How to Be Film Historian - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 9, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Film history has had a profound impact on the cultural landscape of our society. From the earliest silent films of the late 19th century to the advent of the blockbuster movie in the late 20th century, film has been a major influence in shaping popular culture. The development of film technology has allowed directors to create new and innovative ways of telling stories, which in turn has led to an increase in the number of people who are interested in film.

This interest has, in turn, led to the growth of film festivals, movie theatres, and film schools, which have all contributed to an ever-growing appreciation and understanding of this art form. the rise of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have provided even more opportunities for people to watch films from around the world, increasing their global reach and appreciation.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a film historian is to earn a bachelor's degree in either film studies or history. A degree in film studies will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process and the history of cinema. Additionally, courses in other related fields, such as media studies, communication studies, or English, may be beneficial.
Read Film History. It is important to stay up-to-date on the history of film by reading books, magazines, and articles about it. By reading about the history of cinema, you can gain a greater appreciation for the art form, as well as its influence on culture and society.
Develop Qualitative Research Skills. As a film historian, it is important to develop qualitative research skills, such as analyzing films from a historical perspective and conducting interviews with filmmakers.
Take Courses in Film History. Take courses in film history at a university or college. These courses will provide an in-depth look into the history of cinema, as well as its influence on culture and society.
Get Experience. It is important to gain experience in the field by working as an intern or volunteer for a film festival or film organization. This type of experience can help you gain knowledge of the industry and make useful connections.
Consider Graduate School. Consider furthering your education by attending graduate school and obtaining a masters degree in film studies or history. This can open up more opportunities in the field and help you become an expert in the subject matter.

In order to stay ahead and qualified in film history, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and trends in the industry. This involves regularly reading and researching about current film topics, attending film screenings and festivals, and participating in seminars and workshops. having a good understanding of the history of cinema and its evolution through time is vital, as well as a strong knowledge of the different genres and their conventions.

Taking courses related to film history and theory can further deepen one's understanding and provide an essential base of knowledge. Finally, networking with others in the film field, such as directors, producers, and writers, can help to stay informed and connected to the ever-changing landscape of film. By taking all these steps, one can ensure they remain competent and qualified as a film historian.

You may want to check Film Critic, Film Camera Operator, and Film Director for alternative.

Job Description

Research and analyze movies, television shows, and other media to create accurate historical narratives.
Identify, collect, and preserve archival materials related to the history of film.
Write articles, books, and other publications on film history topics.
Teach film history at college and university level.
Speak at conferences and other events on film history topics.
Consult on film projects to ensure accuracy in historical detail.
Create educational programs on film history for museums and other institutions.
Provide expert advice to filmmakers on period styles, costumes, props, and other film history related topics.
Develop museum exhibitions featuring film history materials.
Maintain an active knowledge of current trends in film and television production.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of film history and major movements.
Ability to analyze films with a critical eye.
Familiarity with different film genres and subgenres.
Understanding of film theory and criticism.
Ability to research a wide range of topics related to film history.
Proficiency in oral and written communication.
Strong organizational skills for efficient project management.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Proficiency in using computer software programs relevant to film studies, such as Adobe Creative Cloud programs or Final Cut Pro X.
Knowledge of archival techniques and preservation methods for films.

One of the most important skills for a film historian is the ability to analyze and interpret films critically. This involves the careful examination of each scene, the way the plot is developed and the motifs that are presented throughout. By doing this, a film historian can gain insight into the cultural, political, and social contexts of a film, as well as how it relates to other films of its time period.

Knowing how to analyze films in this way can help to uncover deeper meanings and subtexts, which can then be used to further inform ones research and understanding. Furthermore, the ability to draw connections between films and other mediums, such as literature and art, is another key skill for a film historian. By being able to recognize similarities and differences between films, a film historian can gain further insight into the ideas and themes that are expressed through them.

Finally, the ability to write effectively and clearly is essential for a film historian, as it allows them to communicate their findings in a way that is both understandable and engaging.

Film Makeup Artist, Film Production Assistant, and Film Distributor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become a film historian?
How do you approach analyzing films from different eras?
What do you think are the most significant trends in the history of cinema?
How have your experiences in the film industry shaped your approach to film history?
What do you consider to be the most influential films of all time?
How has technology shaped the evolution of film?
How does gender representation in film affect our view of the past?
What challenges have you faced when researching different eras of film history?
What is your opinion on the current state of the film industry?
What advice would you give to aspiring film historians?

Common Tools in Industry

Digital Archive Software. Software used to store and manage digital media files (eg: Adobe Photoshop Lightroom).
Video Editing Software. Software used to edit videos or create video projects (eg: Final Cut Pro).
Film Database Software. Software used to store and access information about films (eg: IMDb).
Image Analysis Software. Software used to analyze and evaluate images (eg: Adobe Photoshop).
Statistical Analysis Software. Software used to analyze data and identify trends (eg: SPSS).
Digital Asset Management System. Software used to store and manage digital assets (eg: Adobe Creative Cloud).
File Transfer Protocol Software. Software used to securely transfer files between computers (eg: FileZilla).
Research Software. Software used to collect and organize information for research purposes (eg: Zotero).

Professional Organizations to Know

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
British Film Institute
Association of Moving Image Archivists
National Film Preservation Foundation
Society of Cinematographers
International Federation of Film Archives
International Documentary Association
National Society of Film Critics
Directors Guild of America
International Association of Film and Television Schools

We also have Film Animator, Film Score Mixer, and Film Colorist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Auteur Theory. A theory which suggests that the director of a film is the primary author, and that their personal style and vision is reflected in the film.
Cinephilia. A passionate love of cinema, often expressed through attending film festivals and screenings, collecting memorabilia, and writing about films.
Cinematography. The art and technique of capturing images on celluloid or other digital media through the use of cameras and lighting.
Editing. The selection, arrangement, and combination of shots to form a cohesive film narrative.
Genre. A category of films that share similar conventions and themes.
Mise-en-scène. A term referring to all of the visual elements that make up a films setting and environment, including setting, props, costumes, lighting, composition, and movement.
Narrative Structure. The way in which a storys events are organized and presented to the audience.
Preservation. The act of preserving films for future generations by maintaining prints and making digital copies.
Visual Effects. Special effects created using digital or optical techniques that are added to a film during post-production.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Film Historian?

A Film Historian is someone who studies the history of film, focusing on the development of the art form, the analysis of films, and the impact of films on culture and society.

What qualifications do you need to be a Film Historian?

To become a Film Historian, typically one needs to possess a Master's degree in Film History, Media Studies, or a related field. Some universities may also require a PhD for more senior positions.

What skills do you need to be a Film Historian?

To be a successful Film Historian, one needs to have a comprehensive understanding of film history, genres, and styles. Additionally, they should have excellent research and writing skills, as well as strong analytical skills.

What are some of the duties of a Film Historian?

The duties of a Film Historian may include researching films, analyzing and interpreting films, writing essays and papers on films, conducting interviews with filmmakers and actors, and teaching classes on film history.

What are the job prospects for a Film Historian?

Job prospects for Film Historians can vary depending on the region and the individual's level of experience and education. Generally, there is a higher demand for roles in academia, as well as in film-related organizations such as museums, archives, and media centers.

Web Resources

Film Historian and Theorist Michael B. Gillespie a arts.princeton.edu
Film History | Sarah Lawrence College www.sarahlawrence.edu
Historical films - Film Genres - Research Guides at researchguides.dartmouth.edu