available for shoots. Even crazy hours.
Put together your own shows or shoots and enlist help, as you will be doing same for them.
Many will be upgrading their equipment periodically and you can strike a deal on used stuff (make sure its not an old DV Cam pro )
So the college question is yours to answer. I find that it can help or hinder, as the credits are key to showing that you know what you are doing, but the corporate jobs may require a degree.
Have Fun! I Did!
Lauren Breen
Video Production Manager at Coca-Cola Studios
13
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hi John - This is a tricky one because yes - a lot of people do not use their degree HOWEVER they do use other skills learned from college. Not to mention INTERNSHIPS! I would recommend going to college and study broadcast or digital media. You’ll not only learn the basics but you’ll meet other students who you can later network with in the field and you must must must take advantage of internships.
Thank you, that sounds like great advice!
John
Christopher Argueta
Business / Entertainment Industry
10
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Hey John,
I went to a community college where I was able to learn the basic and necessary skills for video production. Things like learning how to shoot, editing, even sound mixing. I had great professors and by the end of it, I was able to shoot videos on my own and edit entirely with no help. We learned things like when's the best time to cut, what kind of cuts we should use, how to frame a scene etc. I'm sure you can learn these skills at your local college, which is much affordable.
University is really where you'll be able to hone your skills and show it to a wider audience. My school is constantly having student films shown, and we even have a local TV station nearby where many students can intern at. You'll be able to make necessary connections to people in the industry and you'll be able to show them your work. My advice is that once you have learn the skills of video production, make as much content on your own. Maybe start up a YouTube channel to show potential employers your work.
I went to a community college where I was able to learn the basic and necessary skills for video production. Things like learning how to shoot, editing, even sound mixing. I had great professors and by the end of it, I was able to shoot videos on my own and edit entirely with no help. We learned things like when's the best time to cut, what kind of cuts we should use, how to frame a scene etc. I'm sure you can learn these skills at your local college, which is much affordable.
University is really where you'll be able to hone your skills and show it to a wider audience. My school is constantly having student films shown, and we even have a local TV station nearby where many students can intern at. You'll be able to make necessary connections to people in the industry and you'll be able to show them your work. My advice is that once you have learn the skills of video production, make as much content on your own. Maybe start up a YouTube channel to show potential employers your work.