Filmmaking: Potential Careers | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Filmmaking: Potential Careers

MCAD Career Development can help you find work and help employers find you. In addition to job listings, the staff is available to meet one-on-one with students and alumni to assist with career development. Services include assistance writing and editing resumes, cover letters, and other professional correspondences; career exploration and industry research; interviewing practice; networking strategies; and industry-specific practices.

Art Director

Oversees scenic design which may include working with budget, location, sets, props, and costume design.

Associate Producer

Assists with keeping track of records, including the budget, files, and scripts. Always stays ahead of the producer in planning, but steps back in decision making.

Assistant Director

Aids the director with location scouting, daily shooting schedules, and calls to actors and extras. Works closely with the production manager. Holds the responsibilities of the production manager in documentary productions.

Camera Operator

Operates film, digital, or video camera as part of the crew which includes choreographing and framing shots. Oversees the proper technical functioning of the camera.

Cinematographer

Works with the director in hiring key technical production crew and scouting locations. Determines appropriate lens to be used, camera placement and movement, film stock, and lighting for day and night. Oversees the follow-up in lab and final processing.

Director

Interprets and develops scripts. Works with the producer to choose key crew members, cast actors, and locations. Coordinates budgets and shooting schedules. Typically has some background in graphic design and fine arts (painting, composition, drawing, and color). Often assumes the roles of producer, writer, and camera operator in documentary productions.

Film Editor

Organizes and edits film footage. Works with the director, producer, and writer to select footage to be used. Determines the final rhythm of the film and sometimes the actual content. Combines picture and sound track and sees the film through to the complete print.

Makeup Artist

Uses various techniques including makeup, masks, and wigs to transform actors into characters. Creates character images and special effects.

Producer

Primarily raises money for the production of the film. Hires the director, delegates staff responsibilities, and approves the script, set, costumes, and budget. Collaborates with the writer and the director on creative decisions.

Production Assistant

Works with production manager at an entry-level position, but assists the entire film unit with all phases of production.

Production Manager

Takes care of the financial and business side of production by organizing details such as budgeting, recording expenses, obtaining permits, hiring police protection, supervising travel arrangements, and providing housing. Acts as peacemakers who ensure the whole production goes smoothly.

Sound Engineer

Records all sound during the production of the film. Plans sound effects and records on location and in the studio. 

Foley Artist

Creates realistic sounds for a film using unique props to convey the feeling of the scene.

Special Effects Artist

Makes animated effects and illusions, including explosions, natural disasters, and intergalactic events seem real for movies, videos, and animations.

Audio Visual Specialist

Operates and maintains audio and video equipment in recording sets.