Film Financing - Can Film Graduates Take the Challenge?

(Copyright 2005) Graduates from a Film Studies program have a new opportunity in film & video production. Of course, with every opportunity comes a challenge - and in this case, the challenge is to find financing for your, or your employer's, projects. With the advent of digital equipment the scope of film & video production has widened. The usual Hollywood styled film production is no longer the only route to a career for film graduates. There are a multitude of opportunities in audio and visual applications throughout business, government and the entertainment industry. That means OPPORTUNITY for the keenest graduates to produce their own film & video projects, or to land the most interesting positions with leading film & video production companies. Financing has been a dirty word for years in the film industry. The 'Blue Suits' and the cold heart of the banker are synonymous with the enemy of the creative. However, in this new era of opportunity you need to be both the 'Blue Suit' and the creative. How do you find a way to learn about film financing, film budgeting, etc.? First let's look at Film Studies programs. There are so many Film Study programs available now that I find it confusing, and I've worked in the film industry for over 20 years. The Universities are taking a Liberal Arts degree approach to their curriculums, and the Colleges/Schools are primarily taking a hands-on technical approach. In either case, it is unarguable that Film Studies is big business. The following excerpt from The New York Times Company, published March 6, 2005