Additional Information
So you want to join the ranks of those behind the scenes in the media and
film industry? There are plenty of ways to sign up.
Stock footage specialists come from all kinds of educational backgrounds.
History, communications, film studies, library science and political science
are all viable education paths for people interested in this career.
"Combined with some experience in technical video editing, a BA or especially
a master's in any one of these areas will get you a foot in the door of the
stock footage industry," says stock footage specialist Ellen Lamb.
One thing people in this industry have in common is a love of the history
of film. Experts say this interest is essential for anyone looking at a career
as a stock footage specialist. "You really have to like the footage," says
stock footage specialist Mike Conway.
Conway believes watching old films, doing archival research of film footage
at a local library, or spending time in historical museums will help someone
interested in this career develop an appreciation for stock footage.
Stock footage buffs interested in working in the news business should have
some experience in journalism before embarking on a stock footage career.
"You have to have a nose for news to do stock footage work at a news station,"
says stock footage specialist Robert Albota. He suggests working for a student
or community newsletter as a way to get some experience in this area.
The most important thing is to watch old films," says Conway. "It's the
way you go about developing an eye for this industry. People who do this work
don't watch films the way one normally does; we see them as a collection of
clips. We are able to remove ourselves from what we are watching to see the
individual images being projected."