Español

Studies & Degrees in Film TV and video

Choose where you would like to study Film TV and video:

ArgentinaAustraliaAustriaBangladeshBelgiumBrazilCanadaChinaCosta RicaCzech RepublicDenmarkEstoniaFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceIndiaIsraelItalyLebanonMexicoMoroccoNetherlandsNew ZealandPakistanRussiaSingaporeSouth AfricaSouth KoreaSpainThe United KingdomThe United StatesTurkey

Film TV and video Study Programs

Level: Undergraduate Bachelors     Location: Villanueva de la Cañada

An old Asian film professor once said “I give you hell, but look at the bright side at least you look cool while suffering.” For most film makers, her words aim true. Since the only upside of making a film is that you look cool while doing it especially when shooting in a public place where passer-bys would certainly ogle.

But before anyone should contemplate in entering a career in film or television, one should know that; THE GLAMOUR EXISTS ONLY IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA. Most people seem to think that making films and television programs is an easy process because a lot are under the impression that knowing which end of the camera to hold is enough to make the next blockbuster hit.

The making of films and television programs or any decent video for that matter is similar in nature. However it is in the process that their complexities are defined. The creation of both forms commonly starts out with its conceptualization which should be easy enough since how hard can it be to come up with an idea for a show that the producers and audience must like?

The next step for both types would then is to make a screenplay for the show. According to a legendary Asian film maker and writer, “producers are very busy people, if they see a very long and thick screenplay on their desks it usually goes directly into the rubbish bin.” For short, his advice means make it as short and sweet as possible since you can add almost anything you want after you get the money. Writing for television usually means that the writers are constricted to the network’s wishes most of the time they write under orders for the shows. When writing for television one must remember the irrefutable fact that television is made for advertising and that all the other programs that we see is simply an intermission for the next commercial. Meaning almost all scripts written is edited up to the point of bastardization. Writing for film however may be more complicated especially for independent writers since most still have to find a producer to fund the film. What makes it more complicated is that producers simply choose to buy the script and the writer is forced to relinquish all rights regarding the work. Now if the producers think that the work is good, some writers have the option to haggle their options for a percentage on publishing, marketing profits and ticket sales.

After getting the screenplay approved under fair terms or not, pre-production usually goes underway. This part includes crew recruitment, talent casting, budget proposal, equipment acquisition etc. everything that is needed to start making a film. For television however, the process is much simpler since a network usually keeps an active roster of talent and crew members and most have their own equipment. The producers simply assign the crew members, allocate equipment plus choose the talents that they think can greatly increase the program’s ratings, acting skills included or not.

After getting everything together, the production goes underway. It’s the part where the film or program is shot. It is also the part that where the tantrums, breakdowns, walk outs, fights and all the insecurity of man’s vanity come together – at least for the big people such as directors, producers and talents, for the little people such as crew members. It’s all about following what the big people say. So to put it bluntly, the production part of any film or program is the most hectic part since this is where all the plans of the pre-production stage come together, from the directorial facets right down to light placements.

Now if you do manage to get out of the production process, its time for post production. Simply put; this is the part where you edit and sell your product. The selling part is easy since commonly, all you have to do is hire a publicist to do that for you. When it comes to television, well, you are working for a television network so it’s kind of obvious. With that you are now ready to jump in the wonderful and exiting world of visual media.