Film/Video and Photographic Arts, Other.
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Debt to Income Ratio
Key Insights
Film/Video and Photographic Arts, Other. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $24322, and with an average debt of $23529, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.97—so it’s smart to plan ahead financially.
This program sees about 18531 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Film/Video and Photographic Arts, Other. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Film/Video and Photographic Arts, Other (CIP 50.0699) is a creative media field focused on visual storytelling through moving and still images using cinematic, photographic, and experimental techniques that extend beyond traditional film or photography programs. This classification includes interdisciplinary, emerging, and hybrid programs that blend film, video, photography, digital media, and experimental visual practices. It reflects how modern visual storytelling now spans cinema, streaming, social media, art installations, journalism, and commercial content.
For a degree search site, Film/Video and Photographic Arts, Other represents creativity with real-world relevance. Visual media dominates how people consume information, entertainment, and culture. This degree appeals to students who want a hands-on, creative career that combines artistic expression, technical skill, and storytelling across multiple visual platforms.
What Is a Film/Video and Photographic Arts Degree?
A Film/Video and Photographic Arts, Other degree is a studio- and project-based creative program that teaches students how to conceptualize, capture, edit, and present visual stories using both moving and still imagery. Programs under the “Other” designation typically emphasize cross-media experimentation, nontraditional formats, documentary practices, or hybrid visual art approaches rather than a single commercial track.
This degree typically focuses on:
- Cinematic and photographic storytelling
- Camera operation and visual composition
- Lighting, sound, and image capture techniques
- Post-production and editing workflows
- Concept development and visual narrative
Colleges, universities, art schools, and media institutes offer this degree to:
- Prepare students for careers in film, video, photography, and digital media
- Support experimental and interdisciplinary visual practices
- Train creators for evolving media platforms
- Combine artistic vision with technical execution
Programs emphasize portfolios, projects, and hands-on production rather than lecture-heavy coursework.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how to tell stories visually—from a single powerful photograph to a full-length video project. You’ll study how light, composition, movement, sound, and editing shape emotional impact and meaning.
The curriculum emphasizes production-based learning. Students work with cameras, lighting equipment, audio tools, and editing software to create original work. Critique and iteration play a central role, helping students refine their artistic voice and technical consistency. Programs often encourage experimentation across genres such as documentary, narrative film, commercial media, and fine art photography.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Camera operation and image capture—video and still photography
- Visual composition and framing—storytelling through images
- Lighting techniques—natural and studio lighting
- Video and photo editing—post-production workflows
- Visual storytelling and narrative structure—concept to final cut
- Sound recording and audio integration—enhancing visual media
- Creative direction and concept development—artistic vision
- Portfolio and reel development—professional presentation
These skills are transferable across film, photography, marketing, journalism, and digital media.
Topics You May Explore
Because this is an “Other” classification, coursework varies widely but often includes:
- Introduction to Film, Video, and Photography: visual fundamentals
- Cinematography and Camera Techniques: motion and framing
- Photography Studio and Field Practice: still image creation
- Lighting and Visual Aesthetics: mood and tone
- Editing and Post-Production: video and photo workflows
- Documentary and Experimental Media: nontraditional storytelling
- Digital Imaging and Color Correction: visual consistency
- History and Theory of Visual Media: cultural context
- Capstone Film, Video, or Photo Project: professional showcase
Programs often allow students to blend narrative, documentary, artistic, and commercial approaches.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Film/Video and Photographic Arts, Other degree prepares students for creative, technical, and freelance roles in visual media. Career paths are typically portfolio-driven rather than title-based.
Common career paths include:
- Videographer or Video Producer: content creation
- Photographer: editorial, commercial, or artistic work
- Cinematography or Camera Assistant: film and media production
- Video Editor or Post-Production Assistant: visual storytelling
- Multimedia Content Creator: digital platforms
- Documentary or Independent Filmmaker: long-form storytelling
- Freelance Visual Artist: client-based projects
Many professionals combine freelance work, contracts, and personal projects.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work wherever visual media is created and distributed:
- Film and video production companies
- Media, broadcasting, and streaming organizations
- Marketing, advertising, and branding firms
- News, journalism, and documentary outlets
- Art galleries, museums, and cultural institutions
- Technology and digital content teams
- Freelance or remote creative work
Visual media professionals often work across multiple industries simultaneously.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary widely based on specialization, location, and freelance versus salaried work.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level video or photography roles: often $35,000–$50,000
- Experienced videographers, editors, or photographers: commonly $50,000–$80,000
- Highly skilled specialists or successful freelancers: can reach $90,000–$130,000+
Commercial, branded content and technical specialization often command higher pay.
Is This Degree Hard?
Film/Video and Photographic Arts, Other is considered creatively and technically demanding. While academic requirements are manageable, students must master complex tools, work long production hours, and handle critique constructively. Success requires persistence, adaptability, and self-direction.
The challenge lies in balancing artistic vision with technical execution and deadlines.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Enjoy visual storytelling through images or video
- Like working with cameras, editing software, and creative tools
- Are interested in film, photography, or digital media
- Prefer project-based learning over exams
- Want a flexible creative career across industries
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a film, video, or photographic arts program:
- Take art, photography, video, or media courses
- Practice shooting and editing photos or videos regularly
- Learn basic composition, lighting, and storytelling concepts
- Experiment with editing software and cameras
- Begin building a portfolio or reel of personal projects
Film/Video and Photographic Arts, Other (CIP 50.0699) is a dynamic and future-ready degree for students who want to communicate ideas through powerful visuals. It offers creative freedom, cross-industry relevance, and the ability to adapt as media platforms evolve. For those drawn to storytelling, imagery, and creative technology, this degree provides a strong foundation for a visually driven and expressive career in modern media.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor