Careers in Television Production

Computer, puppet and hand-drawn animation are used extensively in feature films, television, commercials, video games, educational multimedia, Internet sites, scientific simulations, architectural models and forensic evidence. Animation is a labor-intensive art form and often requires the skills and creative contributions of a large team of collaborators, which opens up possibilities for aspiring animators. Employment opportunities in this field include screenwriting, storyboarding, layout, character animation, effects animation, art direction, sound design, computer-modeling, lighting, cinematography, editing, technical direction and production management. While many of these opportunities are full-time staff positions at studios, individuals just beginning an animation career often work as freelancers. The California Employment Development Department's projections through 2012 indicate a large increase of nearly 28% in the number of people employed in this field (Source: Labor Market Info www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov).

Necessary Education and Skills for Career Success
Although individuals working in television production will usually focus on a specific discipline (i.e. editing, videography, animation, production), a background in all phases of production contributes to career success. Television productions are almost solely edited or otherwise produced with computer equipment, so computer skills and knowledge of technological trends are extremely important.
People skills are also important: television productions often involve large groups of people with diverse responsibilities and backgrounds, and one must be prepared to work collaboratively. Employees in television should be creative and have good communication skills and judgment.

General Info About the Program
De Anza's Film Animation Program is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in Northern California. The curriculum offers: concept development courses in screenwriting, storyboard and layout; an animal, figure and perspective drawing sequence; production seminars in stop-motion technique, drawn animation and sound design; computer animation courses taught by leading professionals; and extensive animation history courses.

Television Production Certificate and Degree Programs

The following links open in .pdf.

Certificate of Achievement:

• Film/TV Production: TV Emphasis

Certificate of Achievement-Advanced:

• Film/TV Production: TV Emphasis

Associate Degree (A.A.):

• Film/TV Production: TV Emphasis

For more information contact the Film/Television Department
Creative Arts Division
De Anza A4
(408) 864-8832
http://www.deanza.edu/filmtv/