Film and TV Business

The world of entertainment – especially what is traditionally referred to as “Film and TV” – is undergoing rapid change.

From a democratization of content creation to new distribution models to AI, people working in creative industries need new skills to successfully lead media and production companies in this new environment.

Overview

Creative Vision + Business Strategy

To succeed in today’s media environment, creative skills and talent alone are no longer enough. By combining strong creative vision with a range of business fundamentals and perspectives, creative leaders can be equipped to navigate the professional media world and create their own path.

Expand Your Horizons

The film, television, and entertainment industries have massive business operations behind them that need smart, capable talent. This program will prepare you to serve in a variety of roles, including line producers, aspiring producers, executive assistants, development executives, specialists in areas such as distribution, marketing, fundraising, accounting and finance, programming personnel, and more.

Preparation for the Future

The media business is evolving and adapting faster then ever. This interdisciplinary program, combined with our IDEAS liberal arts curriculum, will help broaden your perspective and develop skills that will serve you well over the course of your professional and personal life.

At a Glance

Degree Type

Bachelor of Science

Department

Film and Media Business Department

School/College

School of Management

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here's what you can do next:

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The Curriculum

With challenging and relevant courses, outstanding faculty, small class sizes, and an emphasis on hands-on learning, the film and tv business program will position you to succeed in your chosen career.

Highlighted Courses

Get familiar with some of the courses you might take in this major.

BUS 256: Business Analytics I

This course introduces and explores the use of data analytics applied in business disciplines. The course focuses on effective communication of data, including descriptive analytics, data visualization, storytelling with data, and thinking critically about data.

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BUS 369: Negotiation and Persuasion

This course covers theories, strategies, and ethics underlying negotiation and persuasion in contemporary organizations and societies. Students will learn the concepts and principles pertinent to real world negotiation process.

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BUS 375: Principles of Marketing

The study of marketing methods and practices. Topics include policies and problems related to consumers, pricing, advertising, management information systems and distribution and management of the marketing function.

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FILM 303: Business of Film and TV

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the economic, financial, and strategic aspects of the film industry. Students will gain insights into the business operations of film production, distribution, marketing, and financing, with a focus on both independent and studio filmmaking.

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FILM 306: Screenwriting

An introductory course on the craft of writing for television or film. Emphasis is on narrative storytelling for the screen, understanding film grammar and the tools of the screenwriter from basic three-act structure to characterization. In a workshop approach, students will develop their own story premise, treatment, outline and draft script, plus revisions.

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FILM 310: Producing and Directing For Film and TV

Students study the art and practice of producing and directing for film, including production coordination and supervision, working with actors, fundraising, managing crews and locations, and addressing legal issues. Students receive hands-on instruction via labs and work on student film productions.

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4+1 Option: Fast Track Your Graduate Degree

Add further value to your degree by choosing the 4+1 Option, which gives you a head start on earning a related graduate degree. With 4+1, you’ll be able to take graduate-level courses as part of your undergraduate curriculum. After graduation, you’ll only need one additional year to complete your degree at Cal Lutheran — saving you both time and money.

View 4+1 Programs

Recommended Minors

Want to add even more value to your degree? Consider one of these minors to gain a unique combination of skills and perspectives.

Your Professors

Gerhard Apfelthaler

Dean, School of Management
Department Chair

John Fitch III

Associate Professor and Film and Television Program Director
Department Chair

Carmina Bech Segarra

Lecturer, School of Management

John Garcia

Assistant Professor of Finance

Kyle McIntosh

Lecturer, School of Management

Susan Murphy

Professor and Program Director of Business Administration

Tracy Nickl

Assistant Professor in the School of Management

Michael Panesis

Executive Director, Steven Dorfman Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Senior Lecturer, Entrepreneurship

Mahmoud Salimi

Associate Professor of Film and Television

Setayesh Sattari

Associate Professor of Marketing

Learning Spaces

Check out the spaces and tools you'll have access to in this major. Explore the entire Cal Lutheran campus with our virtual tour

Our main TV studio is a full featured high definition production facility that can accommodate a wide range of production needs from news programming, interviews and dramas.

The TV studio features an HD digital production switcher with 2 ME's Broadcast graphics system, live HD streaming capability, three professional Hitachi HD broadcast cameras with Fujinon lenses, teleprompters, green screen keying, and a real news set from KTLA.

Two editing bays are available next to the TV studio.

The Rolland Broadcast Center is our main sports broadcasting facility equipped with the latest digital HD systems. A variety of NCAA SCIAC sports are streamed with this facility including football, soccer, men's baseball and women's softball.

The Experience

We offer hands-on opportunities that give you the freedom to explore your passion through real-world work and prepare for a fulfilling career.

Student Clubs

Join student-led clubs and organizations that help you build connections, explore career interests, and gain hands-on experience outside the classroom.
- Accounting Association
- American Marketing Association
- Business of Sports Club
- Brand Ambassador Program
- Entrepreneurship Club
- Film and TV Club
- iCLU Radio
- Investment Banking Club
- Theatre Club
- Women in Business Club
High-Quality Facilities and Equipment

Your classes will provide hands-on training in Cal Lutheran’s television studio and on-location from faculty who have industry experience.

