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What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Arts, Audio-Video Technology and Communications cluster Audio and Video Technology and Film pathway.

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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."

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

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