What Can I Do With a Major In Entertainment and Media Studies?

1. Academic & Advising Resources:

• Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication Advising: Guidance on course selection, major requirements, and career planning for EMST students.

• UGA Office of Student Success and Achievement: Tutoring and study strategies to support coursework in film, television, and digital media.

• UGA Bulletin & Course Catalog: Listings of EMST-related classes, including screenwriting, production, and media studies.

2. Student Organizations & Extracurriculars:

• The Industry and UGA Film Club: A student organization for networking, film screenings, and discussions about the entertainment industry.

• Cine: Local independent cinema partnered with UGA for screenings, workshops, and media-related events.

3. Career Development & Experiential Learning:

• UGA Career Center: Career coaching, resume reviews, and workshops geared toward students pursuing media and entertainment careers.

• UGA Study Abroad & Global Engagement: International programs featuring media production, global cinema, and entertainment studies.

• Experiential Learning & Industry Competitions: Includes Student Film Festivals & Competitions (e.g., Campus MovieFest, UGA Film Festival), National and International Festivals (e.g., Sundance, Cannes, SXSW), and virtual internships/freelance projects in film, TV, and digital media.

4. Communication & Networking Opportunities:

• Alumni & Industry Speaker Events: Panels and guest lectures featuring professionals in film, television, and digital media.

• UGA Mentor Program: Connects EMST students with alumni working in entertainment and media.

• UGA Writing & Presentation Coaching: Support for scriptwriting, pitching, and media-related communication skills.

5. Campus Media & Digital Platforms:

• Grady College Digital Media Lab: Access to filmmaking, editing, and digital storytelling tools.

• UGA Libraries Film & Media Resources: Archives, streaming services, and research databases for entertainment and media studies.

Common Entry-Level Roles: Production Assistant, Assistant Editor, Junior Screenwriter, Social Media Coordinator, Content Creator, Audience Engagement Analyst, Media Researcher

Example Career Progression: Production Assistant > Associate Producer > Producer or Director;

Example Career Progression: Junior Writer > Staff Writer > Showrunner

Example Career Progression: Social Media Coordinator > Digital Strategy Manager

Success in the entertainment and media industry requires a blend of creative vision and technical expertise. Employers seek graduates who demonstrate:

• Storytelling & Scriptwriting

• Video Editing & Production

• Media Analysis & Research

• Digital Content Strategy

• Collaboration & Communication

• Adaptability to New Technologies (e.g., AI, VR, streaming platforms)

The Future of Entertainment & Media

The entertainment landscape is continuously evolving with advancements in AI-driven content creation, immersive storytelling, and digital media distribution. Professionals in this field must be adaptable, innovative, and aware of global trends to thrive in a competitive industry. Key areas to watch include AI-driven content creation and editing tools, interactive and immersive storytelling (VR/AR), and changing patterns in streaming and audience engagement.

Portfolio or Reel Requirement: A portfolio or demo reel is essential for most creative roles. Students should begin building theirs with class projects, internships, and student films.

Typical Starting Salaries: Entry-level roles in media and entertainment typically range from $35,000–$50,000, depending on location and specialization.

Additional Study Options: Many EMST graduates pursue advanced degrees in Media Studies/Film Production, Screenwriting, or Communications.

Representation in Media

The entertainment industry values inclusive storytelling. Explore these resources:

• Women in Film & Television: Advocacy and support for women in media.

• Black Filmmakers Foundation: Community and resources for Black creatives.

• Ava Duvernay’s ARRAY

• UGA Office of Inclusive Excellence: Campus support and programming.

1. Industry Career Outlook & Employment Trends:

• ONET Online: Provides insights into media-related careers, required skills, and employment projections.

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Offers salary data and job growth trends for film, TV, digital media, and entertainment sectors.

2. Entertainment & Media Industry Insights:

• Variety: Covers entertainment industry news, trends, and emerging talent.

• Hollywood Reporter: Provides insights into television, film, and media production, including news and career features.

• Deadline: Covers breaking news in the entertainment business, from industry shifts to production updates.

3. Digital & Social Media Tools for Entertainment:

• YouTube Creator Academy: Offers training for content creators on video production and monetization.

• Google Digital Garage: Provides free courses on digital marketing, branding, and audience analysis.

• Meta Blueprint: Offers guides on content strategy for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Threads.

4. Film, Television, and Screenwriting Research Resources:

• American Film Institute (AFI): Provides insights into film history and best practices in directing, screenwriting, and cinematography.

• ScriptLab: Offers guides on writing, storytelling, and breaking into the screenwriting world.

• IndieWire: Provides news and industry developments in independent filmmaking and digital content.

5. Data & Analytics for Media Professionals:

• Statista: Offers data on media consumption and entertainment industry growth.

• Think with Google: Provides research on audience engagement and digital marketing insights.

• Nielsen: Offers analytics on streaming, television ratings, and consumer media habits.

• UGA Handshake: Internship and job postings specifically for UGA students, including roles in media, film, and entertainment.

• LinkedIn Jobs: A strong platform for finding media-related jobs, networking, and researching entertainment companies.

• Glassdoor: Job postings, salary insights, and company reviews for media and entertainment careers.

• EntertainmentCareers: A leading resource for internships and jobs in film, television, and digital media.

• Mandy Network: Job listings for film, TV production, and post-production roles.

• Backstage: Casting calls, film production jobs, and media-related employment opportunities.

• MediaBistro: Job listings and resources focused on digital media, content creation, and entertainment marketing.

• ProductionHub: A job board for production professionals looking for freelance and full-time work.

• The Writers Guild of America Job Board: Entry-level screenwriting and creative writing opportunities. This specific URL is for WGA West. See WGA East for additional opportunities.

• Upwork: A marketplace for freelance professionals specializing in video editing, content creation, and digital storytelling.

• Fiverr: A platform for creative freelancers offering services in video production, screenwriting, and multimedia content.

1. National & International Media Associations:

• Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oscars)

• National Association of Broadcasters (NAB): A professional organization for those interested in television, radio, and digital broadcasting.

• The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Emmys): A resource for networking and learning about careers in television production.

• International Documentary Association (IDA): A global network for filmmakers and documentary professionals.

2. Student & Emerging Professional Resources:

• The Writers Guild of America (WGA): A professional association for screenwriters, offering mentorship and career guidance. See also WGA East.

• American Cinema Editors (ACE): A professional group dedicated to film and media editing.

• Women in Film Los Angeles: Advocacy and support for women in media.

• Women in Film & TV Atlanta

• Georgia Production Partnership

• Sundance Institute Fellowships & Labs

• Student Academy Awards

• Women in Film Fellowships

• Campus MovieFest

• Student Film Festivals & Competitions: Opportunities to showcase student films, gain industry recognition, and build a portfolio.

3. Educational & Industry Publications:

• Variety: A leading entertainment industry publication covering media trends, box office results, and career insights.

• Hollywood Reporter: Industry news, interviews, and career advice for media professionals.

• Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media: Academic research on television, radio, and digital media trends.

4. Networking & Professional Development:

• Film Festivals & Industry Events: Opportunities like Sundance Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, and SXSW for students looking to network.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Events like NAB Show, Comic-Con panels, and Writers Guild workshops.