Dreaming of working in Film or TV

First Time w/ the New Tow Dolly
Photo by FilmCrewTech

Are you dreaming of pursuing a career in media and communication? The film and TV industry is renowned for being highly competitive, making it challenging to break in.

In smaller countries, the field of media studies may not be well-developed, and many students are compelled to study abroad due to the quality of education. The United Kingdom is arguably the leading country in Europe for film, TV, and broadcasting studies, while countries like Norway, Denmark, and Sweden are lagging behind. In Norway, some public universities offer such programs, but they are often limited in scope and availability. Private, non-accredited universities are gaining prominence, not necessarily in terms of quality but in terms of student enrollment.

In the United Kingdom, there are numerous institutions that offer media programs, ranging from larger universities to smaller organizations. However, the challenge lies in choosing the right one for you. It is important to find a course that aligns with your desired career path. If you aspire to work in broadcasting, a specialized program in broadcasting would be ideal. While many programs cover similar topics, try to find a program that offers subjects you are most interested in and can provide you with the expertise you desire. Inquire about the institutions’ equipment and industry connections. Some institutions, like Ravensbourne, are highly specialized and receive full industry sponsorship, regularly updating their equipment every three years to stay in line with industry standards.

Although broadcasting programs cover the fundamentals of film production, specialized film production programs allow for more creative freedom. Topics you may explore in film production include screenwriting, directing, filming, and editing. Broadcasting tends to be more technical, while film production is more artistic. Choosing a school for film production can be a bit more challenging, but it’s equally important to examine industry connections. In a more creative program, the work tends to be more individual, catering to personal tastes. Take a look at student work on platforms like YouTube. Also, check out awards and the faculty. You can find work from professors and alumni online. For example, the Arts University College at Bournemouth boasts two Oscar-winning alumni, indicating a high caliber of students in their programs. Canterbury Christchurch University has Thelma Schoonmaker Powell, a three-time Oscar winner (for Raging Bull, The Aviator, and The Departed), as a guest lecturer teaching editing to their students.

When choosing an institution, my advice is to dedicate ample time to understand the industry you want to enter. Where do you envision yourself in the future, and what would make you happy? Consider whether it’s easier to enter one industry and then transition to another. Once you’ve determined your career path, I highly recommend conducting thorough research using Google and YouTube to see what students are doing at different institutions. You can also find this information on the universities’ websites, although they may only showcase the most impressive work. It is crucial to conduct a background check on the faculty to ascertain their experience and industry connections.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME