Film & Television
The comprehensive Film and Television program at North Quincy High prepares students for a diverse range of careers in the dynamic world of film and television production. From traditional broadcasting to online content creation, our students gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge equipment and industry-standard software.
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Hands-On Experience: Students learn to use portable and studio video and audio equipment, directing, producing, writing, and delivering news. As they progress, students engage in writing, acting, directing, shooting, and editing movies and may also work on music videos, commercials, podcasts, sports coverage, animation, events, and interviews.
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Live Broadcasting: Film and Television students take on the responsibility of writing, directing, and producing weekly episodes of "Homeroom TV", which is broadcast to the entire building. (See the NQHSTV Channel for recent productions!)
Post-Graduate Opportunities
Entry-level jobs generally require a college degree or a 1-, 2-, or 4-year technical training program. Certificates are also offered by professional organizations including the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) and the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA).
Because technology is constantly evolving, Film and Television Production job seekers should expect to continue their training with specialized courses and certificates throughout their careers.
Technical careers include audio and video editing, lighting, camera operators, broadcast engineers, special effects artists and animators, and sound technicians.
Students also pursue careers as broadcasting talent, in-house video and audio for businesses, or freelance video and audio work.
Careers
Once centered around traditional radio or TV stations (21% of careers), film and television opportunities now also extend to corporate environments (21%), movie and sound recording industries (13%), Real Estate (7%), and more.
Other opportunities include sound and lighting for special events such as concerts, studio sound engineering, and special effects and animation.
With additional training, students may eventually pursue careers in audio engineering, corporate A/V management, animation, announcing, telecommunications, sound production for music or movies, cinematography, camerawork, news anchoring, field reporting, radio DJ, station management, advertising sales, screenwriting, directing, or producing.
Average Salary
Film and Television workers in Massachusetts earn an average of $61,720. Salaries range from $48,420 for audio and visual technicians to $61,890 for lighting, media, and communications workers. Motion pictures boast the highest average pay at $60,540.
Industry/Career Outlook
Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in Film and Television Production are expected to grow by 21% over the next 10 years, outpacing the average. The industry's evolution towards teleconferencing and in-house audio-video budgets contributes to this growth.
People with broad skills will have the best chance at jobs. Fewer jobs in specialized skills such as sound and lighting are predicted over the next 10 years, but lighting and sound technicians also have the highest annual pay: $79,100 vs $44,700 for general broadcast technicians.
Competition for jobs is very intense, especially in larger, better-paying markets. Experience, advanced training, and computer skills are needed to advance. The movie industry in Massachusetts is thriving, but work can be sporadic.
Equipment/Software Training
Students at NQHS will learn to use the powerful NewTek TriCaster Switcher along with other state-of-the-art equipment in the control room and studio. We have a variety of cameras, including the Panasonic Lumix GH5, Canon XA11, and JVC camcorders. We have an editing lab with 16 iMacs and learn to edit on Adobe Premiere Pro.
Certifications/Licenses
Students may graduate from our program with the following certifications:
Articulation Agreements
Students may earn college credits and/or scholarships via local colleges:
Bunker Hill Community College
- VMA141 Elements of Video Production – 3 credits
Massasoit Community College
- MDIA 112 Television Studio Production - 3 credits
Recommended Course of Study
Grade 9
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English
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Foreign Language
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Mathematics
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Science
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Social Studies
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Physical Education
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Pathways
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1 Elective Course
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12