The interdisciplinary field of film and video studies is founded in production, theory, aesthetics, history, culture, and criticism. The fundamental concepts of visual storytelling will be analyzed, interpreted, integrated, and applied. Through practical production classes, you’ll be able to create and capture the moving image. You will be able to design an interdisciplinary, individualized program for continued study of film and video in both theoretical and practical contexts because you are independent learners.
The two majors available to students are Film & Video Studies and Film & Video Production. The studies major is a very adaptable major that is CLA Degree in 3 eligible, offers possibilities for academic, cultural, and global learning, and typically gives the student the most flexibility for developing their unique curriculum. A major like production exposes committed students to all stages and facets of the production process in a much more practical way. The production major emphasizes practical, experienced learning and offers the choice to design a general or broad-based program or to focus on one optional area of specialization (directing, editing, cinematography, screenwriting, production design, or live events).
Career Prospects for Film and Video Studies
People should maintain a realistic perspective about the personal and professional demands one must meet in choosing a career in any artistic and highly competitive field. Purdue’s Film & Video program can enable the self-motivated student to build a strong interdisciplinary, individualized foundation program for further study of film, video, and developing media or entry into the workforce in a creative capacity, though no degree or school can guarantee a livelihood in this field. Many graduates of film and video programs have found success in a range of artistic careers.
Students are encouraged to gain additional experience through internships, co-curricular projects, capstones, certificates, and/or minors to improve their employment prospects after graduation. Students should actively seek out real-world opportunities throughout their undergraduate careers to integrate their professional aspirations with their interests and skills.
Getting Started
A major in film and video can serve as the basis for a wide range of professions. Students who have a keen interest in animation, for instance, may decide to take courses in art and design and computer graphics technology. Similarly to this, Polytechnic Institute students interested in highly technical fields may choose to double major in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering Technology.
The options for minors are essentially unlimited and include things like sports, entrepreneurship, history, philosophy, business, dance, theater, art, education, creative writing, other languages, women’s studies, African American studies, and more! Students choose coursework both inside and outside the major to fulfill their educational goals in close collaboration with the faculty and their Liberal Arts adviser. Three stages of planning are necessary for this.
- Choosing the appropriate classes from the Film and Video program.
- Choosing supplementary classes from certificates, minors, additional majors, or across the University.
- Creating a portfolio of your work, which should include any internships, extracurricular projects, and other professional and pre-professional chances.
Educational Goals for the Course
- Learn planning and managing skills
- Work with deadlines
- Work independently
- Increase attention to details
- Work in teams/small groups
- Identify and handle different needs of individuals, groups, etc.
- Understand institutional and cultural values
- Collaborate in rewriting and editing with others
- Explain processes, plans, and concepts
- Deliver specific viewpoints in creative and cultural context
- Develop influential/persuasion skills
- Learn to synthesize information
- Develop interpretation skills
- Practice reporting and editing skills
- Create entertaining and persuasive messages
- Evaluate ideas and presentation
- Gather information and data; Compare and contrast evidence
- Evaluate information and sources
- Develop critical thinking skills
- Promote creativity and self-expression
- Measure media effects
Film Studies Related Occupations
Production Assistant/Press Agent/Actor/Drama Coach/Sound & Special Effects/Prop Maker/Scriptwriter/Studio Merchandising/Distribution Company/Personal Assistant/Theater Manager/Film Production Instructor/Casting Assistant/Costume Design/Publicist/Rerecording mixer/Film Director/Story Editor/Talent Representative/Film Editor/Talent Agent/Multimedia Designer/Advertising Creative/Art Director/Teacher/Librarian/Professor Film Archives/Television production/Animator/Assistant Director/Camera Operator/Casting Director /Cinematographer/Censor Colorizing technician/Independent Filmmaker/Industrial Filmmaker/Producer/Script Supervisor/Screenwriter/Sound Editor/Visual Effects/Dramaturge/Critic/Lighting Technician
Note: Your success is dependent on your own personal desire, devotion, attitude, and hard work toward specific career goals. No university can guarantee a job in cinema, television, or multimedia. Like in any other field, getting your degree should be seen as the start, not the end, of your journey.