What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s of Art in Cinema?

Obtaining a Bachelor's of Art in Cinema is slowly becoming one of the most popular education options for students pursuing multimedia arts. This comes as no surprise given the versatility and exciting coursework that programs in cinema offer. One of the most common misconceptions that hurt the popularity of these major, however, relates to the job outlook upon graduation. Namely, many people view this market as a challenging one when it comes to getting hired for an entry-level position. Even though such concerns were once valid, they are now outdated because the economy is booming and the film industry is at its peak. After all, just consider the fact that Marvel's movie "Endgame" became the highest-grossing project of all time in just a few months after its release. So, what exactly can you do with a Bachelor's of Art in Cinema?

Film Editor

The job itself is quite appealing as it demands one to work with raw footage and convert it into a final sequence that gets played in the movie theaters. This also means that there are many challenges where on-the-job training will be instrumental to success. Those who gain the necessary experience will also take on more responsibilities and begin training others who may just be starting their careers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, film and video editors earn an average of $28.36 per hour. When annualized, those earnings translate to a salary of $58,990. Besides, the current job outlook is at a whopping 11 percent, which means that the industry for film editors is expanding at an above-average pace. With all of this data in mind, it is safe to say that working as a film editor after graduating with a bachelor of arts in cinema will be one of the most popular career choices.

Producer

Unlike an editor, someone who produces a film has to oversee the entire process related to the venture. They are in charge of everything from employing the back-up crew and actors to developing the script and final cuts of the project. While a bachelor's degree is going to come in handy, it is important to recognize how producers need to possess a lot of intangible skills that let them manage teams of employees effectively. Not to mention that they must continuously develop themselves professionally and keep up with the trends within the business.

Operations Manager

Anyone who wants to avoid direct involvement with the movie-making process can simply focus on the roles of operation management. Doing so could help them find jobs within cinemas, theaters, and other facilities that pertain to the industry. They could further explore the said opportunities to gain experience and work their way up to operation directors. That way, their earning potential would rise from approximately $45,000 to over $60,000 per year.

Related Resource: 15 Best Affordable Film Studies Degree Programs

The career options with a Bachelor of Art in Cinema are vast including film editor, producer, operations manager and marketing. Thus, students pursuing a Bachelor's of Art in Cinema will be able to find a job that suits their particular interests.