You’ll also have access to equipment with the same high-quality production value as used by those in the industry.
Internships

Cal Lutheran’s proximity to Hollywood means you’ll have year-round access to internships to gain experience and make connections.

Employers include:
- ABC
- Bravo
- Bunim-Murray Productions
- CBS
- Creative Artists Agency
- Disney
- Fox Sports
- Grey’s Anatomy
- Jim Henson Company
- NBC
- Netflix
- NFL Network
Special Events and Speakers

Your classes will have guest visits from professional writers, producers, and production experts working in the industry.

You’ll also be able to attend numerous film summits and other special events throughout the year to get broad perspectives on film and television.

I work in both post and field production following and helping define episode story lines. When I am field producing I conduct interviews with the cast, produce scenes, and create story documents that are sent to the network. When I am working in post production, I work with editing technologies to prepare the footage for an editor. I make sure the best footage and moments are used in order to create a television series.

Alexandra Butler
Freelance Story Producer

Career Paths

This program equips students with skills that expand their career options and increase employability in roles such as line producers, aspiring producers, executive assistants, development executives, specialists in areas such as distribution, marketing, fundraising, accounting and finance, programming personnel, and many more.

Potential Careers

Media Finance or Business Affairs Assistant

Supports the financial and contractual side of film and television projects. Tasks may include tracking production budgets, assisting with licensing agreements, processing invoices, coordinating rights management documentation, and supporting negotiations with vendors or partners. Graduates from a Film and TV Business program are well suited because they understand both the creative production cycle and the financial realities of the entertainment industry. The role provides a pathway into entertainment finance, studio operations, or executive production.

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Talent and Casting Assistant

Supports casting directors, talent agencies, or entertainment management firms. Duties often include scheduling auditions, maintaining talent databases, preparing casting materials, coordinating client communications, and supporting contract administration. Knowledge of production processes combined with business and interpersonal skills is valuable because the position requires both creative judgment and professional client management. This role can lead to careers in talent management, casting, or entertainment representation.

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Marketing and Distribution Assistant

Focuses on promoting film and television content across theatrical, broadcast, streaming, and social media channels. Responsibilities may include assisting with marketing campaigns, coordinating promotional events, managing digital content, analyzing audience engagement data, and supporting release strategies. Graduates with interdisciplinary training can bridge creative storytelling with branding, analytics, and consumer behavior. The role is especially relevant in streaming and digital entertainment environments.

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Development Coordinator

Works for studios, production companies, or streaming platforms to support the evaluation and development of new film and television projects. Typical tasks include reviewing scripts, conducting market and audience research, preparing pitch materials, tracking project timelines, and coordinating communication with writers and producers. Business training helps with understanding commercial viability and audience positioning, while film knowledge supports script and content evaluation. The role offers exposure to both creative and strategic decision-making.

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Producers and Directors

Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.

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Media Programming Directors

Plans, schedules, and oversees the selection and distribution of content for television, radio, streaming, or digital media platforms. They are responsible for developing programming strategies that attract and engage target audiences while supporting the organization’s brand, goals, and revenue objectives. Programming Directors work closely with producers, marketing teams, advertisers, and media executives to ensure content aligns with audience interests and organizational priorities.

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Talent Directors

Oversees the recruitment, development, scheduling, and management of on-air personalities, performers, hosts, and other creative talent for television, radio, streaming, live events, or multimedia productions. They identify and cultivate talent that aligns with the organization’s brand and audience goals, while helping performers strengthen their on-camera, on-air, or public presentation skills. Talent Directors often coordinate auditions, casting, contracts, rehearsals, and performance schedules to ensure productions are properly staffed with qualified and engaging individuals.

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Media Technical Directors/Managers

Oversees the technical production and coordination of radio, television, streaming, or multimedia programs to ensure high-quality broadcasts and recordings. In addition to supervising day-to-day production operations, they collaborate closely with producers, directors, on-air talent, and creative staff to execute the visual and technical aspects of a program. They may also schedule studio resources, maintain production equipment, train technical staff, and implement new broadcast technologies.

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Employers

Some of the organizations our graduates work for include:

ABC Television Group
Bravo
Bunim-Murray Productions
CBS
Central Casting
Creative Artists Agency
Disney
ESPN
Fox Sports
NBC
Netflix
NFL Network
STARZ
TwoFour Media

When I look at my students, I see future leaders, entrepreneurs, and storytellers that could make a positive change in human conditions. It inspires and motivates me to help them succeed in achieving their goals.

Mahmoud Salimi, MFA
Assistant Professor

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Some occupations listed above may require a related graduate degree.

How We Prepare You for Success

We have 20,000+ employer contacts for jobs and internships, with over 200 listings posted each week.

Our excellent career counselors in the Career Services center will get in touch with you during your very first term on campus. They offer over 50 workshops each year on resume writing, interviewing, salary negotiations, applying to graduate schools, and other critical skills to help you begin your career successfully.

After you graduate from Cal Lutheran, you receive free access to Career Services for life, as a valued member of our alumni family.

Learn more about career outcomes

of Cal Lutheran graduates find a job or enroll in graduate school within nine months

Cost & Financial Aid

We work with students and families to make sure everyone who is admitted to Cal Lutheran can afford it.