An Introduction To The Film Industry

“Fiction is seeing the world and not being able to see it.” – Philip Pullman The dictionary says “a story, narrative, or song that shows the events as they happen” but this definition fails to capture what makes a film. In the broadest sense, a film is a work of visual art, which depicts reality as it exists rather than presenting an abstract and usually superficial version of it.

Visual art is subjective and highly creative, but not one-dimensional. It is about expressing ideas in a new and powerful way. That is what an artist does in a work of visual art. And that is what film education is all about. We need artists to interpret the world around them and create works of visual art that influence society.

Films are among the oldest forms of artistic expression. Even before the moviemaker started using cameras, people have been making movies to show others, to document events, and to pass down information. As film technology evolved, so did film education. Now there are film courses at art schools all over the world to help students learn film techniques and history.

One can study film theory, ancient film mediums, film techniques, animation, digital movie production, the psychology of filmmakers, and much more in film education. Students can choose to specialize in either cinema studies or film studies. Those who choose to take only one of these tracks will be confronted with all the technical and artistic challenges of the film industry. But those who choose both fields will get a complete overview of the film industry and learn how to communicate their ideas on film.

Film courses provide students with information about the different kinds of films as well as the film industry. They will learn about different kinds of films from the era of German Expressionism to the modern day classic Hollywood film. A student can also look into the business side of the film industry and find out the different business strategies used by filmmakers. Film course curriculums will also give students a chance to explore different aspects of the media industry such as television, cinema, film distribution, music, and advertising.

There are many different career options after taking film courses. Students can opt to work behind the camera as a video videographer, sound editor, director, producer, and actor. More experienced filmmakers can choose to work in visual arts as a graphic designer, costume designer, photographer, and cinematographer. More creative students might even consider a career in writing, music, or visual arts. Film school never ends for those who pursue its vast possibilities; they just need to pursue them.