<p>My true love is film! I'm very skilled in the area of entertainment, but damn it seems so hard to get a freakin job as a film major. Now, an interest in computer science was sparked in me when a guy came to my entrepreneurship class and told me all about coding and computer science and honestly, the most intriguing part of it is the high paying job security it seems to have (based on the research I've done on the topic). But lately, doors seem to be opening with film (internships, on thursday I'm performing comedy improv at the Downey city theatre with the mayor and superintendent, and people always say I should pursue that cause of my talents in it, but I know I could do computer science and be just fine (which i also am interested but nowhere near as much as film or other entertainment majors)! </p>
<p>Suggestions, advice, comments, anything please! Thanks.</p>
<p>From what I understand, you’ve never actually coded before, and don’t seem to have any real interest in learning about the theories behind computers. Which is fine as a good number of CS majors come in having never programmed prior to college, but it certainly raises the concern that you don’t know what a CS major actually does, and are only looking at it because of the money/ job security. Also, how good are you at math? If you’re a junior in high school, try to take either AP Computer Science or an intro CS course at a community college next year to see if you’re actually interested in the field after getting a bit of exposure to it, beyond simply what a guy talks about. </p>
<p>Try taking an intro CS course, either in high school or as a college freshman. That’s when you’ll be able to tell if you like the subject enough to major in it. Or minor.</p>
<p>Knowing something about programming is a really useful skill. Being able to code websites is something that any business needs, including theaters and film companies. Having an interesting, even unique mix of skills can be what separates you from the crowd. D1 is a never-programmed-before-college CS major with deep interests in international relations and journalism (and film too). There are tons of IR and journalism majors. There are lots of CS majors. CS majors with interests outside of the usual? That’s proving to be a potent mix.</p>
<p>“i’m very skillful in the area of entertainment”</p>
<p>What does that mean? And what would you hope to accomplish with “a major in film”? Are you currently involved in making films? Do you want to be a director, a cinematographer, a writer, a producer, an editor, a special effects expert, an animator…basically what does “a major in film” signify to you? </p>
<p>Before you set off on either path, you need to hone in on a specific goal. This is essential in any area that is so competitive.</p>
<p>I’d start as a double-major – most CS programs have lots of room to take other classes, at least compared to engineering. If you find you don’t like the CS or can’t handle it, try to pull off at least a minor. It will be a differentiator. Also, take any web-design type classes that will count towards the major, because that will be valuable with film. You might also look at a few marketing classes, where the film might most likely apply if not in true filmwork. Just my thoughts … I am no career counselor.</p>
<p>I was also going to suggest the double major. Film and computer science could lead to rendering animations for video games, children’s television or movies. You may also find yourself working in a CS job by day while you pursue an acting career on the side or as a hobby. I agree that even just minoring and acquiring programming and coding skills can open doors.</p>
<p>But if you are just interested in a well-paying job that offers some security - and not necessarily computer science - there are other majors and careers you can pursue as a backup in case the film doesn’t work out.</p>
<p>OP, how are your math skills, particularly in algebra? How are your language skills, especially in foreign language?</p>
<p>My math skills in algebra are fine, I never really struggled in algebra 1 and 2 when I had them.</p>
<p>I’ve coded before, I’m actually learning as we speak using codeacademy.com I started basic HTML and I’m planning on doing everything that website offers to teach for starters.</p>
<p>The take an intro to CS is a great idea, I think I’ll do that because I feel okay when I code, but when I actually get down to the nitty gritty of it I’m not sure how I’m gonna feel! I don’t think I hate it, although I hear it’s a lot of work in college.</p>
<p>In entertainment, I’m very interested in acting, writing, filming, and editing movies, shows, or things like that. Lately filming things has been what I’ve been doing and I’m pretty good at it.</p>
<p>All great advice! Thanks friends!</p>
<p>CS can be applied to film and entertainment – consider all of the computer generated images in movies these days. Would that be of interest to you?</p>
<p>Without really knowing you and your talents, I would say this… it is much easier to work in the film industry with a CS degree than in the CS business with a Film degree. If you have to choose one, I’d go CS…all else being equal.</p>
<p>What re your stats (GPA/SAT-ACT scores)? Will you need financial aid? Merit aid?
Look into Chapman, Occidental, USC - depending on your stats.</p>
<p>You say in the first line, your true love is film. Do what you love, not what you think has the best job outlook. There are other ways to participate in your love for film outside of the entertainment industry. If you want to have something just in case, fine. But, while film can be hard to get into, it is what you love and that should be enough. Maybe that is just me being weird but, it’s whatever. Here is a site that lists ton of jobs with film. <a href=“http://navigator.wlu.ca/career/student/planning/discipline/film-studies.htm”>http://navigator.wlu.ca/career/student/planning/discipline/film-studies.htm</a></p>
<p>If you would like to combine your love of film with something with great job outlook, look into graphic design. it combines the creativity of film with great job outlook. </p>
<p>I hope you figure it out. 
Good luck.</p>
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<p>Just loving the idea of a career in something is not sufficient to get into such a career.</p>
<p>For example, many college frosh go in thinking that they want to be physicians. A few years later, many have given up the idea, after low (non-A) grades in too many of their biology/chemistry/physics/math courses or overall, or after seeing too low an MCAT score. Of those who apply to MD medical schools in the US, only about half of them get admitted to even one medical school. And then there are the huge medical school costs involved…</p>
<p>The film industry may be similarly difficult to get into. Other threads have described the series of unpaid internships that new college graduates have to go through before getting the first paid entry-level job in the industry. Someone with a lot of student loan debt and no parental support for living expenses and debt service during those unpaid internships may not even get to the first step to a career.</p>
<p>Certainly, you should consider what you love in choosing your career direction. But take a realistic look at the chance of success, and consider your backup options, particularly for career directions with low chances of success.</p>