Film Industry Education and Training

Film industry education and training prepares actors, directors and technicians for jobs in Hollywood

By Stella Stewart

Film industry education and training is as diverse as the job titles on a movie set. The film business starts with a story so writers are the foundation, and their film industry education and training usually starts in a university setting and a writing class. The set decorators, makeup artists and the electricians, or grips, are vital members of the industry, but their education and training takes place in different settings including beauty and art schools.

Before heading west to the heart of the film industry, business people with an MBA or law degree responsible for the bottom line are often the executives of film companies. Although many of the key players in the film industry start in an academic setting, much of their film industry education and training starts with the first job that they find in movie industry.

1. Film industry businesses recruit candidates from colleges with prestigious departments or schools devoted to film studies.

2. Film industry education and training is the first step in establishing a network of contacts in the film industry.

3. Courses in film studies are available to test the waters without committing to a long-term program or career.

Earn a degree from a university respected by the global cinema industry

Enroll in the University of Southern California or the University of California at Los Angeles for great classes, but most importantly, the people sitting around you could become important people in the movie business. You will make contacts during your studies at these prestigious institutions of higher learning that will prove to be valuable to a career in the movie studio and film industries.
Try: The University of Southern California graduates many students recruited by industry leaders. UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television is also a favorite training ground for work in the movie industry.

Take courses related to a specialty in the film production business

The film industry is glamorous and fast paced, the actors are famous and the directors revered, but the most visible jobs are not the only ones available. Makeup artists, electricians, marketing specialists and many others work behind the scenes in the same glamorous settings. A beautician for a Hollywood studio works with the stars while an electrician at a major studio fixes the lights for them.
Try: New York University provides courses in film production in their continuing education program. The Film Connection Film Institute has courses available online.

Attend workshops devoted to the careers needed by film industry companies

The competition is stiff in Hollywood, New York and other film production capitals, and a workshop will provide an overview of the prospects of landing a job in the film industry. At a workshop or seminar, professionals working in different careers in the film industry help students understand the advantages and disadvantages of working to make movies. Some workshops and seminars present an overview while others focus on particular fields such as acting or directing.
Try: Miami Dade College is located in Florida where many films are made so their workshops and seminars feature presenters with real experience. The Arts Center is located in Los Angeles, the heart of the film industry and film production companies.

Film Industry Education and Training