Trevor
Should I get a film degree or find an film internship?
I am interested in the film/video industry and am weighing out the benefits of a college degree. College is expensive and I see other ways to learn the skills like finding an internship. In your opinion, is experience more important than a degree in this area?
#video-production #college-major #internships
2 answers
Meagan Stockemer
Meagan’s Answer
Hi Trevor,
If you're looking to get into the creative side of filmmaking, getting a degree is an option but it's definitely not a necessity. If you're looking at getting into the business side of filmmaking, getting a degree is probably more helpful. I would suggest looking for a job as a production assistant in your area to get a better idea of what it's like to be on a set. Going to college was a good social experience and definitely taught me a lot in that regard. But, my degree in broadcasting and film studies didn't prepare me for my job as much as I wanted it to.
Hope that helps!
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Lauren Breen
Lauren’s Answer
Hi Trevor -
A benefit of college is the internship opportunities and meeting other students interested in film. The internships are invaluable and I got a few job opportunities from friends from college who weren't available for the gig or got booked on jobs that needed more options. The professors are great too - I was referred to an internship that led to my first job from a professor and was able to freelance with one professor after graduation.
Look for programs at community colleges, where the cost is not as significant, but if can still let you intern and network/meet people.
In Georgia, you can enroll in a community college and then take part in the Georgia Film Academy - which connects students with some of the big time movies filming in the state. See if your area has something similar.
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