Digital filmmaking is an exciting industry full of opportunities for those interested in creating all types of content, including movies, short films, documentaries, advertisements, and many other types of video and interactive content. Being a great digital filmmaker requires a combination of technical, artistic, and scholarly perspectives and can be a great career choice for those seeking a degree in a growing field.
With a degree from Villa, you’ll be ready for a range of filmmaking opportunities that come your way. Read on to get a brief overview of digital filmmaking as a career and as a degree path at Villa Maria College.
What is filmmaking?
Video is a popular medium in a digital world. Many major industries have a need for digital content. Digital film impacts our lives in lots of exciting and positive ways. Those interested in a career in digital filmmaking have a chance to participate in entertaining, educating, and inspiring others.
Filmmaking (or cinematography) is an expansive industry but it can be defined as using cameras to capture live-motion images digitally. They are produced and processed with a variety of tools to render video products containing both live-action and computer-generated elements. They are then uploaded to digital platforms where viewers can access them.
How to become a filmmaker
Good filmmakers are considered artists and technical experts, familiar with the newest technologies and latest techniques in direction, photography, and post-production effects. They are often involved in the production process from start to finish including lighting and sound, storyboarding, set construction, production, and editing. Emerging multimedia content ecosystems are requiring digital filmmakers to generate content that works on a variety of screens and appeals to multiple audiences.
Find the right school
Filmmaking requires a variety of disciplines in addition to a forward-thinking mindset. Fostering and demonstrating skills in planning, project management, set management, and interpersonal skills should be central to an education that also exposes you to the technical and creative approaches of being a master filmmaker.
For that reason, Villa has designed its curriculum to be a four-year college program. Hands-on experiences are built into the curriculum, with guidance from professors experienced in the digital filmmaking industry.
What you’ll learn
Foundational courses in sound, graphic design (post-production), and creative writing. You’ll also have the chance to learn advanced film production in courses like Techniques and Technologies in Filmmaking, Photo Imaging and Design, and Digital Storytelling. These will help students acquire the foundational skills needed to work on various aspects of filmmaking projects.
After several semesters of building the requisite skills, students transition to working on their own film projects learning to film, direct and edit.
What you’ll do
In addition to our forward-thinking curriculum, Villa gives students access to the latest tools as a part of their enrollment in the program. Each student has access to state-of-the-industry video, sound, and product software and hardware.
On this equipment, students learn the techniques and tools standard in this cutting-edge industry, including SLR cameras for still shots as well as taking video. You’ll also learn to use creative software including Adobe Production Premium, Adobe Suite, Avid M Box, and Final Cut Pro.
Students also have access to the latest sound equipment and digital devices to work with. This way, students are exposed to all aspects of the filmmaking enterprise, allowing them to discover their true passion. Access to these opportunities will help ensure that your education provides you with the experience to work in the film industry.
After completing your education and gaining the skills necessary to compete in the job market, you can expect to find yourself suited to a range of career options. As a filmmaker, you might want variety or autonomy, and decide to freelance. Or you may feel like your best work is done in a team setting and target jobs in a more formal film studio environment. You might decide to work in-house at a company that produces its digital marketing content for a product or service. You might choose to start your own filmmaking outlet and produce ads, movies, or other types of digital content with a team of your own!