Do you have to go to college to be a videographer?

After dropping out of two film schools, I talk about my experiences over 8 years of college and university education and what you should know if you’re thinking about pursuing post-secondary education as a creative.
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In this video, I open up about my love-hate relationship with the post-secondary education system and talk about the 8 years that led me to leave college to focus on my career as a videographer. I hope that by touching on the aspects of film school and business school that worked for me as well as those that didn’t I can help you gain a better understanding of whether or not college or university might be for you, or at the very least keep you mildly entertained for 15 minutes.
If you liked this video, then please consider subscribing to my channel! I post sports videography and video editing tips and tutorial videos, plus other educational content around my work as a freelance videographer working in the sport media industry. I am a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites

[@petersarellas]

A bit of an unconventional video for my channel but I hope you enjoyed regardless!

[@Phungtastic]

Yo you may not realize it, but this is such valuable content to people like me who are a little older (I’m turning 24 in January) that are just finding their way into this industry trying to figure out if it’s too late or not to start, and whether to go to school for it or not. I feel like uni/college opens a lot of opportunities for people to find work in the industry. But there are some people that just have a gift when it comes to this creative work that learn as much as people who take 4 years of education, in a matter of months from online courses and KZbin etc… and can’t justify paying tuition when they have the skills to atleast start making a bit of cash right now. Appreciate this video big time man! It’s reassuring that you can find a career without necessary having a degree, but by having connections and just pumping out content to get experience. Now it’s just a matter of me stopping being lazy lmao

[@petersarellas]

@@Phungtastic man I’m so happy that this video was able to help you. Everyone’s path is different and some tools make more sense for one person than the next but if we keep on trying new things and learning and we’ll figure it out 👊🏼

[@mytypaedit2334]

@@petersarellas peter ur videos are so helpful, one day when i get big im gonna shout you out my fellow canadian for helping me begin my journey ❤

[@petersarellas]

@@mytypaedit2334 much appreciated can’t wait for the day 🤞🏼

[@cvice30]

I dropped out of school as well, I am currently working for the DU Men's basketball team. I think that college really helps expand your network early on, but that is something that you can do easily today through all of the social networking opportunities

[@petersarellas]

Yeah I definitely agree Chris. The most valuable part of college if you’re going for media is the connections and after the first year or two those connections are formed and it’s just a matter of staying in touch, and as you said, social media makes connecting now easier than ever.

[@ricardo.i.i.i]

College is way too expensive but I’m just doing it for my parents. Thanks for the vid 🔥

[@petersarellas]

Man it be like that sometimes.. in time you’ll figure it out just keep pushing and trying new things

[@benbarson2810]

😭😭😭

[@rightful4973]

When I was 19 I went to community college right after highschool for “digital video production” because I want a career as a videographer/editor. I only got through half of my first year of the course because the Covid pandemic happened and shifted everything to online. I left the community college because it didn’t feel right trying to learn videography online while never actually touching a camera or any film equipment at all. It was at a point that I felt like I could have learned just as much from KZbin than I could from E-books and 1hour class video calls. I ended up going and getting a certificate in the trades just to have some solid job security when I really need it. I’m currently 21 and trying to figure out how to get my foot in the door for a career in videography/editing because that’s what i actually want to do with my life. I’ve found myself questioning whether or not I should attempt community college again to help me me find my way.

[@hesifilms]

great video very helpful. Im currently trying to figure out what I want to do after high school and this helped me a lot thank you 🙏

[@petersarellas]

So glad to hear that this helped! Best of luck to you

[@Lu_Lands]

Thank you Peter.

[@petersarellas]

You’re welcome Lewis

[@yungzonjy]

👍👍

[@preciouscolor_]

I went to school twice (two different degrees)... most broadcast programs train you up to work in studios, but there's more options. By the time I graduated, my interests changed but I still wanted to use my creative background... so I started networking and found positions that played to my interests, and paid for my second degree (thankfully!) If high school trained us up to play to our strengths, network and work towards our interests instead of mundane work, people would be happier and well prepared, whether going post-secondary or not.

[@petersarellas]

Agreed high school could definitely do more to teach real life skills and help with decision making and less calculus lol

[@alsepts]

I’m 42 years old raising 4 boys that are In sports I have found a passion for for making their highlight films of their games on my iPhone. Now I am an unofficial videographer for our high school football team. I’m looking for some direction in what classes I would take to “up my game” and possibly getting a job in this career path.

