Parents often worry when their son or daughter announces a desire to study the film and television arts.  Just how does one get a job in an industry that millions of  young people around the world are dying to enter?  Just how many starry-eyed kids will really end up as the next Steven Spielberg?  Just how does an aspiring young filmmaker get anybody to look at his or her work?  How does anybody get a foot in the door?

These are exactly the kinds of questions that both parents and students worry about when they consider investing in a film school education.  Everyone has heard stories about the overnight successes of guys who never went to film school and just made films in their garage.  And, of course, there's Quentin Tarantino....  The trouble is, there is no one clear path into the business, as there is in other fields such as law or medicine or even accounting.  But there are some things that work better than others, and that's one of the key things a film school education has to offer.

Internships can be key.  Many Chapman graduates have moved into the industry from their internships.  Others make connections through their professors or by networking with Chapman alumni in the field.  Having a solid foundation in film language, an understanding and appreciation of film history and aesthetics, and a skill set that includes insight and working knowledge in most of the key processes of filmmaking--writing, cinematography, editing, sound, art direction etc.--lays the groundwork for success.

In the industry, jobs are often referred to as "above the line" and "below the line."  Typically, the above the line positions would be the producer, director, screenwriter, and major stars.  Everything else is below the line.

When you watch a film and see the end credits, you get a good idea of the vast number and types of jobs.  There is often a Second Unit, which shoots footage at another location or a specific kind of footage.  On films with a high percentage of computer, model-based, or animated special effects, there are a wide range of positions relative to creating those effects (check out the credits on Jurassic Park or Star Wars). And, on many major films, allmost everyone has an assistant. 

To learn more about what specific jobs entail or to check out current job postings, visit the following job-related sites:

Entertainmentcareers.net http://www.entertainmentcareers.net/

Hollywood Creative Directory Job Board http://www.hcdonline.com/jobs/default.asp

Hollywood 101 http://www.hcdonline.com/jobs/default.asp