Film, Television & Entertainment
Film and television develop, produce and distribute screen content. Careers are project-based, crew-driven and reputation-led.
Careers
27
Salary range
R140k – R980k
Demand
Cyclical, with steady demand for post-production and VFX skills.
Why this industry matters
Screen culture shapes how societies see themselves and exports enormous economic value.
Major career pathways
- Director
- Producer
- Editor
- Cinematographer
- VFX artist
Career map
Study
- Film & Television Production
- Motion Picture Medium
- Digital Arts
Entry roles
- Director
- Producer
- Editor
Specialise
- Cinematography
- Editing
- Production management
Lead
- Cinematographer
- VFX artist
Typical employers & featured organisations
Production companies
Hires across film, television & entertainment roles at graduate and experienced level.
Streamers
Hires across film, television & entertainment roles at graduate and experienced level.
Broadcasters
Hires across film, television & entertainment roles at graduate and experienced level.
Post houses
Hires across film, television & entertainment roles at graduate and experienced level.
Advertising
Hires across film, television & entertainment roles at graduate and experienced level.
Qualifications & certifications
Required qualifications
- Film school or on-set experience with a strong reel
Professional certifications
- Avid / DaVinci Resolve certification
- Set safety training
Skills that get you hired
Technical skills
- Cinematography
- Editing
- Production management
- Sound
- VFX
Soft skills
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Time management
Salary progression
Entry level
R140k – R240k
Mid level
R280k – R520k
Senior level
R600k – R980k
Career progression timeline
Years 0–2
Learn the fundamentals in an entry role such as director.
Years 2–5
Specialise. Depth in cinematography and editing is what moves your salary.
Years 5–10
Lead projects or teams, or move into vfx artist.
Years 10+
Senior specialist, management or independent consulting — the pay bands diverge sharply here.
Future trends & emerging technology
- Virtual production
- Streaming commissioning
- Cheaper high-end cameras
How AI is changing this industry
Generative tools cut VFX and post costs; storytelling and production leadership stay human.
Where to study
University degrees
- Film & Television Production
- Motion Picture Medium
- Digital Arts
TVET & vocational
- Camera assistant training
- Editing bootcamps
- Lighting technician
Online learning
- MasterClass filmmaking
- Blender and Resolve tutorials
Internships, apprenticeships & graduate programmes
- Graduate programmes at large employers
- Structured internships (3–12 months)
- Apprenticeships and learnerships
- Volunteer and community projects