What is Radio/Television/Film Really?
In theory what is it?
Using radio, television, and or film to entertain, inform, or educate.What is it used for?
My major is used for those who want to work in any aspect of production in radio, television, or filmWhat does the major actually entail - work-wise?
Creating a 30-second radio spot, short film, talk show, write a TV drama or comedy, watch TV/listen to the radio/watch films then break them down based on what you've learned in class.What kind of jobs do you get with it?
Any job they can find. rimshot But really, most people start as a production assistants (office PA and set PA being the most popular). It's possible to become an editor's assistant right after college too. From there you network, better your skills, and schmooze your way to whatever your ultimate goal(s) is(are).What are the fellow students like (personalitywise) in it?
Students size each other up a lot. Everyone always has their eye out for the next big star so that they can become friends with that person. The more awards you win, the more complex your successful club or class projects are, the more peole will want to learn from you, be your friend, and kiss your butt. Also, everyone's looking out for the dud so they won't be associated with that person. (The idea ofBirds of a feather…applies in this major big time.) At the same time they don't want to bully the dud cause if the dud turns out to be the next big thing they my find themselves working with him/her. Jobs are usually aquired or heard of through friends so you never want to burn bridges.Due to the uncertainty of a career in this major people take class and club projects very seriously. Reels and audio portfolios are a big deal and if you're at a school where this major is saturated then every assignment, pretty much, counts. Keep communications lines open all the time, especially when you're working in groups because if you are ever late or don't show up for a project without prior notice you are as good as dead to your classmates. (Also, that type of thing will get your fired the first time in the real world so…yeah.) That's a bridge most students in this major don't care that they burn. Also, since all projects are taken so seriously, you may want to invest in some independant study time one whatever you're slated to do for any given project before you have to perform your duties because Students who feel the need to redeem themselves for any reason have a hard time doing so because it's not easy to prove to your fellow student
Common Misconceptions
Myth #1: You learn 3 things for the price of one!Truth #1: You learn a lot, but since this major is three disciplines in one degree chances are you're going to find it very hard to fully immerse yourself in just one. If you're really into one but not so much the other then find a college whose has a major in what you want, specifically (they're out there). If you're interested in two, find a college where you can major in one and minor in the other OR double major in both. Otherwise, you're stretching yourself across three disciplines and unless you have a crap load of time on your hands and/or your own equipment it's going to be really hard to fully immerse yourself in your craft.Myth #2: You have to go to school for this in order to do this for a living.Truth #2: Actually you don't. There are a ton of people in the industry who didn't go to school for this. Other majors can be easily worked into the entertainment industry. (e.g: Business - Media sales, Producing; Theater - Directing; English/Creative Writing - Screenwriting; Interior Design - Set Dresser; etc.)Myth #3: Going to school for this is for chumpsTruth #3: I wouldn't say that. Imo, it depends on your learning style, how much time you'd have to dedicate to learning about this stuff if you didn't major in it or go to school at all, and what you have access to. Myth #4: They teach you everything in college. By the time you graduate all you need to do is conform to whatever studio you're working with.Truth #4: Most of the time you just learn a little more than the basics, especially if your major is RTF.Myth #5: Not only am I doing production projects in class, my school has a radio club/TV club/film club! I'm going to get so much experience!Truth #5: It depends on your school, the access THEY have to equipment, how many students are in the class or club. If your class has 30 students, you break up into teams of 6, there's only 3 projects per semester, and you want to be director, your chances are slim that you'll get that role. If your club has 100+ people 5-6 regular shows, and one director each your chances get a little better, but not by much. In that scenario it's very possible for you to never get a chance to have hands on experience in the area you want to experience without doing your own projects outside of school.Myth #6: People who major or any communications related major do it because they couldn't do anything else or just wanted to get a degree without having to do much to get it.Truth #6: This is not the major to get into when you just want something to do. It's very hard to break into this industry. Even those who do stuff on Youtube have to work very hard and really study their craft in order to make the high quality videos that made them internet superstars who get work offline, and online. It's not something anybody can do because most people get frustrated and walk away. Whether you want to do radio, television, film, or all three you gotta love it or your going to hate it and feel like you've wasted your time. There are other majors with better career options if you just want something to do.
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it!