
35+ Years of Shaping Entertainment and Pop Culture - From Oscar and GRAMMY-winners, to animators, to creative directors and entrepreneurs, our graduates make significant contributions to their industries. Learn More.
College | City | State |
---|---|---|
American Film Institute | Los Angeles | California |
California Institute of the Arts | Valencia | California |
Champlain College | Burlington | Vermont |
Columbia College Chicago | Chicago | Illinois |
LA Film School | Hollywood | California |
Lesley University | Cambridge | Massachusetts |
Loyola University New Orleans | New Orleans | Louisiana |
Montclair State University | Montclair | New Jersey |
New York Film Academy | New York | New York |
Ringling College of Art and Design | Sarasota | Florida |
Rutgers University | New Brunswick | New Jersey |
San Francisco Art Institute | San Francisco | California |
University of California Los Angeles | Los Angeles | California |
University of Southern California | Los Angeles | California |
Wichita State University | Wichita | Kansas |
Independent filmmakers produce films outside of major film studios. Also called “indie” or “art” films, independent films are typically made with lower budgets and the look and feel has a noticeably different look and feel than that of big budget productions. Independent filmmakers usually have more flexibility in filmmaking though, so their personal artistic vision shines through.
Independent filmmakers have the same responsibilities as studio filmmakers, except the budget may be smaller and the deadlines tighter. Filmmakers are the ones that actually make the film, so they are involved in all phases of production. They direct producers, directors, film crew, and other staff. Independent filmmakers are also involved in budgeting, scheduling, and promoting the film. Some independent filmmakers are also heavily involved in distribution of the film.
Independent filmmakers may work on a contract basis for film and video production studios or animation studios. Many run their own private production studios, whether it’s out of a garage or a rented facility.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not report employment and salary information for independent filmmakers. It does report average earnings for salaried and independent directors. The U.S. is home to 134,700 directors. For the 2016-2026 decade, the BLS reports an impressive 12% increase in employment for directors, which is faster than average for all occupations. At a 12% increase, the industry will add 16,500 new jobs by 2026.
The BLS says:
Some job growth in the motion picture and video industry is expected to stem from strong demand from the public for movies and television shows, as well as an increased demand from foreign audiences for U.S.-produced films. Consumer demand for reality shows on television is likely to increase, so more producers and directors will be needed to create and oversee editing of these programs.
In addition, the volume of TV shows is expected to grow as the number of Internet-only platforms, such as streaming services, increases along with the number of shows produced for these platforms. This growth should lead to more work opportunities for producers and directors.
Theater producers and directors who work in small- and medium-sized theaters may see slower job growth because many of those theaters have difficulty finding funding as fewer tickets are sold. Large theaters in big cities, such as New York and Los Angeles, which usually have more stable sources of funding, should provide more opportunities.
Other Schools to Consider:
Independent directors average $118,190 annually. The mean annual wage for directors is $89,840. The highest paid directors average more than $163,540 annually and the lowest paid average less than $34,450. Note that average salaries do not show the total picture. Individual salaries vary based on geographic location, industry, type and size of company, and many other factors. Just think, some of the world’s top filmmakers/directors—Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, and James Cameron—are worth hundreds of millions to billions of dollars.
Some of the lowest paying states for directors are North Dakota ($42,570), Mississippi ($44,310), Wyoming ($45,930), Iowa ($46,610), and Nebraska ($51,620).
While talent can go a long way in the world of independent filmmaking, many filmmakers hone their craft through a degree program, workshops, certificate programs, and immersive programs that do not necessarily lead to a degree. In addition to earning a degree or completing a non-degree film program, some independent filmmakers might work their way through various departments at a film or production studio for years before branching out on their own.
Some of the top schools for aspiring independent filmmakers include:
Awesome Animation Fact: Who says an independent film won’t lead to a big payday? Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane produced a series of independent films at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) before making it big. His thesis film—Life of Larry, became the inspiration for Family Guy. MacFarlane's professor submitted the film to the animation studio Hanna-Barbera, where he was later hired. At Hanna-Barbera, MacFarlane worked as both animator and writer on Johnny Bravo (1997) and Cow and Chicken (1995). –Bio, A&E Television Networks