Jobs

Cinema Studies graduates have gained a background in the tradition of cinema including theories of storytelling and image making, knowledge of the social, cultural and political context in which the films were created, the impact of media on society, and an understanding of the various genres, alternative modes, and national and ethnic cinematic trends.

SKILLS

  • Interpretative and analytical skills
  • Research methods
  • Conceptual and critical thinking
  • Written and verbal communication skills
  • Historical knowledge
  • Attention to detail
  • Knowledge of film
  • Visual sensitivity
  • Problem solving and organizational skills
  • Understanding how the entertainment industry works

AVENUES

Career options for Cinema Studies graduates include positions with national and international museums, libraries, archives, educational institutions, and film festivals, arts programming, arts publishing, journalism, research and criticism, and within the entertainment industry. Advanced academic study is also an option for Cinema Studies graduates, particularly those who would like to teach at a college or university.

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION AND RELATED OCCUPATIONS

  • Arts administration
  • Film festivals
  • Education
  • Independent artists
  • Film/TV production companies
  • Journalism
  • Film archives
  • Public relations and marketing
  • Film criticism
  • Research and scholarship

EARNINGS

Earnings vary by industry and geographic location. Entry-level film librarians and archivists can expect a salary range of $31,000-$42,000. Cinema Studies instructors in higher education can expect a $35,000-$57,000 entry-level salary range. Entry-level assistants or associate producers in the entertainment field begin between $30,000-$37,000 per year. Much work in the entertainment industry is freelance with highly variable remuneration.

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

Cinema Studies graduates have a great diversity of opportunities. Within a culture that continues to be propelled by images in film and media, graduates with expertise in these areas will have a growing number of employment possibilities from which to choose.

MARKETABILITY

Jobs in cinema studies will continue to grow at an average rate compared to other fields.

ORGANIZATIONS EMPLOYING CINEMA STUDIES GRADUATES

  • Colleges and universities
  • Community arts organizations
  • Galleries
  • Museums
  • Film festivals
  • Film Archives
  • Research institutes
  • Magazines and journals
  • Online resources
  • Production companies

RESOURCES

  • ArtCalendar
  • ArtSEARCH
  • ArtPapers
  • AVISO
  • Museum News
  • The National Resource Guide for the Placement of Artist
  • The Official Museum Directory
  • Chronicle of Higher Education
  • New American Painting
  • Society for Cinema and Media Studies

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS/WEBSITES

GENERAL DISCLAIMER

The career avenues and occupations are not limited to the abovementioned careers. The skills outlined may be applicable to many different occupations that are not listed.