Jobs in the Film Industry

Kristin Gabriel asked:

e interested in learning about a career in the film business,you are looking at a pretty competitive industry. The good news is that many people are getting jobs in this area, even when the economy is suffering from a slump, because entertainment is the one thing people still spend money on during tough times. Here are some of the industry statistics.

In recent yearas, theater admissions did decline, but it seems that the year 2006 ended a three year downward trend because admissions increased three.3 percent over 2005. Revenues from ticket sales increased by 5.Close to 5 percent, making 2006 a $9.49 billion year. Movies released in 2006 were up 607, marking an 11 percent increase over the number of releases in 2005.

If you want to learn how to be a director or a producer the latest published data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the film industry provided 157,000 jobs for actors, directors and producers in 2004. This number should grow between nine to 17 percent by 2014.

In 2002, there were about 360,000 jobs in the motion picture and video industries, but most of these workers were involved in the production end of film making. There are many companies in the industry employ 10 workers or less. The good news is that a 31.1 percent increase in jobs is expected industry-wide between 2002 and 2012. This growth is about twice the 16 percent growth expected across all industries combined over the same timeframe.

How much money can you can make by getting a job in the film industry? It seems that median annual earnings for salaried producers and directors, were about $46,240 in 2002. And if you were really good, and lucky, the top ten percent earned over $119,760.

Those who are really serious about a career in the film business should take a look at programs with film mentor teachers from inside the industry, which takes you out of the classroom of some film schools in colleges and onto real movie sets. This is how and where you’ll learn by doing while you apprentice, one-on-one with a mentor, or by working with a professional – a producer, actor, or a director – in the area of film that you want to study. There are plenty of Los Angeles film schools, and even New York film schools, and many in between in just about any major city in the U.S., but the reality is that in order to really “break into the film business” you will benefit by studying with a working professional.

The reality is that no matter what the economy has in store, or what the job market statistics come in at — if you really want to work in the entertainment or film industry, the best way to do it is to learn your skills from a mentor in the entertainment industry who will help you get a job once you graduate.

Online Degrees in Animation

Tammy Greene asked:

The computer animation field has quite a prominent part to play in the entertainment industry. Gaming animation is so famous at this moment of time that high quality games are being developed into movies. The example in this regard can be of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and DOOM. If you manage to earn a degree in arts specializing in gaming animation or computer animation you can perhaps work in the entertainment industry.

Course Structure

The course structure of online animation degree program consists of visual effects, gaming animation and computer animation. When earning an online degree in animation, you will also get to know about the new software programs and latest multimedia trend. If you are only interested in video game animation, it is advisable that you go for a specialization in video game animation.

Online Bachelor of Science in Animation Degree

If you are looking for training in the practical aspects of animation then Bachelor of Science in Animation is the way to go. The most intriguing thing about this online degree program is that it also includes combination of general education and management concepts, which can come in real handy when you are doing project work. You can attain entry-level jobs by earning an online Bachelor of Science in Animation degree. It includes multimedia designer, assistant animator and graphic artist.

Online Masters in Animation Degree

An online Masters degree in Animation prepares students to use computer applications and various sound imaging techniques. Other important features of this online degree program are specialized camerawork, CAD applications, image capture, equipment operation and computer programming.

Career prospects

If the Bureau of Labor Statistics is to be believed, the annual salary of animators is more than $50,000. When you earn an online degree in animation, you will surely face no problems in acquiring a job. However, to advance your career it is of paramount importance that you go for a higher degree. If possible, go for a Bachelor in Animation or Masters in Animation. Opportunities for animators are expected to grow by more than 10 percent by 2012, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Earning Online Degrees in Animation

To earn an online degree in animation, first you need to find an accredited university that is conducting online degree programs in animation. Details of some accredited online universities that offer online degree programs in animation are:

Westwood College Online: Westwood College Online offers Associate, Bachelor and Masters level degree programs in animation. The best part about Westwood College is that their degree programs also provide hands-on training in areas like physics, special effects, psychology, video production techniques and 3D animation. Instructors at Westwood College Online are quite good.

Penn Foster Career School: Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council, Penn Foster Career School is one of the world’s biggest distance learning college conducting Associate and Diploma programs in the Animation and Graphic Design. The faculty at Penn Foster Career School is highly qualified and experienced so as a student you do not need to worry about the quality of education.