What can you do with a Cinematography and Film-Video Production degree?

First, some facts. Of the Cinematography and Film-Video Production graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 548 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 62%, Cinematography and Film-Video Production graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-5%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 62%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 12% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Cinematography and Film-Video Production graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Cinematography and Film-Video Production graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 86%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2021 from Rutgers University - Newark with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Cinematography and Film-Video Production. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Production Assistant
Devlo Media, LLC
Aug 2021 - Sep 2021
The position of Production Assistant does not require specific skills or knowledge from a BA in Cinematography and Film-Video Production, focusing instead on general production support tasks.

Associate Producer
Sky Sabin Productions
Aug 2021 - May 2022
As an Associate Producer, the job requires direct application of skills and knowledge from the Bachelor's program, involving substantial production and storytelling responsibilities.

Video Editor
Move Mountains Co.
Jul 2022 - Aug 2022
The role of Video Editor directly utilizes technical skills and knowledge in film and video production, making it highly relevant to the individual's degree.

Video Producer
Brandeis University
Aug 2022 - Aug 2023
As a Video Producer at Brandeis University, the position involves employing cinematography and production skills learned during the Bachelor's program on a daily basis.

Associate Distribution Designer
ExecuPOWER LLC
Feb 2024 - Present
The role of Associate Distribution Designer may involve some aspects of visual design related to film, but it does not require core qualifications in cinematography and film-video production, making it only indirectly relevant.

ABOUT

I'm a multi-disciplinary video producer who's delivered creative and engaging solutions to various companies and brands. My passion for video extends past a work setting and my short films have been presented at multiple film festivals. I currently work as a Video Producer for the Office of Communications at Brandeis University where I create documentary style content and videos for social.Find my work here: https://matheusafortunato.com/

What jobs can you get with a Cinematography and Film-Video Production degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


When analyzing the career paths of individuals who graduated with degrees in Cinematography and Film-Video Production, it becomes evident that there is a significant variety of jobs they pursue after completing their studies. The most common roles in this field include positions like Assistant Editor, Video Editor, Director of Photography, and various Production Assistant roles. Many graduates find themselves in editing and post-production positions, indicating that editing skills are highly sought after in the industry. This reflects the growing demand for video content across platforms, making editing a vital part of the filmmaking process.

However, while many of these jobs are directly related to Cinematography and Film-Video Production, a notable number are only tangentially connected or even unrelated. For example, roles such as Production Assistant, while often essential in supporting film sets and productions, sometimes fail to utilize the specific artistic and technical skills acquired during studies. Moreover, a variety of individuals end up in positions that lack a connection to film altogether, like bartending, customer service, and administrative roles, showcasing a disconnect between the degree and the job market in some areas.

Overall, it's clear that while graduates do find relevant work within the film industry, the breadth of job types they pursue reflects the diverse opportunities available yet also highlights a gap where specialized skills learned in their degree may not always be utilized effectively in their careers. The relevance of their jobs to their studies varies widely, with many handling roles that directly apply their educational background and others moving into numerous unrelated fields. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities as graduates look to carve out fulfilling careers in an industry that is continually evolving.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Cinematography and Film-Video Production graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Cinematography and Film-Video Production graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Hey there! So, if you’re looking into what kind of career trajectories people with degrees in Cinematography and Film-Video Production tend to have, you’re in for quite an interesting journey. It seems like graduates typically start off with roles that are related to production or post-production, like being an assistant editor or a production assistant. This often sets the stage for their progression into more specialized or leadership positions in the film and video industry. For instance, someone who graduated from Syracuse University went from an assistant editor at a creative agency right after graduation to working as a video editor at a major studio. This kind of upward mobility is what many hope for in their careers.

However, the paths aren’t all rosy. Alongside those moving into solid production roles, there are quite a few individuals who find themselves taking unrelated jobs or working freelance gigs that don’t align perfectly with their studies. Graduates from places like UC Santa Cruz and the University of Houston are showing more varied career outcomes. One ended up as a sports coach, while another has remained mostly freelance without a clear progression. It’s this mixed bag that illustrates the unpredictable nature of film careers. The first five years post-graduation may see graduates juggling various production roles, freelancing, or transitioning into more conventional jobs that leverage their skills less directly related to film and video production.

Fast forward five to ten years later, and we can see a trend: those who stay in the industry seem to find their niche or elevate in their respective fields, whether as cinematographers, producers, or in creative roles at established companies. Many have taken steps up to roles like content producers, editors, or even creative directors. However, still, a significant number of graduates drift into alternative career paths or part-time gigs that utilize their creative talents without tying back to film specifically. This dichotomy presents both the appeal of cinematic careers and the risks involved in this competitive landscape. Overall, while there are undoubtedly success stories, it’s clear that the journey can be quite varied, and the road may twist unexpectedly for many.

How hard is a Cinematography and Film-Video Production degree?

Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Cinematography and Film-Video Production can be a bit of a mixed bag in terms of difficulty. It’s not exactly rocket science, but it definitely comes with its challenges. You’ll dive into everything from the technical aspects of lighting and camera work to storytelling and editing, which can be pretty intensive. Plus, there’s usually a lot of hands-on work and projects that require creativity and teamwork, so if you’re not into that, it might feel a bit overwhelming. It's definitely not the easiest degree out there, but if you’re passionate about film and willing to put in the effort, it can also be a lot of fun!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Cinematography and Film-Video Production.

Do Cinematography and Film-Video Production graduates tend to make good money?

When looking at the career paths of these film and video production graduates, it seems that financial stability varies quite a bit. For example, those who graduated from Syracuse University in 2011 ended up at a prominent studio like Tyler Perry Studios as a video editor, which suggests they've likely landed on a solid salary and beneficial opportunities. On the flip side, some more recent graduates, like those from the University of California, Santa Cruz and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, are currently engaged in coaching, part-time jobs, and freelance roles, implying that they may not be earning a stable income just yet. It ultimately depends on the individual’s choices and the opportunities they find.

Overall, while some graduates might be doing quite well, scoring decent jobs in established companies and studios, others appear to be in more unstable positions or starting from scratch. The film and video industry can be unpredictable, so for many, it might take time and networking to see that financial success. It's a mix of perseverance, creativity, and sometimes a bit of luck in building a lucrative career in this field!

What buzzwords do Cinematography and Film-Video Production graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Cinematography and Film-Video Production. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Cinematography and Film-Video Production?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Cinematography and Film-Video Production (ordered by the average relevance score of their Cinematography and Film-Video Production graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
Savannah College of Art and Design 67 14
Full Sail University 59 38
Emerson College 57 19
San Francisco State University 49 18