Career opportunities for film and media production graduates

Following a degree in film and media production, you will have the practical experience, professional knowledge, and academic qualifications needed to launch your career. Whether you have a passion for scriptwriting, cinematography, camerawork, or producing or directing, there are plenty of options which will allow you to use your creativity and skills.  

With a combination of our passionate lecturers and studying in our £10 million purpose-built facilities, the University of Bolton is well-placed to support your ambitions. If you are wondering which career opportunities could be available following a degree in film and media production, below are just a few options available to graduates. 

Film/video editor 

As a film or video editor, you will be responsible for managing the camera footage, which can include adding special effects, sound effects and dialogue to the final recording. This is a role which involves working closely with the director and other technical departments, and it will be your knowledge of specialist digital technology that will bring recordings to life. 

You could find yourself working in advertising, film, television, or music video production, where your creative skills will allow you to experiment with techniques and styles. While the average UK salary for a video editor is £27,000, with more experience, both the opportunities and salary increase significantly. 

Scriptwriter

They say a film is only as good as its script, so if you have a natural flair for writing and have the creativity that can bring stories to life, a career as a scriptwriter, dialogue writer or screenplay writer will utilise your talents. Scriptwriters are needed for films, advertising, and TV, where they are involved in everything from early-stage ideas through to tweaking scripts during recording. If you have a passion for storytelling, can develop characters and are great with words, this highly creative role could be a perfect career choice for you. 

Sound Technician 

Sound technicians are responsible for both producing and manipulating sounds, but this role can also involve equipment assembly, operation, and maintenance alongside recording, enhancing and amplifying sounds during a recording or performance. There are many projects which require sound technicians including music and film production, live performances, audio recording and advertising, with specialist roles such as dubbing mixer, sound mixer, dialogue editor and sound effects editor also available. 

Although salaried positions are available within established studios, many sound technicians work on a self-employed basis, with earning potential based on experience.  

Lighting Technician 

A lighting technician (often referred to as a gaffer) is responsible for all aspects of lighting within media production. This can include tasks such as maintaining equipment, planning lighting schedules, setting up rigs and operating equipment, with the lighting teams work being essential to creating the right atmosphere on set. This is a highly technical role that involves liaising with many different teams within the film crew, so good communication skills are needed.

Location manager 

If you have great organisation skills and an eye for detail, a career as a location manager could be a brilliant career choice. Location managers are responsible for finding and securing the best locations for filming, which will involve everything from negotiating pricing and drawing up contracts through to organising any permits needed to close public spaces for filming. Many location managers start their career as a location scout or an assistant manager.  

Build the skills and experience you need to break into the film and media industry 

Careers within the film and media industry are competitive, but our qualifications are designed to provide you with the practical skills, knowledge, and portfolio you need to break into the industry. As a Bolton University student, you’ll gain the chance to increase your industry connections through securing work placements and regular guest lectures from high-profile professionals in the industry; helping you get a head start towards fulfilling your career ambitions.  

If you are thinking of studying BA (Hons) Film and Media Production, we hope the snapshot of potential careers above has provided some inspiration for your career.  

At the University of Bolton, we will always support our students to achieve their career goals and show what #UniAsItShouldBe is all about. To find out more about our happy and inclusive campus, where students and their needs are always put first, contact our team today at enquires@bolton.ac.uk or by calling 01204 903807. 

Come and explore how the University of Bolton can help you on your career journey!