[@petersarellas]

Hey Thomas, I wouldn’t necessarily look to take too many paid “classes/courses” as there is tons of material available for free on KZbin that can teach you the basics of how to use a camera. Filming things outside of sports that you have access to (weddings, family get-togethers, spec commercials, etc) can all be great for understanding how to use your camera in different environments and improving as a videographer. On that note, if your goal is to get a job in the field, you will eventually have to upgrade to something better than an iPhone. The Sony a6300, a6400, a6500 can be great places to start as they produce decent looking images right out of the gate and can be purchased fairly inexpensively on the used market. If you want some more formal education, I’d suggest looking into part time or evening classes at your local college. That can be a great way to make some connections with likeminded people in your area, which is very important for getting jobs in the future, while also helping you continue to learn. Hope this helps and best of luck!

[@SampleSweg]

I'm kind of in a similar position than you were a couple years ago. Did business, but it didn't interest me.. Now im transferring to a college where I can do video production!

[@petersarellas]

That’s awesome, wishing you the best of luck!

[@JohnHilario23]

I think video production, within sports, is an emerging field due to the availability of technology. It is undergoing a lot of change. Social media and the demand is fueling the growth. I think the traditional 4yr degree may no longer be the entry standard and at least an associates would be a hugely advantageous degree for getting into this field. This, from a 15yr police officer who has a 4yr degree in a field non related to either field 😳

[@petersarellas]

It’s definitely interesting how this field is changing and quite quickly becoming more accessible to anyone who wants it. At the end of the day good work and no school will always be more successful in this field than bad work and a degree. That said, what level of education may become the standard and what would be most advantageous is your guess as good as mine.

[@benbarson2810]

I rather spend that college tuition on camera gear

[@bakerfx4968]

I didn’t go to post secondary for video and it’s how I make my money now! With creative careers like this a degree can show that you know in theory what you’re doing... you’ll still need a portfolio. Having a good portfolio can negate the need for the diploma entirely though

[@petersarellas]

Definitely! Portfolio > degree all day in creative fields

[@chesterliang1508]

i’m currently in college as a biology major working as a videographer for different sports teams😅

[@petersarellas]

Man if that isn’t a relatable feeling 😂 keep doing your thing bro

[@chesterliang1508]

@@petersarellas honestly ur college story resonates so much with mine haha I was a working videographer in highschool but was not sure if i could find a stable job doing short films and sports videography, i’m making decent money right now but am trying to get a full time job before i am able to ditch college haha

[@JuanMoralesCreative]

Good on you for following your path man! Keep killing it

[@petersarellas]

Appreciate you man 👊🏼

[@CreativeFreedomUniverse]

Thanks for talking about this !

[@petersarellas]

Of course! Happy to

[@ajzprod]

glad I came across your channel man, your story is so relatable, I ended up leaving film school after one year when covid hit so this video definitely hits home. I had former classmates tell me that film school wasn’t worth the high tuition after the first year, especially with them just making a short film with all they’re paying like you explained LOL. Im currently freelancing right now and hope to land a gig like you did, keep up the great work with the tips and advice you give man, God bless.

[@petersarellas]

Appreciate you tuning in! Keep up the good work and you’ll find your gig 🙌

[@JacobShafferVisuals]

Love it bro! I’m a high school senior, and I’ve been planning to go to college in the USA. In the last few months, I’ve grown my business a lot and have made a lot of connections and am starting to make pretty good money. I feel like I found my dream school, but I’m reconsidering if it’s worth all the money, and if I should just go all out on my business.

[@petersarellas]

Man that’s a tough call that nobody can make but yourself, but the fact that you’re thinking critically about it and considering all your options is really good. Wishing you the best of luck with whatever you choose.

[@britneylord7498]

Thanks for the video! I've been doing the "corporate America" thing for awhile because of it's stability. I have always felt like I've had a creative eye and have felt this pull to basketball videography (I'm a former college player as well). Thinking back, the pre-game hype videos have always been my favorite part of any sporting event. So, I've been deep diving on all the things and I really appreciate the vulnerability of this video!

[@petersarellas]

That’s awesome that you’re getting back into something that you really enjoy! I’m happy to help where I can and wish you the best of luck.

[@raceercruz4175]

Great Topic Man!

[@petersarellas]

Thank you Raceer!

[@tytyFilmz]

I’m about to start college for Media Production this helped a lot🙏

[@petersarellas]

Glad to hear it and good luck!

[@rsfmedia7597]

Peter, can you just tell my mom I’m dropping out for me please 😁👍🏾

[@rsfmedia7597]

Love this vid btw, keep it up 🤘🏾

[@petersarellas]

Send her the link to this video and maybe that will get the message across 😂

[@Vega_Visuals]

Currently have an internship for the athletic department! I am a senior so it’s dope

[@petersarellas]

That’s awesome man! Definitely a good spot to be in.