Cinematography and Film/Video Production

Overview

Programs in cinematography and film/video production prepare people to communicate dramatic works through the making of films and videos.

This program includes topics such as:

Film theory and history
Setting up, recording, and editing moving images
Cameras and equipment
Film editing
Sound editing

Some schools separate the study of cinematography from film/video production. Cinematography focuses on ways to capture dramatic elements using cameras. Film/video production focuses on editing, film audio, and how to make films and videos.

Schools

Several community colleges offer an associate degree program in cinematography and film/video production. An associate degree program at a community college usually takes two years of full-time study to complete.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in cinematography and film/video production. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

A few universities offer master's degrees in cinematography and film/video production. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Actors

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Art Appreciation
Art History
Drama, Stagecraft
History and Literature of the Theater
Introduction to the Theater

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
Undergraduate major or significant course work in film, cinematography, and related courses
Letters of recommendation
Portfolio or exhibit review
Personal interview

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

In this undergraduate program, you typically take courses such as the following:

Camera Techniques
Cinematography
Comparative Film
Computer Software for Film/Video Production
Digital Film and Video
Dramatic Theory and Criticism
Film Editing
Fundamentals of Scene Design
Production Techniques
Scene Analysis
Sound Editing
Technical Theater
Theater History
Theory of Film

Things to Know

Many schools offer different kinds of bachelor's degrees depending on your desired concentration. Some of these degrees focus more on performance and production. Others combine their teaching of production skills with a broad liberal arts education.