<p>I'm planning to attend the University of Iowa in the fall of 2015 (I've already been assured I will be accepted, being in state and also having good grades and test scores). I know I want to double major because of the field of work I want to enter, and would like to have something that would not only add to my other major but would also be good incase that one falls out.</p>
<p>My original plan was to double major in Cinema and also Journalism & Mass Communications. (I also want to minor in English, but that's just for my personal interests in writing and literature.) Now I'm second guessing the Journalism & Mass Com major. Mostly because it has to do with more of the writing and distribution of news and what not which is not really what I want to focus on for a career.</p>
<p>My dream career is to be a Film/Video Editor. I'd like to learn about directing and screen/script writing, and could end up wanting to do those for a career as well. But editing is something I'm sure I'm capable of and something I'd enjoy. All three are good options. </p>
<p>I know Business would be a decent choice, but I'd like to hear if anyone has anything else?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>This is just my humble opinion, especially as a fellow student who can’t really prove any of my theories, but I personally think that when in doubt, it’s best to stick to your strengths - better to go with a major (and a possible career path) that you enjoy and have a competitive edge on than to go with a more “prestigious” major that you don’t really enjoy or have much skill in. (For example, as much as my family frowns upon it, I could never go into medicine. Why? Because my left brain is horribly weak in comparison to my overactive right brain, so I would probably end up with a lawsuit or two if I did.)
So you’re certain about the film major… as for the minor, what are you best in? Are you good in business skills? English? Journalism? In any case, great!
Also keep in mind that the combination of certain majors and minors can open up certain career paths. For example, if you are a film major with a minor in journalism or English, you could always go on to write film reviews for a newspaper or magazine if film editing doesn’t work out for whatever reason. A film and business combination may give you an advantage if you want to fund your own studio or film project.
I wish you the best, whatever you decide!</p>
<p>If you go into the film industry, it will be very different than going into a typical “job.” Every film you work on will probably be for a different employer, and much of your work will be you as a freelancer/contractor on film projects. So taxes, retirement, health insurance, expenses, etc will all be up to you to manage. In addition, you’ll need your own roadmap/plan for how to grow your personal business. So, it seems to be a no-brainer what your second major should be: Business.</p>
<p>(Actually, I don’t feel as strongly about this as the above implies. If you don’t have an interest in business, definitely go with your passion for something else.)</p>
<p>My advice? Don’t study film. Take a few classes in it. Minor in it. But majoring in film, particularly as an undergrad, is not worth it. A film school education will never be the primary determinant of success in the industry. </p>
<p>Consider taking a practical business major. Finance and accounting are very valuable skills, and they’re much more marketable. If you work on the production side of things for a while, you might get a shot at directing and/or writing your own dream project. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a minimum-wage job hoping to make it to the big leagues. </p>
<p>Editing is your passion. My advice? Pick a major (non-liberal-arts) which is practical for your undergrad. Then, develop your craft during those four years on your own projects. Make your own reel, and look for projects which require an editor. Afterwards, if you still want to go to school, apply to the AFI or some other “prestigious” film program for graduate work. That’s a much better way of making it in the industry.</p>