Overview of Careers in the Television and Film Industry

There are many jobs in the television and film industry. Aside from actors, there are people working behind the scenes. Fortunately, you don't necessary need a four-year degree in order to break into film and TV.

Working in Film and TV

Jobs in film and TV are competitive. Applicants should be outgoing, creative and personable. You should enjoy networking, and technical skills may also be required, depending on the position you're looking for.

Jobs in Film and TV

TV and film industry jobs vary greatly, and there are opportunities in TV and film for all sorts of people. Some examples of TV jobs and film industry jobs include:
  • Actors, who perform in many areas such as television, film, videos, documentaries, commercials or training videos.

  • Broadcast and sound engineering technicians, who coordinate the sound and video of television shows and movies.

  • Camera operators, who shoot videos of all kinds, including television, movies, music videos and documentaries.

  • Film and TV editors, who edit television, film and other footage, choosing the images to put together for the end product.

  • Producers, who handle financial and business matters, such as cost of projects and production. They also decide what gets aired.

  • TV news anchors and reporters, who prepare, investigate and report the news.

Facts and Figures

Competition in all areas of film and TV is high, and job growth will likely remain steady over the next decade. People with technical and writing skills, as well as tenacity, may have an edge in the film and TV industry, as well as those who have a comprehensive knowledge of the industry—not just the position they're interested in.
 
Salaries vary greatly in this industry. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, camera operators earned a median income of $40,060 in May 2006, while editors earned $46,670. Actors were said to earn an average hourly wage of $11.61. In regard to technicians, sound engineering technicians earned the highest median income at $43,010, and reporters earned around $33,470.

Education, Training, and Work Experience

Various levels of training are required for jobs in the film and TV industry. Those interested in becoming a camera operator can train at vocational schools or community colleges, although some jobs do require a Bachelor’s degree.
 
Becoming a production assistant is a good way to enter the film industry. Actors often get four-year degrees, although it's not always necessary. Gaining experience in local theatre, acting workshops and in smaller TV markets is a great way to start.
 
Most technician jobs require an Associate’s degree or some vocational education, and provide on-the-job training. TV news reporter jobs usually require a four-year degree in Journalism or Communication, but it may be possible to begin at smaller stations with some community college training. When hiring reporters, employers will place high value on practical experience in the field.

Related Associations and Groups

If you are interested in breaking into the film and TV industry, there are professional groups that you can consult with for advice on how to proceed. Some of these are:
  • Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers
  • Motion Picture Association of America
  • National Association of Broadcasters
  • Screen Actors Guild.
 
Share |