Film production

Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

• Animator
• Film director
• Film/video editor
• Location manager
• Media researcher
• Music producer
• Runner, broadcasting/film/video
• Sound technician, broadcasting/film/video
• Television/film/video producer
• Television floor manager

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• Broadcast engineer
• Broadcast journalist
• Photographer
• Production designer, theatre/television/film
• Sound engineer
• Special effects technician
• Television camera operator
• Television production coordinator
• VFX artist

Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

Work experience

Starting a career in film production can be challenging, as competition for roles is strong. Gaining work experience is essential to build a strong CV, develop a portfolio or showreel, and create networking opportunities. Working as a runner, supporting production staff on film sets, is a good way to learn about the production process and make valuable industry contacts.

You can also use university projects to build your portfolio. There may be opportunities for work experience or field trips, in the UK and overseas, as part of your degree. Volunteering at local film festivals can also provide useful experience.

Showcase your work to industry professionals at every opportunity, for example at competitions and festivals. Make the most of opportunities to network, develop contacts, and share your CV with production companies.

Personal projects are equally valuable. If you have created video content for social media or platforms such as YouTube, these can be strong examples of your skills and creativity.

Search for placements and find out more about work experience and internships.

Typical employers

Job opportunities are available with film and television production companies, as well as streaming and online content providers.

You can also find opportunities across the wider creative industries and in other sectors. Typical employers include:

• advertising, PR and other creative companies
• charities
• corporate businesses
• marketing companies
• universities.

Opportunities are advertised on industry and company websites, through social media and professional networks, in trade publications, and via recruitment agencies. The contacts you build through work experience and study are also an important source of opportunities.

Many graduates work on a freelance basis across a range of short-term projects, and some set up their own companies. You'll need to be proactive in seeking opportunities and building a strong network of contacts. Be prepared to continue developing your skills to keep up with technological advances and maintain a steady flow of work.

Find information on employers in creative arts and design, marketing, advertising and PR, media and internet and other job sectors.

Skills for your CV

On a film production degree, you'll develop the technical, production, creative and business skills needed to work in the film industry. Courses typically combine practical work with theory, allowing you to build knowledge in areas such as:

• cinematography
• directing
• editing
• producing
• storytelling
• screen/script writing
• special effects
• sound.

You'll also develop a range of transferable skills relevant to the wider creative industries, including:

• teamwork and collaboration
• project management
• the ability to organise your time, resources and people
• flexibility and adaptability
• communication and interpersonal skills
• the ability to think quickly and take direction
• working to a brief, to deadlines and within a budget
• reflecting on, and evaluating, your own and others' work
• understanding consent and inclusive practice
• proactivity and initiative.

Further study

Some graduates go on to postgraduate study to further develop their skills in a particular area of film production. A range of Masters courses is available, allowing you to specialise in subjects such as screenwriting, editing, lighting, sound, distribution and production.

It's also possible to undertake further training to move into other careers, such as advertising, marketing or teaching, where you can apply the skills gained from your film production degree in different contexts. Before starting a postgraduate course, check whether it is required for your chosen career path.

For more information on further study and to find a course that interests you, see Masters degrees and search for postgraduate courses in film production.

What do film production students do?

27% of film production graduates are working as arts officers, producers and directors (14%) or photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators (13%). Sales and retail assistants (9%), sports and leisure assistants (4%), advertising and marketing associate professionals (3%) and PR professionals (2%) are also among the top ten most commonly reported occupations.

Find out what other film production graduates are doing 15 months after finishing their degrees in What do graduates do?

Graduate Outcomes survey data from HESA.