If you have a passion for cinema and media, you’ve likely heard this tale before. You mention your passion for film and your desire to take it into your college studies. Suddenly, they respond with a worried expression and a furrowed brow.
Despite almost every aspect of our modern lives relying on artists, filmmakers, and other artisans to some extent, people still cling to the outdated notion of the starving artist. You should never have to answer to anyone else for your desire to study film. However, if you’re looking for talking points to dispute your detractors, read on to learn the benefits of a film and media major.
A Film and Media Major Teaches Media Literacy
This is a major benefit of film studies that almost always falls by the wayside when people get glitz and glamour in their eyes. A film and media student, by definition, has to learn media literacy. They learn it not only in the “language” of cinematography but in the explicit words submitted for screenplays and scripts.
People who major in media and film know how to consume content critically, and can avoid (or at least recognize) common biases when they slip into film-making. This literacy can then spread to other areas of their life, like social media and news articles.
If You Study Filmmaking, You Know How to Budget
Let’s face it: As much as the starving artist is an outdated stereotype that needs to go, many young filmmakers get started on shoestring budgets. No one starts off directing blockbuster films or hit auteur pieces straight out of film school, no matter how much you want to believe you’re the exception to the rule.
So, you’ll need to know how to make quality films on borderline nonexistent budgets. If you can master this skill, you can transfer your incredible budgeting ability to any other job you work, no matter what field it’s in. Plus, this ability to budget will do wonders for your personal finances as well.
You Gain Hands-On Experience With Pro Tools
Another major benefit of getting a film degree is that you will gain hands-on experience with the tools that industry professionals use on a day-to-day basis. You’ll learn how to not only film gorgeous shots with high-end cameras but how to edit them into something coherent.
You will learn how to use VFX software, including in some cases CGI. Plus, you will also gain experience in audio balancing, visual balance, lighting, and a host of other artistic fields. Film combines technical skills with artistic vision, and you won’t learn outdated skillsets.
Most film and media majors work with the very same cameras, lights, and programs that industry professionals use. So, you can transfer all the experience you gained while attending college to your work as soon as you graduate.
Opportunities Available Across the Country
It’s easy for people to think that a film degree will only be useful if you want to live in New York or Los Angeles. While it’s true that those were once the film capitals of the country, the industry has expanded. Atlanta, Georgia and Austin Texas have expanded this vibrant market.
Plus, your career prospects don’t need to be limited to cinema projects alone. Your film degree can get you jobs in news studios. Or, if you’d rather run your own business, you can start a business as a wedding videographer.
It might seem trite but trust us. Couples will appreciate your cinematic hand guiding the romantic occasion over Uncle Joe’s shaky phone cam.
Film Studies Improves Online Content Creation
Speaking of creating beautiful art for mundane purposes, businesses the world over need filmmakers to support their YouTube channels. YouTube, and any other video campaigns they run. The techniques you learn when you study film can ensure that the content you make for yourself, or anyone else, looks amazing.
Plus, as in the wedding example above, it’s great for those who want to run their own business. Running a YouTube channel is part social media management, part film. Your experience in the latter can cover many weaknesses in the former.
A Film Degree Is an Eminently Practical One
The words “film degree” and “practical” don’t often fall into the same sentence. Most people would think that film is one of the most impractical degrees you can get out of all the liberal arts. (Though much of this stems from their disdain for liberal arts as a whole.)
No matter where you study, you can take your skills anywhere. It’s not like studying the theory and history of a field without practical applications, as in some more “reputable” fields. In film, your degree is part of your practical experience.
Want to find out where you can study in this and other liberal arts fields? Check out Liberalartsedu.org for a solid list.
If You Study Film, You Will Know How to Work as a Team
One last enormous benefit of a film degree: It forces you to learn how to work as a team. Cinema projects often succeed or fail based on the teamwork between actors, directors, cameramen, and editors. Egos may be common in the business, but they aren’t effective.
Film and media studies teach you how to collaborate, especially with “difficult” personalities. That’s a transferable skill to any field with high-performing individuals.
Looking for More Reasons to Study Film?
We hope that this guide to the reasons to study film gave you some talking points to use the next time someone derides your passion for cinema. With its ubiquitous nature and transferable skills, a film and media studies major is a practical one. No matter what those who decry the arts would have you believe.
If you found this guide helpful, and want to learn about more college majors that can transfer to business building, check out the Business section of our blog. We update each day with more content like this!
