GUEST COLUMN: Want To Be a Movie Producer or Videographer? Here's What You Need To Know
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Want To Be a Movie Producer or Videographer? Here's What You Need To Know
by Lewis Robinson
The market for video productions is on the rise. Streaming services have created a new way for consumers to watch movies and television, and the audience demand for these services is expected to increase continually. As more platforms develop, film and television production has also expanded globally. The subsequent spending increase holds true not only for major Hollywood studios but also for independent filmmakers. As audiences grow and more contenders enter the market, film budgets rise to attract the best talent.
What does all this mean for you? If you are thinking about a profession in movie production or videography, you have lucrative opportunities. The industry has room for growth and demand for talent. You may be wondering, however, about the training and education you need to begin a career as a film producer or videographer.
Movie Production
Producers develop a theater or film production and oversee it from beginning to end. They come up with an idea themselves or they work with writers. They are responsible for funding the production by seeking money from investors or organizations. Producers choose directors, oversee the process of hiring crew members and actors, and supervise marketing aspects.
If you've decided to pursue a career as a film producer, you may wonder what type of education is required. Do you need a degree? Will you have to be concerned about student loans? How much experience is necessary?
While you won't be required to have a degree to become a film producer, obtaining at least a bachelor's degree in a related field helps you gain experience and skills in movie production. A certificate program in film production is an option. It is a shorter path than other programs and may be ideal if you already have a degree in another field. Other options include an associate's, bachelor's or master's degree in film production. In these programs, you learn a wide variety of skills including:
Digital and film recording
Lighting, sound and set design
Editing techniques
Directing skills
Accomplishing the business aspects of movie production
Pursuing a degree also gives you the opportunity to participate in an internship with a film company and produce your own film as a class requirement. These activities help you make professional connections in the industry that benefit you as you start your career.
Videography
If you want to tell stories visually on a smaller scale, you may enjoy a career as a videographer. People who have videography careers typically work on:
Documentaries
Short films
Live events
Commercials
Weddings
Sports events
You may work alone with a single camera or with a small team of technicians for light and sound quality.
Freelance videographers complete a variety of projects for individuals or companies on a temporary basis. Typically, they own their business and choose assignments they want to do. One day they may create a commercial; another day they may be hired to record a wedding. They may even contract with businesses to film training or educational videos.
Corporate videographers work for a particular company. They usually have steady employment, but creativity may be limited to corporate requirements and standards. Their work can include training and promotional videos for in-house use or for public consumption in commercials and social media posts.
Most videographers have a bachelor's degree. Obtaining a master's degree can lead to a higher salary. Photography, journalism and communication skills are necessary, and any of these fields is a good choice for a degree. Some schools may offer a degree in digital media. Videographers considering a freelance career can benefit from a business degree, or at least some business classes to learn the basics of entrepreneurship.
Perhaps the most exciting part of being a movie producer or videographer is that you get to share stories. They may be from your imagination, or they may be the stories of people you meet. Your skills allow you to share these stories in an engaging and captivating way with your audience. Whichever career path you choose, you are sure to encounter interesting people and learn a lot along the way.
