Taking Media & Film further - to university and a career in the media

A career in the media in not for the faint of heart. It is a difficult, cynical industry and one where on the fittest will survive. You need to be tough, determined and resilient. Many media jobs are freelance - meaning that you are self-employed and while you can earn good money, you'll find yourself looking for work again as soon as that contract ends. Hours are extremely long and unsociable, making family life challenging.

So why do it? The creative media industry is tremendously exciting and richly rewarding. Earning potential is very high and there is the possibility of global recognition if you rise to the top of your field.

The film industry is not the only option - advertising, new media, web design, photography, wedding photography or videography, games design, journalism and more are potential pathways after studying media.

​There is no set pathway to this career. Bear in mind that the media industry doesn't place much value in a film or media studies qualification. What's more important is a positive attitude and willingness to follow instructions in the short term. Making contacts is vital - two weeks spent making phone calls can often lead to more work than a two-year course.

Use local contacts to arrange work experience placements and get yourself known. Build up an online portfolio of your work and enter your films into film competitions and festivals. Try to decide on your talent/specialism early to focus your career path.

For every job there are thousands of rivals who would like to take it - how will you stand out?

If all else fails...there's always teaching!

Hollywood salaries - How much do people in the film industry earn?

Skillset: An excellent overview of the different jobs on a film crew - which suits you best?

The Guardian: Debunking 10 myths about breaking into the Film industry

Filmmaker magazine - What is it really like to be a producer?

No Film School - An excellent article about breaking into the film industry

Film Schools

Luc Besson's Ecole de la Cite in Paris - short term courses
New York Film Academy - ideal for short summer learning. They run courses not just in NY but worldwide, including Shanghai
The DAVE School - VFX and animation school with an excellent record of industry placement

BISS Ex-Student Recommendations
Below are some former BISS students commenting on their university courses - this may help you choose an appropriate course.
Let me know if you want to contact them directly for further info.

Pearse, studying Film, Television and Digital Production at Royal Holloway, London:
"I would 100% recommend it for anyone interested in studying film as the facilities available are fantastic and the course is really nicely balanced with about 50% practical work and 50% theory. It’s a great course with very helpful staff and a good community, can’t recommend it more!" 

Julia - Lincoln University
"A small university but all the facilities you need. Lots of theory and creating. I had the best time and would go back in a heartbeat!"

Useful Links for Further Advice

Choosing Film Schools
An excellent weblink to film schools and which are the best
MovieMaker's list of the best US & Canada film schools (July 2021)
StudioBinder: 21 Best Film Schools (January 2020)
FilmIndependent: Seven things I learned in film school (May 2019)
IndieWire article - Film school or not? Directors answer (Nov 2015)
2017 List of the Best Film Schools
​The Guardian's 2016 league table of the best universities for media and film studies
Top Universities.com - Top Film Schools Around the World (Jan 2015)
The Hollywood Reporter - The 25 Best Film Schools in the USA (August 2016)
The Hollywood Reporter - The Top 15 International Film Schools (July 2014)
Tales From the Argo - Top 10 UK film schools
Variety - 40 Showbiz training programs (April 2015)
The Guardian on the National Film & Television School in the UK (Aug 2013)
Backstage - Summer Film Schools

General Media Careers
Excellent media careers advice from the University of Kent

Careers in Advertising 
​Forbes.com - Info on jobs in Advertising
The Guardian - 10 Tips for a Career in Advertising
​
Careers in Film
Creative SkillSet - details on different jobs in film
​The Guardian - What to do with a qualification in film (July 2011)
StudioBinder - Furthering your film career

Careers in Film Journalism
Advice for becoming a film journalist from film journalists
Pathway to becoming a film journalist

Work Experience in Shanghai
There are many options that you can explore!
​
Previous BISS students have found placements at:
That's Shanghai magazine
Local advertising companies
Film production companies

Please speak to Mr Ekkel for some tips on who to contact and where to go

Working in Film
The reality of working in film and media is that it's a tough and competitive industry. Getting an entry point is hard due to the closed-shop nature of the business, where friends and relatives find it much easier to get a first job than outsiders do.

BBC Film Programme episode
This podcast discusses the difficulties of entering the UK film industry and how social class is a key issue.