Film and Electronic Arts

Major/Career Profile

General Description

Non-Performance - The film, video and audio fields are comprised of people involved in administration, engineering, sales and production of programs in the areas of broadcasting and film, as well as those in industrial or instructional video, cable communication, and program production for training employees in work settings. Careers range from those of a technical nature, involved with utilizing maintaining or monitoring electronic equipment, to those involved in planning or writing for pre-production, to those in production. Other related areas include the business aspect of film, video, and audio. Qualifications for careers in film, video, and audio vary with type of position. Academic or technical training is necessary. College preparation is increasingly important. Competition in the job market may necessitate taking "any" entry-level job to secure entry into the profession and then seeking advancement from within. Membership in a trade union or guild is also a requisite for many jobs in the film and broadcast industry, especially in large market areas. Performance - Students interested in becoming on-air talent-announcers, disc jockeys, newscasters, actors, program hosts, etc. Should major in broadcast journalism, theatre, music or speech communication, and take courses in a wide range of liberal arts including courses which develop written and oral communication

Career Options

Graduates with this major have found work as: technical director, sound effects technician, film editor, producer, director, screenwriter, script reader, studio operations engineer, announcer, disc jockey, sales representative for home video equipment, teacher, media specialist, public relations specialist, sound technician, filmmaker, cinema photographer, costume designer, and production coordinator. Some of these careers require additional education or experience. Various entry-level trainee positions in business and industry are available for graduates regardless of academic discipline.

Typical Employers

Colleges and universities, film production companies, radio and television stations, manufacturers of television, radio, film and supplies/equipment, government agencies, hospitals, cable companies, recreation departments, theatrical production companies, advertising agencies, public relations firms, television networks, corporate educational and training companies, and industrial corporations.

Salary and Employment Outlook

Employment in the more technical positions is expected to grow faster than average in the 21st century. Increased production of home video equipment may contribute to growth in manufacturing and merchandising positions. The shift to digital media will create more media opportunities and the importance of special effects and computer-generated graphics will provide a source of expanded employment. Employment in the non-technical and creative positions will be slow. The employment outlook will be best for those who have related work experience. In the television/film/radio field, unions regulate salaries including: Directors Guild of America, National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, American Federation of Radio and Television Artists, Writers Guild of America, and Screen Actors Guild. Salaries will vary by size and type of employer, geographic location and related experience. Consult the Career Development Center for current local and national salary information.

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