The school I was most interested in attending for video production is the School of Visual Arts, based in the lower east side of Manhattan. At SVA, you can obtain a Bachelor's degree in Film & Video, as well as a Master's, at a tuition of approximately $30,000 a year. There is a wide variety of courses, but a freshman is expected to take the following courses:
Required Courses
AHD-1070 Film History and Criticism
CFD-1020 Introduction to Production I
CFD-1025 Introduction to Production II
CFD-1070 Acting for Film
CVD-1080 Introduction to Editing: Final Cut Pro
CVD-1090 Introduction to Editing: Avid
CFD-1140 Fundamentals of Narrative I
CFD-1145 Fundamentals of Narrative II
HCD-1020 Writing and Literature I
HCD-1025 Writing and Literature II
By taking these courses, one will learn the fundamentals of video production, and will move on to the second year with a substantial amount of knowledge and experience in the art of video production. By the time you've graduated, your experience and degree will help you find a job in a wide variety of positions, such as editing or operating the camera. One example of such a job opportunity would be the job of Media Director, working for the Aish Center in Manhattan. This job includes responsibilities such as editing, filming, and writing, skills that an education at the School of Visual Arts would provide you with. The starting salary is 20k for this entry level job, and is subject to increase after a 3 month trial period.
Another job is the job of Associate Producer for MTV Networks in Manhattan. With an education at SVA you would have all the requirements, which include but are not limited to 3 years of experience and skill with editing in Final Cut Pro. Responsibilities would include working with the talent and editors, and creating a production binder for the production team while on-set. The job lasts 3 months and the salary can vary.
One more example of a job that such an education would prepare you for is the job of Executive Producer for Brilliant Earth Pictures in NYC. " Looking for experienced Executive Producer to assist with all aspects
of our film "Closer To Evening". This film deals with the relationship
between an Italian American son to his aging father and his emotionally
grieving teenage daughter. Looking for someone who can also help in
approaching several name actors we are currently pursuing for the lead
role.
The film is an intense emotional drama that we plan to shoot
in Black and White in a style inspired by many of Ingmar Bergman's
films. Looking for someone who is inspired, inventive, and has a passion
to be involved in the creation of serious artistic material." Working such a job appeals to me because I am into artistic films like the one described there, and it could contribute to my portfolio.
