Film/Animation/Video Career Resources

The Career Center has built this page to provide you with valuable advice and resources relevant to your major. Explore and take advantage of what you find here to maximize your career readiness!

 

Common Career Paths for Film/Animation/Video Majors

If you are still trying to explore and evaluate your career path, you can check out this selected list of common job titles that alumni often pursue. Please keep in mind, this is not meant to be exhaustive. Rather, you can consider it a starting point to explore options in the field. 

Director - Oversee the creative vision of a film or video project, working closely with actors, producers writers, and other crew members. This work might be done with independent productions, advertising agencies, production companies, or film studios. 

Producer - Manage the production process, including budgeting, scheduling, and coordinating between various departments. This requires significant managerial and coordination experience in production settings.

Screenwriter - Write scripts for films, television, or other media. Create dialogue and developing storylines. This work is often done on a freelance or contract basis. 

Cinematographer (DP)- Work closely with the director to execute the cinematic visual look of a film or video, including camera work, lighting, and shot composition.

Editor - Cut and assemble footage to create a coherent and engaging final product, often working with software like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro.

Production Designer - Lead the visual concept of a film, including sets, props, costumes, and overall style. Often requires years of experience working in supportive production design roles.

Camera Operator - Operate cameras during shoots, capturing footage according to the director’s vision.

Motion Graphics Designer - Create animated visuals for videos, advertisements, and multimedia projects, combining graphic design skills with animation techniques.

Gaffer - Manage the lighting on set, working closely with the cinematographer to achieve the desired look.

Visual Effects Artist - Create digital effects and enhancements that are integrated into the film during post-production.

Animator - Design and create animated sequences for films, television, or other media. 

Compositor - Integrate various visual elements, such as characters, backgrounds, and effects, into the final image or sequence. They ensure that all elements blend seamlessly.

Texture Artist - Apply textures and surface details to digital 3D models to make them appear realistic or stylized, depending on the project’s needs.

Lighting Artist - Set up and adjust lighting for scenes in 3D animation to create mood, depth, and realism. This includes positioning lights and adjusting their properties.

3D Modeler - Make the digital models of characters, props, and environments. They work on the geometric shape and form of these elements.

Production Coordinator -  Handle the logistics of animation production, including scheduling, budgeting, and coordinating between different departments.

Production Assistant - Providing general support on set or during production, often performing various tasks as needed. This is often an entry level role in the industry, and may vary depending on the production and unit. 

Fine Artist - Produce original multimedia artwork that express a unique vision, concept, or idea. Work may be exhibited and sold via galleries, museums, art fairs, and private collections. 

Art Educator - Teach and guide students of various ages in developing their artistic skills and knowledge, often through work in educational settings such as schools, colleges, universities, community art centers, and museums.

 

Places Where Students Have Recently Interned - A Selected List

This is a curated list of places where students have done internships in the last few years.

Pixar

Running Man Post Production

Maven Screen Media

Nickelodeon

Augenblick Studios

Mighty Oak

Titmouse

Milk

Northern Light Productions

Key and Kitestring

RISD Museum

 

Internships, Jobs, & Opportunities

Find jobs, internships, and other opportunities related to your major.

Mandy.com

Motionographer

Staff Me Up

LANY411

Animation World Network/AWN

Entertainment Careers.net

New England Film

International Game Developers Association

Creative Heads

Artstation

80lv

 

Organizations, Directories, & Communities

This is a curated selection of communities and organizations that are relevant to the field.

Stage 32

SAGIndie - Film Production Resources by State

Animation-Festivals.com

Canadian Animation Directory

LA411

NY411

Animation World Network

International Documentary Association

Association of Independent Commercial Producers Awards

Art21

Art Directors Guild

Core77

 

Grants, Fellowships, and Residencies 

Explore this selection of internal grant and fellowship opportunities available to RISD students.

RISD Managed Grants and Awards

 

 

Student & Alumni Stories

Read these stories of students and alumni expressing their creativity in the professional world.

Animating Ambition

Lifetime Achievement in Cinema

New Shorts Debut at Sundance

Record Number of RISD Fulbrighters

Forbes Recognizes Trailblazers
 

 

CreativeStudy

This free online video learning platform is presented by creatives who have dedicated their lives to sharing knowledge on financial and business topics. Use your RISD Single Sign On credentials to access it!

Access CreativeStudy

 

Learn About Being a Freelancer

RISD alumna and long-time freelancer Jackie Ferrentino 15 IL partnered with the Career Center to create this talk highlighting best practices on how to be a successful freelancer.