Video Production Degree - Online and Campus Programs

The entertainment industry is a big business, and movies and television programs don't just happen. In each case, a professional video producer sees the overall vision of the work and helps lead it from beginning through its final stages, keeping the project on budget and on schedule. If you're interested in the video producing side of film and television, consider becoming a video producer. Video producers make business decisions about films and television programs, including selecting scripts and directors, hiring leading cast members, and deciding on a budget. If you're interested in becoming a video producer, you also need good business sense, perseverance, and creativity.

Preparing for a Video Production Career

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a variety of paths can lead to a career in video production including writing, acting, or business management. A few programs lead specifically to a video production bachelor's degree, but art management degrees also offer coursework in basic video production skills, including:
  • Cinematography
  • Video Editing
  • Camera techniques
  • Sound design and engineering
  • Lighting
  • Scriptwriting
The field is quite competitive, so it's a good idea to get video production training as well as your degree. Many bachelor's degree holders go on to obtain a Master of Fine Arts.

Video Production Salary and Career Outlook

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for video producers in 2008 was $83,030. If you're considering a career as a video producer, make sure you love the work and have the drive to succeed, because producers who are just starting out typically must work another job to supplement their income. The number of video producers is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations between 2008 and 2018.