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Home > Motion Picture & Television Production > FAQ's


Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do you have a job placement program; how much help will I get in locating a job after graduation?
  2. Can I do an internship as part of the curriculum?
  3. If I want to work in episodic television production, is this a program I should consider?
  4. Will projects be shot in film or video?
  5. Do I pay for my own production expenses?
  6. Can I learn to make music videos in this program?
  7. What is the cost of tuition at PBCC?
  8. What courses do I need to take in high school for admission to PBCC?
  9. My high school doesn’t offer film classes—what do I do for experience?
  10. Can I work part-time while enrolled in PBCC?
  11. What specific skills must a film or broadcast professional have?
  12. Where can I find this kind of work or get a job in film or broadcast production?
  13. What kind of work can a beginning film or broadcast professional expect to do?
  14. Do film and broadcast professionals specialize in a certain area of production or are they involved in all aspects of the design process?
  15. Do I need a portfolio to enter the program?
  16. Are there any prerequisites to the program?
  17. How well does the program prepare students?
  18. What type of computer do I need?
  19. Will my courses transfer to a four year institution?
  20. I work full time... when are classes available?
  21. Where are you located?
  22. How do I register?
  23. Who can I contact if I have further questions?
  24. What programs does your department offer?

Do you have a job placement program; how much help will I get in locating a job after graduation?
The film and television industry is not conducive to traditional job placement programs. Many of our students find that doing an internship following completion of most of the coursework for our program is an excellent way to locate a position. Our alumni and faculty are an excellent resource in helping graduates determine where to locate an internship or job. Since the film and television industry is extremely fast-paced, it is often difficult to locate either an internship or a job until you are actually in the city where you want to work.


Can I do an internship as part of the curriculum?
Internships are a required part of the curriculum for both the Film and Broadcast degree tracks. Many students enroll for an internship prior to graduating from Palm Beach Community College.

 
If I want to work in episodic television production, is this a program I should consider?
The PBCC programs have a main focus on the production of theatrical narrative film and broadcast news production. Though there are many similarities between episodic television production and narrative film production, there are several important differences. While the programs will develop and emphasize skills that can be utilized across many disciplines, the programs do not discuss the practical applications of those skills in the context of broadcast Television.

 
Will projects be shot in film or video?
Most projects are shot in video. Students in the film program will also shoot at least one project in film. The preparation and implementation of the all projects, film or video, including the equipment, is designed to mirror that of film production.


Do I pay for my own production expenses?
As a state-funded program that provides equal opportunity for all students enrolled, we pay all production costs. Students are not permitted to use their own funds for production, with the exception of incidental expenditures for production of their own projects. Students are responsible for the cost of textbooks and other consumables used in the classroom environment.

 
Can I learn to make music videos in this program?
The PBCC Programs’ main focus is on the production of theatrical narrative film and broadcast television news. Though there are some similarities between music video production and narrative film production, there are several important differences. While the programs will develop and emphasize skills that can be utilized across many disciplines, the programs do not address the practical applications of these skills in the specific context of music video production.

 
What is the cost of tuition at PBCC?
As a state funded school tuition tends to increase a bit each year. Check out the information at www.pbcc.edu/TuitionFees.xml for current estimated fees.

 
What courses do I need to take in high school for admission to PBCC?
Generally speaking, you will want to take a minimum of two years of high school language and the school's basic college prep curriculum. If your school offers any film or television classes, those would be helpful. Involvement in theatre, music, art, and/or writing give you an opportunity to expand your creativity and hone your collaborative skills. You are strongly encouraged to pursue and gain experience in the arts outside of the classroom.
 

My high school doesn’t offer film classes—what do I do for experience?
Filmmaking incorporates so many different skills and involvement in a wide variety of areas outside the classroom can help you prepare for a career in film. Look for opportunities to be involved in theatre, music, art, writing, radio, TV, and photography.


Can I work part-time while enrolled in PBCC?
Our program is a very intensive, collaborative, hands-on filmmaking/broadcast experience, during which you work not only on your own projects, but on your classmates' projects, while taking writing courses. Thirteen hour days tend to be the standard for production and weekends are sometimes required solely for filmmaking or broadcast project work. These program courses will generally require much more work outside of the classroom than most other areas of study. You will not only need to study in the traditional sense, but also allot time to complete production exercises and projects, with other students as well as coordinating schedules with other students.


What specific skills must a film or broadcast professional have?
Aside from being able to use various acquisition and manipulation technologies, (i.e. camera and computer editing platforms), you need to understand the professional processes involved in preparing, executing and finishing a film or broadcast project. Other essential skills: spelling, proofreading, and critical thinking. Personal skills: listening, following instructions, and teamwork.


Where can I find this kind of work or get a job in film or broadcast production?
Create a good portfolio that shows a variety of production experience. Then offer your services to a local television station or production company. There, you will learn the all-important technical skills that you need...because there is much more to professional film or broadcast production than pointing a camera and rolling film, or pressing record. Another alternative is to offer yourself as a short-term, non-paid intern to an established production company. If you prove your worth, you might get hired.


What kind of work can a beginning film or broadcast professional expect to do?
Usually newer staff members do a lot of the preliminary work that needs to be done before the real production work begins. That includes handling phone calls, making copies, carrying equipment, setting up equipment, assisting other technicians in their work. It’s not glamorous, but it is a necessary step in displaying your dedication and abilities to prospective employers.


Do film and broadcast professionals specialize in a certain area of production or are they involved in all aspects of the design process?
Plan on knowing about all the aspects of the production process. Your projects will, at one time or another, demand that you are competent in all areas from planning to delivery.


Do I need a portfolio to enter the program?
No. This is currently not a requirement.
 

Are there any prerequisites to the program?
Students need to meet standard PBCC admission requirements. Also, it is essential that you have basic PC or Mac computer skills.

 
How well does the program prepare students?
The program prepares the student to enter the professional workforce having an understanding and experience in every position, from Production Assistant to Producer.


What type of computer do I need?
We recommend that students learn to use an Apple Computer System with an OSX operating system. This is an industry standard. The Production lab has computers available for student usage during posted lab hours.
 

Will my courses transfer to a four year institution?
All of the general university requirements will transfer. PBCC has articulation agreements in place with Florida Atlantic University and Lynn University. Contact an Instructor for additional information and to determine the best pathway for transferring.
 

I work full time... when are classes available?
Classes are offered Monday - Thursdays. Classes are scheduled primarily in the late-afternoon and evening in order to accommodate students working during the day.
 

Where are you located?
We are located in building HU, on the PBCC Central Campus in Lake Worth, FL. Click for a map: http://www.pbcc.edu/documents/Locations/LakeWorth.pdf
 

How do I register?
Apply here: www.pbcc.edu/Admissions.xml or contact the Admissions Office at 561-868-3300

 
Who can I contact if I have further questions?
Michael Seminerio, Department Chair Motion Picture and Television, at 561-868-3270 or seminerm@pbcc.edu

What programs does your department offer?
PBCC offers two A.S. degree programs. It offers a Associate in Science (A.S.) in Film Production with an emphasis in narrative/theatrical film production and an Associate in Science (A.S.) in Broadcast Production with an emphasis in television news/documentary production. The A.S. programs are designed for the student who is interested in a broad understanding of all areas of film production or broadcast production.




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